Dimplex vs Napoleon electric fireplaces — which is better?

Why Dimplex is our electric pick

Dimplex has spent decades doing one thing at the top of the market: electric flame. The unit we stock, the IgniteXL Bold 50, is a 50-inch linear with the most convincing electric flame we've seen anywhere — and that matters, because an electric fireplace is mostly flame effect and only partly heater. Every electric unit tops out around 1,500 watts and 5,000 BTU of supplemental heat for up to about 400 square feet, so the flame is what separates memorable from forgettable. There's a flame-only mode for cool summer evenings, backed by a one-year full and five-year limited flame warranty.

Where Napoleon is the better conversation

Napoleon is a brand we're proud to carry and an authorized dealer for — but in our showroom, that's on the gas side, where the Ascent 36 is our best-selling everyday fireplace and battery-backup ignition means it lights even with the power out. Napoleon is a reputable manufacturer top to bottom, electric included; we simply haven't found a reason to stock an electric line beyond Dimplex.

If you're cross-shopping these two brands, it's worth asking whether you've truly settled the electric-versus-gas question first — because after Helene, does it heat when the grid is down decides a lot of these conversations in WNC, and only the gas unit says yes.

See both flames before you commit

Photos flatten flame effects; in person, the differences are obvious in seconds. We keep the Dimplex burning alongside our gas lineup at 629 Emma Rd, so you can stand in front of both and see what your eye believes. Call (828) 545-0525 or stop by — free design consultation, no pressure, and we'd rather get you the right appliance than the most expensive one.