Electric fires have come a long way. No longer just a flat orange glow, today’s technology makes flames look so realistic you’ll want to reach out and warm your hands. But with three main Dimplex flame effects, Optiflame, Optimyst, and Opti-V you may wonder which one suits your home best? In this guide, we’ll break down each technology, compare features, and help you choose the right Dimplex fire for your space.

Contents

What are Dimplex flame effects?
Comparison table: Optiflame vs Optimyst vs Opti-V
Which flame effect should you choose?
Exploring the range of Dimplex fires
Final thoughts: find your flame

Dimplex is the world leader in electric flame technology. Each of their flame effects creates ambience in a unique way, with different benefits depending on your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences. You’ll find these flame effects in room heaters such as electric stoves, hearth mounted electric fires and media wall fireplaces, let’s explore flame effect options.

Optiflame® – The Classic Choice

Introduced in 1988, Optiflame is Dimplex’s longest-running flame effect.

• How it works: Optiflame uses carefully designed mirrors and LED lighting to create a flickering flame effect across a realistic log bed or coal base.
• Look & Feel: The flames dance and glow in a classic, comforting way, ideal if you love the traditional fireplace aesthetic.
• Heat: Most Optiflame fire models include a built-in fan heater (typically 1–2 kW). You can run the flames with or without heat, depending on the season.
• Maintenance: Very low, just plug-in and enjoy.

Best for: Homeowners wanting a budget-friendly, traditional-looking flame effect with the option of instant heat.

Optimyst® – The Ultra-Realistic Flame

If you want the most lifelike flame on the market, Optimyst is the showstopper.

• How it works: Optimyst uses ultrasonic technology to turn water into a fine mist. LED lights shine through the vapour to create authentic, three-dimensional flames and “smoke.”
• Look & Feel: The result is stunning flames that you can view from all angles and even a soft haze that mimics real fire/smoke. Many say Optimyst flames are almost indistinguishable from those of a wood-burning fire.
• Heat: Most models include a heater, but flames and heat can run independently.
• Maintenance: Requires topping up the water tank every 8–10 hours of use (or choose a plumbed model for continuous operation).

Best for: Style-conscious buyers looking for the most realistic flame effect available. Perfect as a centrepiece in living rooms, dining rooms, or open-plan spaces.

Opti-V® – The High-Tech Visual

For a modern twist, Opti-V combines LED lighting with high-definition video to create a flame effect like no other.

• How it works: A hidden LCD screen projects looping flame footage, enhanced with LED lighting and crackling fire sound effects.
• Look & Feel: Ultra-clean, maintenance-free flame visuals with no water refills or moving parts. A modern, digital take on the fire experience.
• Heat: Some Opti-V models include heating, though many are designed purely for ambience.
• Maintenance: None, just plug in.

Best for: Minimalist homes, commercial spaces, or media walls where you want a striking flame display without ongoing upkeep.

• Choose Optiflame if you want a simple, reliable, and affordable electric fire that still gives you the charm of a flame effect.
• Choose Optimyst if realism is your top priority and you want to wow guests with flames that look and move like the real thing.
• Choose Opti-V if you prefer a maintenance-free, high-tech visual effect for a modern or commercial setting.

Which Dimplex flame effect is the most realistic?
Optimyst wins—its 3D water vapour flames and smoke look almost identical to a real fire.

Do Dimplex fires provide heat?
Yes, most include a 1–2 kW heater, but you can run the flame effect without heat for year-round ambience.

Do Optimyst fires need a water supply?
Most have a refillable tank lasting 8–10 hours. Some models can connect to a mains water supply for convenience.

Are Opti-V fires just videos of flames?
Yes, but combined with LED lighting and realistic crackling sounds, making them surprisingly convincing.

Beyond flame effects, Dimplex offers a huge variety of fire styles to suit every home, here you can view the different types if electric fires and fireplaces available.

1. Electric Stoves: Classic stove designs with the convenience of plug-in power. Perfect for adding rustic charm to cottages or modern homes alike. Many come with Optiflame or Optimyst technology for a realistic flame.
2. Inset Fires: Designed to fit seamlessly into existing fireplace openings, inset fires are ideal for homeowners who want a sleek, built-in look without the mess of solid fuel.
3. Wall-Mounted Fires: A modern statement piece for contemporary living rooms. These fires bring flames to eye level, often featuring Opti-V for striking visuals with minimal fuss.
4. Media Wall Fires: One of the biggest trends in home interiors, media walls integrate your fire with a TV or sound system for a luxury focal point. Dimplex Optimyst cassettes are especially popular in these installations for their panoramic 3D flames.
5. Fireplace Suites: Complete plug-and-play solutions that include a fire and surround, perfect if you want a ready-made focal point without the need for building work.

Whatever your interior style, traditional, modern, or ultra-contemporary there’s a Dimplex fire designed to fit your space.

Dimplex offers something for everyone. Whether you want classic charm (Optiflame), cutting-edge realism (Optimyst), or modern minimalism (Opti-V), there’s a flame effect to suit your home.