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What is an electric fire?

5 min read
Dreaming of the cosy glow of a crackling fire, but do not have a chimney and want to avoid the hassle of gas or solid fuel. An electric fire is the perfect solution. It delivers instant atmosphere and warmth, while offering exceptional ease of use and safety. In this blog, we explain how electric fires work and why a Dimplex fire is the ultimate addition to your interior.
An electric fire is a decorative fire that uses electricity to create a realistic flame effect and heat. It is a sustainable alternative to traditional wood or gas fires: you enjoy all the comfort and ambience, without smoke, soot or harmful emissions.

How does an electric fire work?

The technology behind a modern electric fire is truly impressive. At Dimplex, we use patented technologies to create the most realistic flame effects possible:

  • Optiflame®: Uses a light source and rotating mirrors to produce a dynamic, flickering flame effect projected onto a back panel.

  • Optimyst®: This revolutionary technology uses ultrasonic vibrations to turn water into a fine mist. When illuminated by LED lighting, it creates a three-dimensional flame effect that is almost indistinguishable from real fire – including “smoke”.

  • Opti-V®: An advanced virtual flame technology combines high-definition video with LED lighting to create an exceptionally realistic flame effect, complete with sparks and ambient fire sounds. Enjoy a lifelike fire experience that is completely safe, maintenance-free, and emission-free.

  • Heating: Most electric fires are fitted with an integrated heater (typically up to 2kW). A fan gently circulates warm air into the room, providing instant and comfortable supplementary heat.

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The benefits of an electric fire

Choosing electric means choosing effortless enjoyment. The key advantages at a glance:

  • Easy to use: With the press of a button, or via remote control, you can enjoy instant flames. No kindling, no mess.
  • Install anywhere: No chimney or flue required, so you can place an electric fire almost anywhere: in a bedroom, apartment or even built into furniture.
  • Minimal maintenance: No ash to remove or glass to clean. An occasional dusting is all that’s needed.
  • Safe: No real flames or harmful gases. The exterior remains cool to the touch, making electric fires ideal for homes with children and pets.
  • Enjoy all year round: Use the flame effect without heat and enjoy the ambience even on warm summer evenings.
  • Environmentally friendly: No fossil fuels and zero emissions. When powered by renewable electricity, your fire can be completely carbon neutral.
     

Types of electric fires

There’s a Dimplex solution for every space:

  • Built-in fires: For a seamless, contemporary finish within a wall.
  • Inset fires: perfect for recessing within a wall or a fireplace opening on a hearth.
  • Media walls: Integrated with your TV for a modern, cinema-style living space.
  • Freestanding fires: Classic stove designs that can be positioned wherever you like.

Dimplex electric fires

What makes Dimplex different? We are pioneers in electric fire technology. Our patented innovations are the result of decades of expertise and continuous development, all focused on creating the perfect atmosphere at home. With the widest range on the market, we offer everything from simple plug-and-play models to fully integrated design solutions. At Dimplex, comfort and sustainability go hand in hand: we bring the most realistic flame experience to every home, with 100% safety and zero environmental impact.

Ready to bring warmth and atmosphere into your home?

Curious to discover which Dimplex fire best suits your interior style? Explore our collection online or visit one of our authorised retailers.

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Frequently asked questions

An electric fire is designed as a comfortable supplementary heat source.It is ideal for taking the chill out of a living area or home office, but it’s generally not intended to be the sole heating source for an entire home.

Maintenance is minimal. For our Optimyst water vapour fires, it’s important to regularly refill the water tank and keep components such as the transducer clean to prevent limescale build-up. Using filtered water is recommended for best performance.