Modern Flames Orion V2 Traditional: Sizes, Openings, Surrounds and Heat

The Modern Flames Orion V2 Traditional LCD is the electric fireplace insert our customers buy most. It has an LCD flame over internally lit logs, built-in speakers with Bluetooth, and up to 10,000 BTU on 240V, in five sizes from 26" to 54" ($2,499 to $6,899). This guide covers each size, the opening it needs in an existing fireplace, the surrounds, heat and wiring, outdoor use, and how it compares with the Modern Flames Redstone. For other brands and a general measuring guide, see our electric fireplace insert guide.

The short answer

Measure the width, height and depth of your fireplace opening. The Orion V2 needs at least 10" of depth in an existing fireplace. Each size needs an opening a little smaller than the fireplace itself, so its face covers the edge: the 36" needs 32-5/8" x 23-7/8". On a standard outlet every size makes 5,000 BTU. Hardwire the 36", 42" or 54" to 240V and it makes 10,000 BTU for up to 700 sq ft. For the 26", 30" and 36", add an optional surround if your opening is wider than the fireplace face.

Why the Orion V2 Traditional

• The flame: next-generation LCD flame effects with depth and color, and an adaptive brightness display that adjusts to the light in the room, so the fire looks right at midday and at night.
• The logs: a TruWood-style log set lit from inside, with grain and texture detail, on a black glass media bed.
• The sound: built-in speakers with crackling fire sound and Bluetooth streaming, so you can play music through the fireplace. Sound adjusts or switches off separately from the flame and heat.
• The controls: a remote plus the Modern Flames app, which also delivers over-the-air updates.
• The heat: 5,000 BTU on 120V for up to 400 sq ft, or 10,000 BTU on 240V for up to 700 sq ft on the 36", 42" and 54". The heater turns off separately, so the fire can run year-round without heat.
• The warranty: five years from the date of purchase, covering the fireplace and its parts.
• Indoors or out: it is approved for a covered patio as a built-in, as well as indoors.

Orion V2 Traditional sizes and the opening each one needs

Prices at Dreamwood Living as of November 2026. Every size is 9-7/8" deep. For a new framed wall instead of an existing fireplace, the framing opening is the same width and height and 10-1/2" deep. The 36" and 42" weigh 92 lb and the 54" weighs 170 lb, so plan for two people to lift it in.

How to measure your fireplace for the Orion V2

Use a tape measure inside the firebox and write each number down:

1. Front width: across the opening, side to side.
2. Width 10" back: many masonry fireboxes narrow toward the back, and the Orion V2 is a 9-7/8" deep box, so the opening has to stay wide enough that far in.
3. Height: from the hearth floor to the top of the opening.
4. Depth: front to back at the floor. You need at least 10".
5. The face around the opening: the width and height of the brick or stone you want covered, for the surround (below).
6. The outlet: in an existing fireplace, Modern Flames puts the power at an outlet at the back or side of the fireplace.

Then find the largest size whose minimum opening is smaller than yours on every measurement. Go by the opening, not the size in the name: the "36-inch" needs an opening 32-5/8" wide, because its 35" face overlaps the edge of the hole to finish it.

Surrounds for an existing fireplace

If your opening is wider or taller than the Orion V2's face, an optional surround covers the gap. Modern Flames makes two sizes for the 26", 30" and 36":

The 36" small surround can also take a 7" top piece ($75) for a taller opening. Modern Flames does not offer an optional extra-wide surround for the 42" or 54", so for those sizes your opening should be close to the minimum, letting the fireplace face cover the edge. If your opening is much bigger than that, call us before you order.

Heat and wiring

• 120V, plug-in: every size ships with a power cord. It runs one 1,465 W heater for 5,000 BTU, enough for up to 400 sq ft, and draws 12.2 A. Modern Flames calls for a dedicated circuit of at least 15 A, with 20 A preferred.
• 240V, hardwired: on the 36", 42" and 54", both heaters run at 2,930 W for 10,000 BTU, enough for up to 700 sq ft. This needs a dedicated 20 A, 2-pole circuit, wired by a licensed electrician.

With the heater off, the flame, logs and sound keep running, so the Orion V2 works as a summer fireplace too. For running costs, see electric fireplace monthly costs.

Using it outdoors

The Orion V2 Traditional is approved for outdoor use as a built-in under a covered patio, away from direct water and direct sunlight. The roof overhang and side protection have to be at least 50% of the height measured from the base of the fireplace, and the base has to sit at least 2" above the floor. For more covered-patio options, see our outdoor fireplace ideas.

Orion V2 or Redstone?

If you want the same openings for less, the Modern Flames Redstone is our other top-selling insert. Each Redstone size uses the same width and height opening as the matching Orion V2. Here is how the 42" models compare:

The Redstone also comes as a 36" ($1,499) and a 54" ($3,149); the 54" Redstone needs 12" of depth. Choose the Orion V2 for the more realistic LCD flame, the sound system and the option of 10,000 BTU. Choose the Redstone if the price matters more and 5,000 BTU is enough.

Other electric inserts

To compare the Orion V2 with the Amantii TRD, Napoleon Rosedale, Dimplex Optimyst and other inserts, see our electric fireplace insert guide or browse every electric fireplace insert. Our guide to the most realistic electric fireplace explains how LCD compares with other flame technologies, and if you want a linear fireplace instead of a traditional one, see Modern Flames Orion Slim vs Multi.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Orion V2 need to be vented?

No. The Orion V2 Traditional is fully electric, with no venting, gas line or chimney, and it burns nothing.

Can the Orion V2 go into my wood-burning fireplace?

Yes, as long as the opening is big enough. It is built to slide into an existing fireplace, a framed wall or a fireplace insert opening. Measure first: the 36" needs at least 32-5/8" x 23-7/8" x 10", and the 42" needs 38-3/4" x 26-3/4" x 10".

What size Orion V2 do I need?

The largest one whose minimum opening is smaller than your fireplace's width, height and depth. If more than one fits, the bigger size fills the opening with more flame.

Does the Orion V2 plug in, or does it need to be hardwired?

Every size plugs into a 120V outlet with the included cord, for 5,000 BTU. To get 10,000 BTU from the 36", 42" or 54", it has to be hardwired to a dedicated 240V circuit by a licensed electrician.

Can the Orion V2 run without heat?

Yes. The heater switches off separately, so you can run the flame, the lit logs and the sound year-round with no heat.

How much heat does the Orion V2 give off?

The Orion V2 gives 5,000 BTU on 120V, for up to 400 sq ft, or 10,000 BTU on 240V, for up to 700 sq ft. The Redstone gives 5,000 BTU on 120V.

Can I install it outdoors?

Yes, as a built-in under a covered patio that meets Modern Flames' requirements for overhang, side protection and base height. The Redstone is for indoor use only.

Send us your measurements

Call us at 888-486-2909 with your fireplace's width, height and depth and the size of the face around it. We will tell you which Orion V2 fits and whether you need a surround. We are here 9am to 9pm CST.