SimpliFire vs Dimplex

We constantly help our customers choose between Simplifire vs Dimplex fireplaces, two of the most popular brands we carry here in our electric fireplace catalog.

Dimplex Fireplace has dozens of patented technologies and a variety of styles to transform your space with warmth and ambiance. With models starting as low as $1,250, they’re a relatively affordable way to upgrade your home.  

A SimpliFire electric fireplace has its own appeal, though - especially if your goal is to get the most realistic flame effects in a modern fireplace. These units are loaded with smart controls and other intuitive features, but they’re also really affordable - starting at $750.

Learn more about the Dimplex vs SimpliFire differences below, from flame technology and durability to cost and controls. Better yet, connect with our customer care team at The Great Fire Company today for an unbiased, personalized recommendation on the ideal fit!

SimpliFire vs Dimplex Comparison Chart

Overview of SimpliFire Fireplaces

SimpliFire creates electric fireplaces that fit the way people live today - clean designs, simple installation, reliable performance, and flames that feel more polished than what you typically see in entry-level electric units.

The brand actually lives under the same parent company as other popular names in this space, like Majestic and Heat & Glo - Hearth & Home Technologies. This means you can rest assured that any SimpliFire unit is backed by decades of engineering experience.

Homeowners choose SimpliFire because the units are easy to work with, sized for modern media walls, and packed with intuitive features like multi-color flame effects, wireless controls, and flexible heat settings. These are some of our best-selling units:

• Allusion Slim Linear: Ultra-slim 4” depth fits into a standard 2x4 wall without a bump-out. Multi-color flames, adjustable ember bed, and year-round operation with/without heat.
• Allusion Platinum: A taller viewing window and better lighting package make for a more striking presence on a feature wall. Fully recessed, partially recessed, or wall-mounted.
• Scion: Clean-face design with glass running edge-to-edge for a built-in look. Bright LED ember bed options and a frameless finish for modern remodels. Also available in the “Scion Trinity” for a flexible 3-sided display. 
• Forum Outdoor: Outdoor-rated model made for patios, covered decks, and exterior entertainment spaces. No-heat operation lets you use the fireplace year-round for ambiance.
• Inception (Digital Spark): A glass-free display with ultra-realistic video-based flames and crackling sound. Offers 5,000 BTU on 120V or up to 10,000 BTU when hardwired to 240V.

SimpliFire models share a few defining strengths. They’re super easy to install, their slim profiles suit new builds and remodels, and you get total control over the flame appearance. Most importantly, though, these fireplaces are really reliable. 

Overview of Dimplex Fireplaces

Dimplex has over 50 years of experience in manufacturing home heating solutions. The Dublin-based brand has become a trusted choice globally after introducing the first commercial electric fireplace with a truly realistic “wood-burning” flame effect back in 1995.

Today, Dimplex has over 30 patents related to electric flame-effect and realistic heating systems. Here are some of the most popular models we carry from this industry-leading brand:

• Dimplex Optimyst Linear: Creates a 3D flame column using water vapor and LED projection. It’s one of the most realistic flame effects available without heat. Available in 46”-86” configurations.
• Dimplex IgniteXL Bold 100” Multi-Sided: One of the widest electric fireplaces Dimplex produces, with a panoramic ember bed and adjustable flame colors. It can be installed as a single-sided, corner, or fully three-sided fireplace. Also available in as small as 50”.
• Dimplex Revillusion Built-In Firebox: The Revillusion projection panel behind the log set adds depth for customers who want to replace a wood-burning or gas box with a traditional-looking electric solution.
• Dimplex Evolve Built-In Linear: A recessed linear fireplace with a clean-face design and multi-color ember bed lighting. Available in 50”-100” configurations.

Across the lineup, you can expect to see a few common themes in Dimplex fireplaces: flame authenticity, flexible installation (wall-mounted, built-in, insert), and dependable support under the Glen Dimplex umbrella.

Our blog has a separate comparison of Dimplex vs Modern Flames if you want to see how other brands we carry stack up. At this point, though, it’s time we took a closer look at Dimplex vs SimpliFire below. 

SimpliFire vs Dimplex: Which Fireplace Brand is Best?

The truth is, you can’t go wrong choosing between SimpliFire vs Dimplex. Both are exceptional manufacturers in this space, and we’re proud to carry each of them in our lineup here at The Great Fire Company.

There’s also quite a bit of overlap when you look closer at Dimplex vs SimpliFire. The differences, however, are worth noting. Here’s what you need to know. 

Flame Technology and Realism

Dimplex has been pushing the boundaries of what electric flames can look like in a fireplace for decades now. They have tons of patents for that reason. 

The Optimyst water vapor fireplace is truly one-of-a-kind, with water vapor forming a rising “smoke” column that looks surprisingly close to a real wood fire. Revillusion adds depth with a projected backdrop behind the logs, which helps the firebox feel less flat when built into a wall.

