Dimplex Ignite XL vs Evolve vs Bold vs Ultra: Linear Electric Fireplaces Compared
Dimplex makes four linear electric fireplaces under the Ignite name: the Ignite XL, Ignite Evolve, Ignite Bold and Ignite Ultra. All four run the same heater, so heat is not what separates them. The differences are the flame effect, how deep the wall has to be, how many sides of glass you get, and whether you can run it from your phone. Dimplex also makes four other linear lines, the Multi-Fire Slim, Prism, Sierra and Opti-Myst Linear, which we cover at the end.
The difference in one paragraph
The Ignite XL is the base model: a shallow built-in that fits a 2x6 wall flush, with a remote but no app. The Ignite Evolve goes in the same opening as the XL and adds Wi-Fi control through the Dimplex Flame Connect app. The Ignite Bold is a deeper firebox with glass on three sides and a mirrored back, so it can go in as a front, corner, bay or linked modular fireplace. The Ignite Ultra is the deepest and tallest, with Dimplex's Dynamic-Fire flame, logs that glow and pulse with the flame, and crackling sound.
Ignite XL vs Evolve vs Bold vs Ultra at a glance
| Ignite XL | Ignite Evolve | Ignite Bold | Ignite Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 50, 60, 74, 100" | 50, 60, 74, 100" | 50, 60, 74, 88, 100" | 50, 60, 74, 88, 100" |
| Price | $3,049.99 to $4,199.99 | $3,599.99 to $5,329.99 | $4,199.99 to $6,249.99 | $4,649.99 to $6,799.99 |
| Flame effect | Multi-Fire XD with color themes and prism mode | Multi-Fire, adjustable color, brightness and five flame speeds | Multi-Fire XD, seven presets, media and top lighting | Dynamic-Fire with Rhythmic inner-glow logs |
| Media | Acrylic crystals, tumbled glass and driftwood | Driftwood, tumbled glass and acrylic crystals | Acrylic crystals and driftwood | Moveable Quick Connect logs |
| Glass | Front only | Front only | Front plus two side panels, mirrored rear | 1, 2 or 3-sided |
| Installation | Flush in 2x6 framing, or partial recess in 2x4 with trim kit | Flush in 2x6 framing, or partial recess in 2x4 with trim kit | Front, left corner, right corner, bay or modular | Front, left corner, right corner, bay or modular |
| Framing depth | 3 1/2" (2x4) or 5 1/2" (2x6) | 3 1/2" (2x4) or 5 1/2" (2x6) | 11 5/8" minimum | 15" |
| Framing height | 16" | 16" | 24 1/4" | 28" |
| Viewing height | See product page | 15 5/8" | 16 3/8" (16 1/8" on the 60") | 17" |
| Heat | 1,500 W (5,118 BTU/h) on 120V, 2,500 W (8,530 BTU/h) on 240V; Comfort$aver heater on all four | |||
| App control | No; hidden controls and remote | Yes, Flame Connect | Yes, Flame Connect | Yes, Flame Connect |
| Crackling sound | No | No | No | Yes |
| Covered outdoor use | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| Warranty | 5 years indoor, 1 year outdoor | 5 years indoor, 1 year outdoor | 5 years indoor, 1 year outdoor | 5 years |
Prices at Dreamwood Living as of October 2026. Specifications are from each product page. Dimplex publishes conflicting viewing figures for the Ignite XL, so we list none; the firebox face is 15 5/8" high.
Same heater in every Ignite
Every Ignite, from the 50" XL to the 100" Ultra, uses a 1,500 watt Comfort$aver heater on 120V and 2,500 watts on 240V. That is 5,118 BTU/h or 8,530 BTU/h, and Dimplex rates the Evolve, Bold and Ultra for supplemental heat up to 1,000 sq ft. A bigger fireplace or a more expensive line buys you more flame, not more heat.
The wiring rules are the same too. Each one draws 12.5 amps on 120V and needs its own dedicated 15 amp circuit. On 120V you can hardwire or plug it in (the XL and Bold use an optional plug kit, and the Evolve and Ultra list a power cord). For the higher 240V output it has to be hardwired. All four can run the flame with the heater off.
Dimplex Ignite XL: the shallow built-in
The Ignite XL is the one to start with. It is 5 3/4" deep, so in a 2x6 wall it sits flush with no trim. In a 2x4 wall it is partly recessed, and Dimplex specifies a matching XLFTRIM trim kit to close the gap. Framing is 16" high and 5/8" wider than the nominal size, for example 74 5/8" for the 74".
