Dimplex IgniteXL 50-Inch Electric Fireplace Review

The Dimplex IgniteXL 50 (model XLF50) is a 50-inch linear electric fireplace designed to sit flush in a wall. Dimplex's spec sheet gives its size as 50¼ inches wide, 15⅝ inches tall and 5⅞ inches deep, with a viewing area of 48¾ × 12⅛ inches, and a weight of 73.4 lb.

Heat comes from Dimplex's Comfort$aver ceramic heating system. On a 120 V supply it produces 1,500 W (5,118 BTU); hardwired to 240 V it produces 2,500 W (8,530 BTU). Dimplex says it warms spaces up to 1,000 square feet and that its electronic thermostat holds room temperature within half a degree Celsius (1 °F). A Heat Boost mode runs maximum output for a set time, and Dimplex says the glass stays cool to the touch.

The Multi-Fire XD flame effect sits behind edge-to-edge glass. Fireplace Junction lists flames up to 12 inches tall, five color themes plus a prism mode that cycles through colors, and crystal or log media. The controls are touch buttons hidden in the unit when not in use, plus a remote.

It fully recesses into 2×6 wall framing; a 2×4 wall needs the optional XLFTRIM50 trim kit. Dimplex includes trim for drywall and tile and says the unit can be installed without trim against stone or brick. A 120 V plug-in cord kit is in the box, or the unit can be hardwired to 120 V or 240 V. Dimplex recommends mounting the bottom of the unit 30–40 inches above the floor, on a bottom sill at least 3½ inches deep.

Fireplace Junction's US store lists the IgniteXL 50 at $2,299.99 (from $2,555.54) under SKU X-XLF50; the price shown on the store changed while this review was being researched, so check the cart. The store offers free US shipping on orders over $899, says it keeps more than 500 products in stock in the US, and accepts returns within 14 days.

Dimplex covers the XLF50 with a 5-year limited warranty that includes in-home service and parts; the optional trim kit carries a 1-year warranty.

Fireplace Junction also sells Dimplex's Multi-Fire SL 42″ ($1,399.99) as a cheaper built-in, the IgniteXL 100″ ($3,699.99) for a longer wall, and water-vapor Opti-Myst models such as the Opti-Myst Pro 500 cassette ($2,129.99) for a mist-based flame effect instead of a screen.

Like any electric fireplace, the IgniteXL gives supplemental heat rather than heating a whole home, and how convincing the flame looks is a matter of taste. Getting the full 2,500 W means a hardwired 240 V circuit installed by an electrician; on the plug-in cord it runs at 1,500 W.