Traditional Electric Fireplaces

What makes an electric fireplace traditional

A traditional electric fireplace has the shape of a classic wood-burning firebox: a taller, boxier opening than a linear fireplace, with a log set over a glowing ember bed and, on many models, a brick or stone-look interior. It gives you the look of a regular fireplace with no chimney, gas line or venting, and on most models the flame can run with the heater off.

Lines at a glance

Insert for an existing fireplace, or built into a wall

Some of these slide into a fireplace you already have. The Modern Flames Redstone fits an existing zero-clearance wood-burning fireplace, the Orion Traditional and Orion V2 Traditional install as inserts, and the Amantii Classic Edition comes in three sizes to suit your fireplace opening. The SimpliFire 25", 30" and 35" inserts and the 32" GI-32-ZC go into a wood fireplace opening with a surround kit, or into a framed opening thanks to their self-trimming design. Measure the opening first: the 36" Orion V2 Traditional, for example, needs at least 32-5/8" wide, 23-7/8" high and 10" deep, with an outlet at the back or side of the fireplace.

The rest build into a framed wall, and framing depth varies a lot from line to line. The Amantii Traditional Xtra Slim needs only a 4-3/8" deep opening, the SimpliFire Inception 8-3/4" and the 36" Revillusion 12-1/2", while the 36" Ignite Quest needs 18". Frame to the numbers on the product page for your size before the unit arrives.

Power and heat

Most of these run on a standard 120 V supply at about 1,500 W, which is roughly 5,000 Btu and enough for about 400 sq ft. Many plug in with a supplied cord. More heat takes a hardwired circuit:

• Modern Flames Orion V2 Traditional: 240 V doubles the output to 10,000 Btu on the 36", 42" and 54".
• SimpliFire Inception: hardwired for 120 V or 240 V (10,000 Btu); the Wescott Mantel Kit adds a power cord for plug-in use.
• Dimplex Revillusion: runs on 120 V, 208 V or 240 V; the 36" goes from 4,436 Btu/h on 120 V to 8,786 Btu/h on 240 V.
• Amantii RusticStone: 120 V or 240 V, heating about 400 or 800 sq ft.

Settle the outlet or circuit with your electrician before the wall is closed in.

Surrounds and finishing

• Amantii TRD: semi-flush mounting needs a 3-sided or 4-sided TRD trim kit, and the 26" to 38" sizes can sit on Amantii's pedestal display.
• Modern Flames: the Redstone comes with a 1-5/8" trim kit, and both the Redstone and the Orion offer extra-wide surrounds for larger openings.
• SimpliFire Inception: a door and front are required and sold separately, and the Wescott Mantel Kit lets you add it to a room with no framing.
• SimpliFire inserts: each size has a small and a large surround with a removable bottom piece, so it can trim an existing fireplace opening on three or four sides, such as the small and large surrounds for the GI-32-ZC. The 25", 30" and 35" inserts also take an optional Mission door front in their size.
• Dimplex Revillusion: installation trims are available, such as the 36" trim for the 24" and the 38" trim for the 30".
• Amantii Signature 38": order one Optimyst 20" cassette with it, and choose optional side liners in black glass, used brick red, wenge brown or dark brown.

Traditional Electric Fireplace FAQs

What's the difference between a traditional and a linear electric fireplace?

Shape. A traditional electric fireplace has a taller, boxier opening with a log set, like a wood-burning firebox. A linear fireplace is long and low, with a wide ribbon of flame. If you want the look of a regular fireplace, choose traditional.

Can a traditional electric fireplace go in my existing wood-burning fireplace?

Yes, with an insert model. The Modern Flames Redstone, Orion Traditional and Orion V2 Traditional install as inserts, the SimpliFire 25", 30", 32" and 35" inserts fit a wood fireplace opening with a surround kit, and the Amantii Classic Edition is sized to common fireplace openings. Measure the width, height and depth of your opening and compare it with the insert opening on the product page.

Do they plug in, or do they need an electrician?

Many plug into a standard 120 V outlet with the supplied cord, including the SimpliFire GI-32-ZC. Running on 240 V for more heat means hardwiring, and the SimpliFire Inception is hardwired unless you use the Wescott Mantel Kit. The Dimplex Revillusion can be hardwired or use its 72" cord kit.

How much heat do they give off?

About 5,000 Btu on 120 V, enough for roughly 400 sq ft. Wired at 240 V, the Orion V2 Traditional (36" to 54") and the SimpliFire Inception reach 10,000 Btu, and the Dimplex Ignite Quest's heater is rated for up to 1,000 sq ft.

Can I mount a TV above one?

It depends on the model. The SimpliFire Inception is zero clearance with no required clearance for a wall-mounted TV above it. Modern Flames lists 11.8" from the top of the Orion Traditional to a mantel, TV or ceiling. Check the clearance section on the product page for the model you choose.

Can any of these go outdoors?

A few. The Amantii TRD Lumina, the TRD Bespoke and the Modern Flames Orion V2 Traditional are rated for covered outdoor installation; see Outdoor Electric Fireplaces. The Dimplex Revillusion, Modern Flames Redstone and Orion Traditional are indoor only.

Still deciding?

Compare every style in Electric Fireplaces, see the long, low models in Linear Electric Fireplaces, or browse Electric Inserts for an existing fireplace. If you'd like help choosing, contact us with your opening or wall size and the power you have, and we'll suggest a model.