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Dimplex Buyers Guide

Dimplex Buyers Guide

There are so many home heating choices on the market today. Which, we here at eFireplaceStore know all about because we sell a good bit of them. There are wood-burning, gas burning, and electric heating options, and each offers top quality products. But, wood-burning requires venting, and gas means you need a fuel line. Some people don't have the resources or time to set all that up. And that's where electric heating comes in. But, which brand can you trust? What is affordable? And what will last?

Dimplex Buyers Guide

One answer to all those questions is Dimplex. Dimplex specializes in electric heating products. We get so many questions about Dimplex products. Because of that, we decided to give you all the information you're ever going to need right here, in one article. You're going to know so much the next time you see a Dimplex electric fireplace, you will nudge who you're with and tell them a tidbit you learned here.

What is Dimplex?

If you are just discovering Dimplex electric fireplaces, good for you. Now is a great time to have them on the radar. As electric heating technology gets better, it's great to know who to turn to when your current appliance finally gives out.

Dimplex came onto the market in 1991. The owners acquired four companies and put them all under the Dimplex name. Unifying allowed Dimplex to create huge innovations within years of hitting the market.

In 1995, the company made history when it created the first realistic "wood burning" electric fireplace. This product burst onto the scene, and Dimplex quickly gained 30 patents related to electric flame technology.

Since then, the company has expanded its product line to include stoves, outdoor heaters, and more. They have even created another brand called OptiFlame for builders and contractors. Dimplex remains a consumer brand, while OptiFlame is for those in the professional home building market.

Dimplex has two distribution facilities in North America. One in Ontario and the other in Indiana, with both locations topping more than 200,000 square feet.

Dimplex Buyers Guide


Why Choose Dimplex?

Choose Dimplex because they offer innovative, top-quality appliances, at the forefront of design in the electric heating industry. Dimplex also provides terrific customer support once you own one of their products. There's never a reason to be lost or frustrated because they are always a phone call or email away.

  • Innovation - Dimplex is the largest manufacturer of electrical heating appliances. This company has research, development, and engineering teams making safe, quality products year-round. Dimplex does this through its safety and heat loss testing. Dimplex has the only heat loss and airflow visualization chamber in North America. This chamber recreates real-world heat loss scenes to test its products before they hit the shelves.
  • Trending Design - Dimplex creates every product with the customer in mind. They know each home is unique, so Dimplex delivers a selection of styles to fit any home. Some of the Dimplex products, like their fireplace inserts, go into pre-built parts of the house. Others feature furniture built around the fireplace, like their media consoles. Because of this, Dimplex has to be at the forefront of design. You don't want to buy a media console with a modern fireplace that features the '70s inspired taupe paneling, do you?
  • Top Quality - Dimplex wants you to use their products for years to come. The company uses high-quality components and materials and maintain a strict quality control process to make the best appliances they can.
  • Customer Support After Purchase - Dimplex has a trilingual customer service team. Trilingual! Three languages they speak to help you get the most out of your Dimplex appliance. They can help with it all: trouble-shooting, design ideas, part replacement, and servicing advice. You can call, chat online, email, or even send a letter.


The Products

Dimplex has a large number of products. While we will not go through each product, we will tell you a little about the product lines. We will let you in on the best way to use it, and when you finish reading, you'll know which one best suits you're home.

Dimplex Buyers Guide


Electric Fireplaces

A Dimplex fireplace can reignite the passion you had for that old room. It can give a home a new focal point or simply warm up your personal space.

  • Media Consoles - A media console is a TV stand with a Dimplex fireplace inside. It offers space for DVDs, video game consoles, that old VHS player, and more. Dimplex provides over 40 console styles to house your favorite media.
  • Mantels - One of Dimplex's mantels are sure to be the eye-catcher as soon as you install it. These units are a Dimplex fireplace inside of mantel. Some look like a traditional wood fireplace, and others are more contemporary. One even looks like an aquarium.
  • Wall-Mounts - Keep your floor space with these wall mounted units. These feature a more modern style and require installation. The beauty of the fire and the sleek design make the extra work worth it.
  • Fireboxes and Inserts - Reclaim that old masonry fireplace with the help of these inserts and fireboxes. They slip right in and start working fast. They can transform your old open fireplace to give it a modern style.
  • Stoves - Highly mobile and super affordable, Dimplex electric stoves provide excellent supplemental heating. The styles range from traditional to contemporary, but they all work great and can add heat to any space.
  • Linear Fireplaces - These are long rectangular fireplaces that put out beautiful colors and give any room a modern look. No chimney or gas line needed. A linear fireplace is a stunning appliance that will awe anyone who comes to visit.