The flame is Dimplex's Multi-Fire XD, with color themes and a prism mode that blends smoothly through the spectrum and lets you freeze on the color you like. You also get Boost mode for a fast warm-up, an acrylic ice ember bed, and backlit controls that hide when not in use. What it does not have is app control; it runs from the full-function remote and the controls on the unit.
Dimplex Ignite Evolve: the XL with app control
The Ignite Evolve uses the same 16" high framing, the same 3 1/2" or 5 1/2" depth and the same XLFTRIM trim kits as the Ignite XL, so an opening framed for one fits the other. The difference is control. The Evolve adds Wi-Fi and the Dimplex Flame Connect app on top of hidden touch controls and a remote, and it lets you set flame color, brightness and five flame speeds.
The Evolve costs $550 to $1,130 more than the XL at the same size. Pay it if you want to run the fireplace from your phone. If a remote is fine, the XL is the same box in the same wall for less.
Dimplex Ignite Bold: three sides of glass
The Ignite Bold is a different build. It is 12 1/8" deep, with front glass, two side glass panels and a mirrored rear pane that doubles the apparent depth of the flame. Everything for five installs is in the box: front-facing, left corner, right corner, bay, or a modular run of several units linked with the XLFXDLINK kit. Open side trim shows the side glass; closed side trim hides it. Dimplex sold this line as IgniteXL Bold before renaming it, and the model codes did not change.
Its viewing area is 16 3/8" high, a little taller than the XL. The Multi-Fire XD flame has seven presets or independent control of each layer, and the media bed and overhead light can be set to a color or run in Prism or Kaleidoscope mode. It adds Eco and Boost heat modes, an air circulation mode that moves air without heating it, an ambient light sensor and app control.
Plan the wall for it. The opening is 24 1/4" high and at least 11 5/8" deep, and it is not load-bearing, so the wall above cannot rest on the unit. Note the 60" Bold frames at 62 1/4" wide, not 60".
Dimplex Ignite Ultra: the most realistic logs
The Ignite Ultra is about realism. It uses Dimplex's patented Dynamic-Fire flame effect with Rhythmic logs that have an inner glow and pulse in time with the flames, and the Quick Connect logs can be moved to change the layout. It is the only Ignite with crackling wood sound from built-in speakers, and it has app control through Flame Connect.
Like the Bold, it can be installed 1, 2 or 3-sided as a front, corner, bay or modular fireplace, and it has the tallest glass in the range at 17" with 7 11/16" deep side glass. It also needs the biggest opening: 28" high and 15" deep, with the width 3/4" over the nominal size. Our Ultra listings do not include a covered outdoor rating, so treat it as an indoor fireplace.
Price by size
| Size | Ignite XL | Ignite Evolve | Ignite Bold | Ignite Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50" | $3,049.99 | $3,599.99 | $4,199.99 | $4,649.99 |
| 60" | $3,399.99 | $4,029.99 | $4,899.99 | $5,449.99 |
| 74" | $3,699.99 | $4,549.99 | $5,599.99 | $6,249.99 |
| 88" | Not made | Not made | $5,849.99 | $6,469.99 |
| 100" | $4,199.99 | $5,329.99 | $6,249.99 | $6,799.99 |
Prices at Dreamwood Living as of October 2026.
Framing openings by size
| Size | Ignite XL and Evolve (W x H) | Ignite Bold (W x H x D) | Ignite Ultra (W x H x D) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50" | 50 5/8" x 16" | 49 1/2" x 24 1/4" x 11 5/8" | 50 3/4" x 28" x 15" |
| 60" | 60 5/8" x 16" | 62 1/4" x 24 1/4" x 11 5/8" | 60 3/4" x 28" x 15" |
| 74" | 74 5/8" x 16" | 74 5/8" x 24 1/4" x 11 5/8" | 74 3/4" x 28" x 15" |
| 88" | Not made | 87 3/16" x 24 1/4" x 11 5/8" | 88 3/4" x 28" x 15" |
| 100" | 100 5/8" x 16" | 99 3/4" x 24 1/4" x 11 5/8" | 100 3/4" x 28" x 15" |
Ignite XL and Evolve framing depth is 3 1/2" in a 2x4 wall (with trim kit) or 5 1/2" in a 2x6 wall (flush). Confirm against the installation guide for your exact unit before you cut.
