Dimplex Optimyst Water Vapor Fireplaces

Shop the Dimplex Optimyst series, which uses ultrasonic water vapor rather than LEDs to create its flame. The result is a fire and smoke effect with genuine three-dimensional depth, available in the Aura, Revive, Pro, Mapleton, and Cassette models.

Dimplex Optimyst Water Vapor Fireplaces

Optimyst is the reason Dimplex gets mentioned whenever anyone argues about whether electric fireplaces can look real. Often called a steam fireplace or a mist fireplace, an Optimyst unit doesn't project LED light onto a screen or reflector — it produces an ultra-fine water mist and illuminates it from within. Because the flame is formed in an actual suspended medium rather than painted onto a surface, it has real physical depth, moves like fire, and holds up when viewed from an angle, which is where conventional electric flame effects fall apart. Several models also produce a visible smoke effect for the same reason.

The line covers a range of installation types: the Aura and Revive as compact units at 28 and 25 inches, the Pro as a built-in water vapor firebox in 40 and 60-inch widths, and a 20-inch RGB Cassette for tighter built-in applications. The tradeoff for the realism is maintenance, since these units hold a water reservoir that needs refilling and periodic cleaning.

Why Buy a Dimplex Optimyst Electric Fireplace

  • Water vapor flame with genuine three-dimensional depth, not an LED effect projected onto a screen.
  • Realistic smoke effect on several models, which no LED system reproduces.
  • Holds up visually from off-angle viewing positions, unlike screen-based flame effects.
  • Available as compact units and as built-in fireboxes, including RGB color control on the Pro Box and Cassette models.

What to Consider When Buying

  • Plan for the maintenance. Optimyst units use water, and the reservoir needs regular refilling plus periodic cleaning to keep the mist system working properly.
  • Water quality matters. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on what to use in the reservoir, since mineral buildup shortens the life of the misting components.
  • Consider how often the fireplace will run. Daily use means more frequent refills than occasional evening use.
  • For built-in models, confirm the rough opening and cavity depth, and account for access to the water reservoir after the surround is finished.
  • If low maintenance matters more than maximum realism, compare against the Ignite or Revillusion LED-based lines.