Most Popular Product Lines

As you can see Dimplex has a varied and popular line of products. But, there are two items in the lineup that customers come back to over and over again.

  • Opti-Myst - Usually when people think Dimplex they think Opti-Myst. It's eye catching and the technology behind it is impressive in its simplicity. With Opti-Myst Dimplex pushes water vapor out of a tray and back lights it. The effect looks like real flames. Pictures do not do Opti-Myst justice. Check out this video and see the system for yourself. This effect became so popular that many Dimplex products feature Opti-Myst. The technology behind the system is a water tray, atomizer, pump, spray nozzles and a backlight. It's a wonder that someone didn't think of it sooner!
  • IgniteXL - This line is fairly new compared to Opti-Myst, but its popularity has soared. IgniteXL does not provide backlight mist, instead it has backlights and reflectors that mimic flame shapes. Again, this one needs to be seen in action to give you a full understanding of its look. The success of the IgniteXL line means you'll see this system in more products in the near future.


Dimplex Buyers Guide


Electric Heating

If the fireplace isn't right for your home, Dimplex has a host of other options to make your space more comfortable.

  • Baseboard Heaters - Perfect for keeping that cold room warm. Dimplex's line of Linear Convector electric baseboards works with any decor. They also have a line of ChromaLox baseboards that are compatible with your smart device.
  • Fan-Forced Heaters - The Dimplex line of fan-forced heaters are varied enough to work in multiple situations. They have heaters for those working on cold construction sites. They have wirelessly controlled heaters that fit in any room. Dimplex has a fan-forced heater for any situation.
  • Convection Heaters - Silent with no moving parts, these convection heaters are perfect for the bedroom, study, or any area that needs quiet.
  • Thermostats and Controls - With the company's vast array of heating solutions, it's only practical they offer thermostats and remote controls. The Connex brand crafts many of these thermostats. They connect via WiFi to your smart device to control your home temperature.
  • Outdoor Infrared Heaters - Dimplex doesn't do just indoor heating. They have a line of popular outdoor infrared heaters that sport a sleek modern design. Perfect for restaurants, bars, or patios, these easy-to-use infrared heaters are the best way to enjoy a chilly night out.


Dimplex Buyers Guide


What are the benefits and drawbacks of Electric Heaters?

Electric heaters are versatile, safe, affordable, and great for the environment. Dimplex believes the benefits of electric heating far outweigh the disadvantages, which largely depends on your personal preference. If you live in a colder region, heat output may be a factor for you. For those who prefer real flames, the look and style of electric flames technology may not cut it. Lastly, if the power goes out, you've got no heat. All that said, you may find the perks and convenience of an electric heater do more than make up for these drawbacks.

Pros:
  • Versatile - With an electric heater, you do not need to install vent piping. There are no layout restrictions, no chimney install, and no planning or regulatory issues. Install your electric appliance anywhere in the room, in any way you would like, as long as it's not too close to water, of course!
  • Safe - Wood-burning appliances need cleaning and maintenance. Inside, creosote can build up, and if not removed, can cause a chimney fire. Gas-fueled heaters if not maintained, could cause a gas leak or explosion. These are not risks you have to deal with when you have an electric heater. Electric heating is reliable and can run for much longer than gas or wood appliances.
  • Green - Electric heating appliances are 100 percent efficient with no harmful combustion by-products. That means it uses 100 percent of the energy that goes into it to make heat. Electric heaters have minimal impact on the environment compared to gas or wood-burning units. Electric heaters emit no carbon dioxide, generate zero emissions, and they use no resources like coal, gas, or wood.
  • Low costs - Let's say you invest in a wood-burning fireplace. That's not all you have to get; you have to buy the venting system, pay someone to install it, and then buy or chop up the fuel. And after all that, you've got to pay someone to inspect it now and again. There's a lot of money. Depending on the electric unit you might have to pay someone to install it. Most of the time, you plug them in and start heating. And, depending on your area, electric heating can be more affordable than gas. The low cost of your electric heater helps with the initial purchase, and over time, it can be cheaper as well. This is especially true if your electric heater provides supplemental heat to your primary heat source. Your primary heater will not feel the strain (financial and physical) of heating your entire home, because the electric heater can pick up the slack. To see just how affordable electric heating is in your state, check out this handy chart with the 10 most expensive and cheapest electricity rates.
  • Control - Many Dimplex heaters come with controls that let you choose temperature and heat output. Inside some Dimplex units are thermostatic controls that respond to changes in room temperature. Those thermostatic controls will increase or decrease the heat to keep a consistent temperature.
Dimplex Buyers Guide