Dimplex's other linear electric fireplaces
Outside the Ignite family, Dimplex makes four more linear lines. They are less expensive or built for a specific wall, and none of them offers the Ignite's 5-year warranty.
| Line | Sizes | Best for | Heat | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Fire Slim | 36, 42, 50, 60" | A 2x4 wall: 4" framing depth, or wall mount with the included bracket | 1,500 W, 120V only | 2 years | $1,399.99 to $2,099.99 |
| Prism | 34, 50, 74" | Surface mount, partial recess or flush; 7 1/4" deep | 1,220 to 1,230 W on 120V; the 74" also runs 240V at 2,430 W | 2 years | $1,329.99 to $2,999.99 |
| Sierra | 48, 60, 72" | Recessed, wall mount or tabletop, with logs, crystals and pebbles included | 1,400 W, 120V only | 1 year | $849.99 to $1,419.99 |
| Opti-Myst Linear | 46, 66, 86" | A water vapor flame; needs 12" framing, a water supply and a fresh air inlet | Separate heater; the 86" heats only on 240V | 2 years | $6,349.99 to $9,749.99 |
Prices at Dreamwood Living as of October 2026.
The Opti-Myst is the odd one out. Its flame is real water mist lit by LEDs rather than an LED display, which looks the most like fire but has the most to plan. See all of Dimplex's mist models in our water vapor fireplaces collection.
So which one
Buy the Ignite XL if:
- You want the lowest price for a wide Ignite flame and the 5-year warranty.
- Your wall is 2x6, so it can sit flush with no trim.
- A remote is all the control you need.
Buy the Ignite Evolve if:
- You want the XL's slim fit with app control and adjustable flame speed.
- You may want to swap an XL for an Evolve later; the opening is the same.
Buy the Ignite Bold if:
- The fireplace goes in a corner, a bay or a long modular run.
- You want side glass and a taller flame, and you can frame 11 5/8" deep.
- You want to put a TV close above it: Dimplex lists the wall 7" above the Bold at no more than 104°F in normal heat mode.
Buy the Ignite Ultra if:
- Realistic logs and crackling sound matter most.
- You have room for a 28" high, 15" deep opening.
- It is going indoors.
Not sure which fits your wall? Call us at 888-486-2909 with your wall width, stud depth and where the fireplace goes, and we will tell you which Dimplex we would order. We are here 9am to 9pm CST. You can also compare every model in our linear electric fireplaces collection or see the full Dimplex range. If you are weighing Dimplex against Modern Flames, our Orion Slim vs Multi guide covers that line.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dimplex Ignite Evolve the same as the Ignite XL?
They share the same framing, depth and trim kits, and the same heater. The Evolve adds Wi-Fi control through the Dimplex Flame Connect app and five adjustable flame speeds. The XL uses Dimplex's Multi-Fire XD flame with a prism color mode and runs from its remote and on-unit controls.
Which Dimplex Ignite puts out the most heat?
None; they are the same. Every Ignite size uses a 1,500 W heater on 120V (5,118 BTU/h) and 2,500 W on 240V (8,530 BTU/h). The 240V option must be hardwired.
Can a Dimplex Ignite go outdoors?
The Ignite XL, Evolve and Bold are certified for outdoor use under a covered shelter, never open to the weather, with a 1-year warranty outdoors instead of 5 years. Our Ignite Ultra listings do not include an outdoor rating. The Multi-Fire Slim, Prism, Sierra and Opti-Myst Linear are indoor only.
What is the difference between IgniteXL Bold and Ignite Bold?
Only the name. Dimplex sold the line as IgniteXL Bold and renamed it Ignite Bold; the model codes, such as XLF7417-XD for the 74", did not change.
Which Dimplex linear fireplace fits a 2x4 wall?
The Multi-Fire Slim fits flush in a 2x4 wall with a 4" framing depth. The Ignite XL and Evolve fit a 2x4 wall partially recessed with the matching XLFTRIM trim kit. The Prism 34" and 50" can be partially recessed into 2x4 framing.
Can I put a TV above a Dimplex Ignite?
Dimplex lists the surface 7" above the Ignite Bold and 10" above the Ignite Ultra at no more than 104°F in normal heat mode, as long as the heater vents are not blocked. For the XL and Evolve, Dimplex publishes the heat zones as a diagram in the installation guide. Check the TV maker's ambient temperature limit too.