Even Dimplex’s linear models like IgniteXL Bold use advanced LED layering to create strong depth from edge to edge.

SimpliFire does a pretty good job in this regard, too. The Allusion Slim, Allusion Platinum, and Scion lines use sharp and consistent multi-color LED flames across the whole viewing window. 

The standout in their lineup, though, is the Inception. This model uses Digital Spark video for a log-burning look without a glass panel. You get motion, audio, and ember glow that really look like a legit fire rather than a traditional LED system. 

We give Dimplex an edge here just because their fireplaces imitate the movement and depth of a real wood fire in a way that other electric fireplaces just can’t replicate. 

Heating Performance and Efficiency

We want to be clear in saying you’re not choosing between SimpliFire vs Dimplex for a strong heat presence in your home. These are electric fireplaces, which means they’re going to max out at 10,000 BTU. But which is stronger between Dimplex vs SimpliFire?

Both brands max out around 4,800-5,000 BTU on a 120V circuit. These units heat smaller areas effectively as supplemental heat, especially offices, dens, and bedrooms.

SimpliFire does have one exception: the Inception offers a 240V hardwire option that can get to about 10,000 BTU. That’s a pretty meaningful increase when paired with a thermostat or zone-heat setup.

Design Options and Installation Flexibility

SimpliFire wins on versatility in tight spaces. The Allusion Slim is one of the only electric fireplaces that recesses into a standard 2x4 wall at such a shallow depth without a bump-out. The brand also has 3-sided bay units (Scion Trinity), tall linear formats, wall-mount models, inserts, and outdoor-rated systems like the Forum.

Dimplex has a pretty wide selection, too, but it’s more focused than that of SimpliFire. They’re best known for built-ins and realistic boxes. For example, the Revillusion and Deluxe fireboxes can easily replace existing wood/gas setups because they mimic masonry interiors well.

Dimplex’s linear models like the IgniteXL or Bold handle both single-sided and multi-sided installations, but they need more depth than SimpliFire’s slim units. That’s why SimpliFire has a slight edge here. 

Smart Controls and User Experience

SimpliFire’s fireplaces have modern controls across the entire lineup. Most ship with a multi-function remote for heat, flame color, brightness, and timers. 

However, some newer models (like the Inception and even some Scion/Allusion models) pair with the IntelliFire app. This lets you manage your fireplace effortlessly after pairing it with a smart-home setup.

This is a big distinction between SimpliFire vs Dimplex, which keeps things more straightforward. Most units use a clean remote with dedicated controls for flame, heat, and timers. Their higher-end models add better in-fireplace interfaces or hidden touch controls.

But what you won’t get with Dimplex fireplaces is any sort of deep app support, quite like you would with SimpliFire. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but something to take into account as you weigh your options between Dimplex vs SimpliFire.

Durability, Build Quality, and Warranty Coverage

Dimplex has one of the strongest reputations in the electric fireplace world. Their fireboxes feel solid, their flame systems last for years, and replacement parts are easy to source. After all, the brand lives under Glen Dimplex, which has decades in the heating and flame-effect category. You get a 2-year warranty on most fireplaces.

In the same vein, SimpliFire benefits from being part of Hearth & Home Technologies - a long-standing, trusted company in this industry. Build quality is consistent across all major lines, and the units hold up well over time. Warranty coverage is solid as well, ranging from 1-year to lifetime-limited, depending on the component.

Cost Comparison

This is perhaps the easiest thing to compare between SimpliFire vs Dimplex, as you can plainly see which is more affordable. That’s SimpliFire - at least, for the most part. These models start as low as $750 for a simple 36” fireplace. You get incredible value for the money.

On the other hand, Dimplex’s flame realism comes at a slightly higher price. These models start around $1,250 and can easily cost over $9,000. You get what you pay for, though. Dimplex offers features that aren’t easily replicated.

But here’s the key takeaway. Here at The Great Fire Company, you’ll get the lowest prices online backed by a price-matching guarantee and hassle-free financing. So no matter which you’re leaning towards between SimpliFire vs Dimplex, shop with us today!

Wrapping Up Our Dimplex vs SimpliFire Comparison

We hope this Dimplex vs SimpliFire comparison has left you with a strong understanding of which best suits your needs. Really, it just comes down to the look and experience you’re after - and your budget will likely play a part in the decision, too.

Remember, though, you really can’t go wrong either way, both brands deliver dependable heat, solid build quality, and long-term performance you can trust. We carry both of these manufacturers here in our catalog and stand behind them.

Whether you’re looking for a see-through electric fireplace or any other kind of wall-mount electric fireplace, your search ends here at The Great Fire Company. Tell us about your project and we’ll match you to the right unit in minutes - get in touch today!