Cons:
  • Heat Output - The biggest setback to electric heaters when compared to gas or wood-burning appliances is the heat output. An electric heater of the same size as a gas or wood heater will not give you as much heat as that gas or wood appliance.
  • Power Outages - Electric heaters are plugged into your home. If the power were to ever go out, you would lose your heat, too. Wood-burning units require no power to work. If you live in an area prone to outages you may need to consider other heating options.
  • Style - Dimplex prides itself at being at the forefront of design and innovative technology, but if you prefer real flames, an electric fireplace or stove is not for you.


Common Dimplex Questions

Dimplex is one of the most popular electric fireplace brands in the world. But, many questions get asked over and over by those who have never seen an electric fireplace. We know, it's a strange thought- an electric fireplace. So, to stop any confusion before it starts, we are going to answer some of the most asked questions right here.

Is a Dimplex Appliance Safe?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Dimplex appliances have full electrical certification in North America. No combustible materials are used to make the flames. The glass on its stoves and fireplaces remain cool, so children and pets are safe too.

Will the Dimplex insert fit into my fireplace opening?

Dimplex fireplace inserts are made to fit almost all openings. So, most likely, yes. If you have a unique opening that you're unsure about, contact our customer service at 1-800-203-1642.

Where can I put a Dimplex Stove or Fireplace?

If the indoor area is clean and dry, you can put your Dimplex appliance there. A Dimplex fireplace is great for condos, apartments, mobile homes, single-family homes, and even cottages. Inside you can put them in a living room, family room, bedroom, dining room, kitchen, or foyer. If there's an outlet, it will work.

How do I maintain my Dimplex fireplace?

Replace the light bulbs every 2-3 years. These aren't special bulbs either. Find them at any hardware store, and switching them out is easy.

How efficient is a Dimplex appliance?

100 percent efficient. Every bit of energy that goes in comes out as heat.

How expensive is a Dimplex appliance to operate?

A Dimplex unit will cost you pennies a day to run. Electricity rates vary from area to area, but the operating costs of a Dimplex unit are quite affordable.

How does a Dimplex fireplace work?

Sorry, that's a patented secret. But, they are cool to watch in action.

Do I need to get a professional to install my Dimplex Fireplace?

Nope. Dimplex fireplaces and stoves only need to be plugged in. They work with any 120-volt outlet and don't require any venting or fuel lines.

Dimplex Buyers Guide


Simplify Your Life With a Dimplex Electric Fireplace

There you have it; all your Dimplex questions answered. Dimplex products are safe, easy to use, and 100 percent efficient with affordable heat.

Dimplex knows the future will rely on electric heating solutions more and more. They are creating cutting edge electrical heating technology to meet those future demands, today. As emissions standards for wood-burning appliances get stricter, Dimplex will be there to pick up the slack.

If you would like to know more about electric heating or any other kind of heating, feel free to browse our articles. We have so much information out there, and it's all easy to read and understand. But, if more reading is not your thing, you can always talk to one of our NFI certified professionals. They are ready and able to answer any heating question you may have at 1-800-203-1642.

About the Author

Collin Champagne

With over 13 years in the industry, Collin is a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified technician and managed content for the eFireplacestore and eCanopy brands. He has achieved the highest NFI certification possible as a Master Hearth Professional and is certified in all three hearth appliance fields: wood, gas, and pellet. With experience with sales and in-field installations, his expertise shines through his technical knowledge and way with words.

Customer Q&A with Product Specialists

Dave K. from Ocala, Florida asked:
For most realistic, do you recommend opti myst or ignite xl?
For most realistic, do you recommend opti myst or ignite xl?
The opti-myst will provide the most realistic flames, although it does require a water line be installed at the appliance. 
Answered by: on Mar 04, 2024

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Michael B. asked:
Do I have a choice when it comes to the log style in the fireplace?
Do I have a choice when it comes to the log style in the fireplace?
With the "firebox" models you sometimes will have an option for the log style, but most electric fireplaces do not offer log choices.
Answered by: Kelsey C.

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