This is a deluxe 23" electric fireplace insert from Dimplex, replacing
an old gel fuel can insert. We had to build a box to set the insert
inside, because the fireplace surround is open in the back and the back
flame screen on the insert is only a couple inches deep.
The log holder is about 10" deep. The fireplace comes with a remote
on/off control. The heat has two settings, but can only be controlled on
the insert itself. The flame has only one setting. The flame is
projected on a mirror, giving the illusion that it is coming up between
the logs. The logs have LED lights, which create a pulsating effect. The
ember bed has a rolling effect which makes the flames appear to dance
across the surface. We added a a little volcanic rock from the old gel
fuel fireplace for the front ash effect. Average cost is $350.
The sound was added with a Kracklebox for $50. The sound is ok - there
is so much crackle that it almost sounds like popcorn (but viewing
videos of real fires shows that they do crackle a lot) and the speaker
sound is kind of hollow. Paying close attention, I noticed it appears to
be on a 15 second loop. It would be nice if they added more time to the
soundtrack, since it is all digital. The Kracklebox has cords to attach
to a sound system, which would allow a user to adjust the sound quality.
I simply set the volume to medium and placed the box in an old,
fleece-lined slipper behind the fireplace and that helped muffle the
echo effect & sounds great. The volume level is the key to the realism.
The whole system, together with firewood-scented incense, is quite
convincing!
EDIT: A week after buying this, I came across a Classic Flame 23" Fire
F/X insert for $440. It claimed the most realism avaialable - with
built-in, syncronized crackle & pop, everything adjustable, everything
on the remote, "brick" side interior and glass doors - everything LED!
WOW!
So I ordered it. Well, everything is pretty cool BUT the flames. The
mirror is completely smoked and the logs look like lumps - it just
doesn't have the depth and realism of the Dimplex flames, even with all
of the special effects. So, in my opinion, the Dimplex + Kracklebox is
still better (& cheaper) after seeing the two side-by-side!
Fireplace Remodeling Made Easy Building a new fireplace
in your home does not have to turn your home upside down, unless you
choose to build a gas or wood burning fireplace.
