Which electric fireplace has the most realistic flames – Napoleon or Dimplex? For many years, Napoleon electric fireplaces had a reputation for being ‘cheap’, with less realistic flames. That’s no longer true, as Napoleon has leaned into research and development on their electric fireplaces, producing better-looking, better-quality electrics with greatly improved flame realism. If you’re an electric fireplace manufacturer and you want to compete on flame quality, you have to compare yourself to Dimplex. For much longer than their competitors, Dimplex has been designing and manufacturing electric fireplaces with increasingly realistic flames. Over time, they have become the ‘gold standard’ for electric fireplace quality and realism. Because Napoleon and Dimplex are our 2 most popular fireplace brands, we decided to compare them head-to-head to see which has the most realistic flames. To do this, we’re comparing the latest Napoleon electric fireplaces to their Dimplex counterparts.

Dimplex Ignite Ultra vs. Napoleon Luminex & Astound

Ignite Ultra is a multi-sided fireplace that may also be installed as a single-sided fireplace, so we are comparing it to both types of Napoleon electrics. Ignite Ultra is valued for its full-size logs that glow and pulse as if they are on fire. Flame colours may be adjusted through a variety of natural shades, and there are several ‘moods’ that combine different flame and ember lighting configurations. Thanks to a reflective rear glass, the flames appear to be coming from a burner down the middle of the display. Ultra is also the deepest of the Ignite series, with a framing depth of 15 inches.

As a multi-sided fireplace, we think that the Ignite Ultra should be compared to the Napoleon Luminex, an LCD multi-sided electric fireplace. Luminex has video flames that may be set to gas or wood-burning. While the flames don’t change colour, they are incredibly realistic, as they are literally a video of the real thing. Like the Ignite Ultra, Luminex ember bed colours do change, to allow for different moods. Luminex also has a reflective rear glass, to put the flames in the center of the display. Napoleon has created very natural-looking logs for the Luminex, which are lit from above, but do not glow from within. Both Ignite Ultra and Luminex have crackling sound effects to enhance the flame quality. The biggest limitation for Luminex is that it is currently available in only one size – 65-inches wide. If that size works for you, then it’s a great alternative to Ignite Ultra and other multi-sided electric fireplaces. Final Score: This one is a draw.

As a single-sided electric fireplace, we think that Ignite Ultra should be compared to the Napoleon Astound built-in. Astound has the same realistic logs as Luminex, but with LED flames rather than video flames. Different moods may be achieved by changing flame colours, ember bed colours and downlighting colours on the Astound. The Astound back glass is much less reflective than on the Luminex, so the flame is not quite as ‘centered’. The flames are much warmer and fuller than on previous Napoleon electric fireplaces, with a more luxurious appearance overall. The 13-inch framing depth and extra-tall viewing window add to the overall impression. It also has a finishing frame that is removable, for installation flexibility. Final Score: Dimplex Ignite Ultra has the edge due to the centered flames.

Dimplex Revillusion vs Napoleon Elevation and Elevation X Electric

Revillusion uses a see-through Mirage panel to put the flames in the center of the log set, without a reflective back panel. Flames are a natural yellow colour that nicely mimics a gas fire. Logs sit in a grate and glow from within. There are several different interior panels from which to choose, including herringbone brick, neutral brick, weathered concrete and plain black. Framing depth is just 12-inches, and sizes range from 24-inches to 42-inches wide. Revillusion is an extremely versatile electric fireplace insert that can fit into a range of installations, including retrofitting into existing masonry fireplaces.

Napoleon Elevation uses two see-through panels to create a triple-layer flame that runs through the oak logs from front to back. Flame colours may be adjusted from yellow to orange, and you can choose how many layers of flames to have. Ember colours are also adjustable, as are downlights that highlight the logs from above. This is a much deeper fireplace than Revillusion, with a framing depth of 16 inches. The sizing is limited to 36-inches and 42-inches, both of which are taller than their Revillusion counterparts. Elevation electrics were designed to be interchangeable with Elevation gas fireplaces, so they are sized to match those. This makes them bigger and bolder than Revillusion inserts. Final Score: This one is a draw. Revillusion flames are gorgeous, but Elevation’s size and depth add a lot to the overall effect.

Napoleon Elevation X Electric fireplaces have the same multi-layered flame and oak logs as the original Elevation, but the rear flames are LCD rather than LED. The video flames on the back panel may be changed to wood-burning or gas fires, with 2 layers of LED flames in front. Flame colours cannot be changed, but the ember bed and overhead lights may be adjusted. It is hard to get more realistic than LCD, complete with sound effects. When the wood-burning flames are selected, they are accompanied by an authentic herringbone backdrop, complete with sparks. When gas flames are selected, the backdrop changes to black, with no sparks. Final Score: Elevation X gets the nod. The video flames combined with the overall size and depth put it over the top.

Summary: Napoleon vs Dimplex

While Napoleon electric fireplaces have been steadily improving, their prices have remained extremely competitive. In every category, they offer great ‘bang for the buck’, with lots of popular features at very reasonable price points compared to their competitors. We know that our clients are looking for that balance of realism, quality and price, which Napoleon delivers.