Dimplex Ignite XL 74-Inch Built-In Electric Fireplace (XLF74)

A Wide Linear Fireplace for a Big TV Wall or Patio

The Dimplex Ignite XL 74-Inch is a linear electric fireplace that goes into the wall instead of hanging on it, so the glass finishes flush with the wall, the way a picture window sits in its frame. At just over six feet across, it is wide enough to anchor a large media wall under a TV up to 85 inches, or the back wall of a covered patio. The flame runs with or without heat, and there is nothing to vent.

It Recesses Flush Into a 2x6 Wall With No Venting

Dimplex frames the 74-inch into an opening 74 5/8 inches wide and 16 inches tall. A 2x6 wall gives the 5 1/2 inches of depth it needs to sit fully flush. A 2x4 wall gives 3 1/2 inches, so the fireplace stands partly out from the wall, and Dimplex's XLFTRIM74 trim kit covers the exposed sides. Because it is electric, there is no chimney, gas line or venting to plan around. The factory trim suits drywall or tile; take it off for a trimless edge against stone or brick.

Rated for Covered Outdoor Spaces, Under an Overhang

Dimplex certifies the Ignite XL for outdoor areas under an overhang that keeps direct water off it. For the warranty, the overhang's height above the bottom of the fireplace can be at most three times its projection, so one 9 feet up must reach 3 feet out on all sides. Mount it at least 5 inches off the ground, on a ground-fault protected circuit as Dimplex recommends. The warranty is five years indoors and one year outdoors.

Outdoors, a fan heater warms air that the breeze then carries away, so buy it outside for the flame. To keep people warm on the patio, pair it with overhead electric patio heaters, which warm people directly and keep working in a breeze.

The Heat Is Optional, and the Flame Runs on Its Own

The heater is fan-forced: a ceramic element warms air and a fan sends it out along the front edge, so the face has no grills. It runs at 1,500 watts on a standard outlet and 2,500 watts hardwired to 240 volts, which is supplemental heat for the room it is in, not a furnace replacement. With the heat off, the flame and ember lights run on their own.

Best Under a 75 or 85-Inch TV, or on a Patio Wall

At about 75 inches wide with its trim, the 74-inch is the size for a big media wall. If a TV goes above it, we recommend a fireplace at least as wide as the screen. An 85-inch TV is about 74 inches wide, so this size covers everything up to 85 inches. It is also long enough to read as the centerpiece of a covered outdoor seating area rather than an accent. For a wider screen or a longer wall, the Ignite XL 100-Inch runs more than two feet longer; for a 65-inch TV, the Ignite XL 60-Inch is enough.

Settle the Wiring and the Opening Before the Wall Closes

The power cable enters at the bottom right of the firebox, so plan the framing to route it there and leave about 18 inches of slack. Decide on 120 or 240 volts before the drywall goes up: the plug kit works only at 120 volts, and 240 volts needs a 4-wire hardwired supply. Dimplex recommends a dedicated 15-amp circuit either way.

The fireplace is not load-bearing, so frame the opening to carry the wall above it. Stone or brick can overlap the opening by 1/2 inch at most, or it blocks the warm air. Keep furniture and curtains 3 feet from the front and the top 24 inches below the ceiling. For a TV or mantel above, check the temperature chart in the manual. At about 105 pounds, it is a two-person lift into the opening.

Optional Accessories

• Dimplex Ignite XL Trim Kit: choose the XLFTRIM74 option for a partial recess in a 2x4 wall.
• Dimplex Tumbled Glass Ember Bed Media Kit: Dimplex's alternative to the standard acrylic crystals for the Ignite XL ember bed.
• Fireplace mantels: check the manual's temperature chart for mantel height before you choose one.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.