What is the most realistic flame effect electric/fire?stove

povstours

Having had a new central heating system put in we now need a nice looking electric fire or stove to replace the old baxi bermuda. As we really only need it for the cosy look of the flames it is that which is important, not heat output. Anyone any suggestions for the most realistic looking flame effect?

malc_b

I'd also ask about noise level too. Most use a fan to blow bit of silk around to get the flame effect. Some of these fans are pretty noisy, especially the cheap ones from B&Q etc.. You really want to hear the fire working before you buy.

andrewf75

Can a fake fire ever look nice?
My baxi is being replaced by a woodburner as soon as I have the money

anotherbaldrick

Has to be the Dimplex with "Opti-myst" flame effect. This uses water to produce a small cloud of vapour above the logs which the backlight illuminates and produces an effect indistinguishable from the genuine . Fascinating to sit and watch it.

http://www.dimplex.co.uk/products/fires_surrounds/what_is_the_optimyst.htm

rustyboy21

Another one for Optymist. Is a good flame picture with fake smoke.

Another one is the Dimension electric fire from Valor. It is a holographic image of a real coal fire and looks spookily good. Really good glow and cheap to run as only one fan on the slimline model to do both the flicker effect and the heat convection. Is really quiet too.
You will see one in your local Valor centre showroom. More than likely, you will see an optimist too.

because

Another vote for Optimyst great effect for an electric fire

SG27

andrewf75 wrote: »

Can a fake fire ever look nice?
My baxi is being replaced by a woodburner as soon as I have the money

Having the money is the problem for most people. Also logs are expensive. A gas fire would be much more cost effective.

rustyboy21

If you have plenty of dosh ( and I mean Plenty !) have a look at the opti V.

I saw it in june at the trade show and I was floored by it's effect. It is literally the best flame picture on the market, but comes with a big price tag ( circa £2k+)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq1V1hrjp3k

malc_b

Does anyone have one of these optimist? The manual doesn't say how much water is used. I wonder if this is adding a lot of water to the house and so making condensation worse?

Fraise

How realistic are these fires? Also, do they throw out any heat, and are they noisy?

gasc2188

I went to see the Opti-myst today and was a bit disappointed, I think I had expected too much. It looks like real smoke but that is about where it ends for me. Done some research and they don't seem that reliable either, lots of people reporting problems and expensive repair bills. You also have to use filtered water, and some are saying they suffer from condensation after using them. Too many doubts I'm afraid. Path Thinking of a Valor Dimensions electric fire now