Why We Replaced Our Gas Fireplace with the Most Realistic Electric Fireplace from Arizona Fireplaces
If you’ve been following along for a while, you probably know our renovation journey, which we started in October 2024. Honestly, every single part of it has felt like a major decision, from designing the kitchen and bathrooms to choosing flooring and wall colors. But one of the biggest design choices for us was the fireplace.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Arizona Fireplaces. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
We had a gas fireplace and initially thought we’d keep it. But after visiting Arizona Fireplaces and seeing their collection, we completely changed our minds. They had so many beautiful, modern designs, some of which looked unbelievably real and elegant, far beyond what I expected from an electric fireplace. That visit completely shifted our plan and changed the layout of our living room.
In this post, I want to share some of the best and most realistic electric fireplaces available on the market, including a few you can find at Arizona Fireplaces, where we saw several in person during our renovation. After sharing this list, I’ll also tell you which one we personally picked and why.
1. Dimplex IgniteXL® Series
The IgniteXL® Series by Dimplex is a favorite for its modern, clean design and incredibly lifelike flame effect. The flames have soft, natural movement and can be adjusted in color and brightness to create the perfect mood. It uses advanced technology that gives the fire real depth — not that flat, artificial look you might remember from older electric models.
2. Modern Flames Orion Series
The Orion Series by Modern Flames creates one of the most convincing flame effects you’ll see in an electric fireplace. The lighting layers blend and move together to give the appearance of real fire depth and flicker. It’s sleek, minimal, and works beautifully in contemporary living rooms, media walls, or open-concept layouts.
3. Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro
This is one of those fireplaces that looks even better in person. The Opti-Myst Pro creates its flame effect with a fine water vapor mist that rises like real smoke, giving it that soft, dimensional feel of a true fire. It’s totally safe to touch, doesn’t create heat or soot, and gives off a peaceful, calming glow that feels luxurious and spa-like.
4. Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart Fireplace
The Sideline Elite is perfect if you like a clean, modern look but want full control over the flame and heat. It offers multiple flame color options, adjustable brightness, and even connects to your phone for smart controls. It’s sleek, easy to use, and adds that high-end look without the maintenance of gas.
5. Real Flame Silverton Electric Fireplace
If you love a traditional fireplace look, the Silverton by Real Flame is a great choice. It comes with a beautiful mantel and offers realistic flames with adjustable colors, brightness, and ember effects. It instantly gives that cozy, classic feel, perfect for smaller living spaces or anyone who wants the charm of a real fire without the hassle.
6. MagikFlame 3D Electric Fireplace
MagikFlame uses 3D holographic flame effects that create a surprisingly realistic fire illusion. The layered light, natural motion, and soft crackling sound make it feel authentic and warm. It’s a great choice if you want that realistic flame experience but still want the ease and safety of electric.
7. Modern Flames Redstone Series
For a built-in or more traditional setup, the Redstone Series by Modern Flames has beautiful flame effects that look rich and dimensional. You can choose different color tones and brightness levels, and it works perfectly if you want something elegant but understated.
8. Modern Ember Aerus Electric Fireplace
The Aerus model from Modern Ember combines smart home technology with style. It’s sleek and easy to control, with multiple flame styles and heat settings. It’s perfect for anyone who loves design but also wants something high-tech and functional.
Why We Decided to Switch from Gas to Electric
Our previous gas fireplace was placed right in the middle of the living room, dividing the space into two separate areas. As much as we enjoyed having it, it didn’t work with the open concept we envisioned. Once we decided to remove that wall, keeping a gas fireplace meant rerouting the gas line, getting additional city permits, and turning what was supposed to be a simple layout change into a major construction project.
And since we live in Arizona, we only really need the heat for a few short months each year. It just didn’t make sense to go through all that extra work, so we started exploring electric options, and that’s when everything changed.
The Showroom Visit That Changed Our Minds
When we first started looking into electric fireplaces, I honestly didn’t expect much. I always thought of them as those older styles that looked flat and artificial. But once we stopped by Arizona Fireplaces, I realized how much things have changed. The team explained how the new technology works and showed us several models that looked so elegant and beautifully designed.
They even put out some heat —not as much as a real gas fireplace, of course, but enough to make the space feel cozy. For us, living in Arizona, where it’s only cool for a few months, it was the perfect solution. Plus, I love that we can turn it on in spring or fall just for the ambiance without overheating the house.
What We Finally Picked for the Living Room and Wine Lounge
After looking at so many different options, we finally decided on the Dimplex IgniteXL® Bold Built-In Linear Fireplace. We wanted something long, modern, and elegant, and this one had the perfect clean, sleek look that fit our space beautifully.
The flame design has depth and movement without trying too hard to look like a real gas flame; it just feels elegant and calming. The colors are adjustable, the heat is soft, and the overall look is timeless. We even decided to use the same model in our wine lounge, just in a smaller size, to keep everything cohesive.
Why We Chose the Dimplex IgniteXL® Bold for Both Rooms
The Dimplex IgniteXL® Bold stood out because of its panoramic flame view, edge-to-edge glass, and minimalist design. It installs nearly flush with the wall for that seamless built-in look, and the flame effect is adjustable in both color and intensity. It’s easy to use, low-maintenance, and lets us enjoy the glow year-round, with or without heat.
It gives us that cozy, modern ambiance we wanted, without the upkeep or heavy heat of our old gas fireplace. Honestly, it’s one of those design decisions that completely changed the atmosphere of our home.
Final Thoughts
Switching from gas to electric was truly one of the best design choices we made during our renovation. It simplified our layout, saved us from extra construction, and gave our home a clean, modern look that still feels timeless and cozy.
Electric fireplaces have come such a long way; they’re low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and surprisingly realistic. Whether you love that modern linear style or something softer and more natural, there’s truly an option for every space and every style.
For us, the Dimplex IgniteXL® Bold was the perfect fit. It gives us that warm, inviting glow without the mess or constant upkeep of gas, and it’s become one of those pieces that completely changed the feel of our home.
That said, no matter what you choose for your own space, gas or electric, it’s going to be beautiful. Arizona Fireplaces also carries a stunning collection of gas fireplaces if that’s what you love most. The most important thing is finding what fits your home’s layout, your lifestyle, and what makes you happiest every time you walk into the room.
Love,
Sherry XOXO
