Dimplex Detroit Deluxe Optiflame Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.6/10
Best for: Adding a fireplace feature and supplementary warmth without a chimney
Not for: Heating a large or poorly insulated room - electric fires are supplementary heat
Bottom line: A practical electric fireplace (freestanding fire, 2kW) for a cosy focal point.
Is it a good fit for a room that needs both style and practical heat? The Dimplex Detroit Deluxe electric fire review UK reads as mixed but usable. It is a freestanding The Dimplex electric fireplace with an LED flame effect and variable brightness, plus a 2kW fan heater with 1,000 or 2,000 watt settings for matching warmth to the room and comfort needs, while flame effect details are distinct from the heat output. As a choice for the look of a classic coal or pebble-style display, buyers may appreciate the appearance, but heating expectations should remain realistic.
Key specifications
| Feature | Spec Notes |
|---|---|
| Flame effect | LED Variable brightness |
| Heat output | 2kW Fan heater |
| Watt settings | 1000/2000W Two levels |
| Fuel effect | Real coal/white pebbles Choice varies |
| Form | Freestanding Standalone placement |
Pros
- Freestanding fire
- 2kW heat output
- LED flame effect
- No chimney, flue or fuel needed - just a socket
Cons
- Supplementary heat only - not a replacement for central heating
- Needs a socket within reach; avoid extension leads at full heat
- Running at full heat costs the same as any 2kW electric heater
Style and Installation
Style and installation matter because the electric fireplace is designed as a freestanding electric fireplace, so it can be placed in a room without fitting it into a wall or hearth. Its chrome-look finish and visual fuel bed of real coal or white pebbles help it suit different interiors. Installation is mainly placement followed by plug-in setup. Position it with clearances around the heater area, keep cables tidy, and avoid blocking the front visual panel. Flame brightness can be adjusted after setup.
Heat Output and Room Size
The Dimplex offers two heat settings, 1000 W and 2000 W. The 1000 W option is suited to smaller rooms and milder conditions, while the 2000 W option delivers faster heat-up for larger spaces or colder days, with higher electricity use. The heater includes a 2 kW fan heater for electric warmth.
Flame Effect and Realism
How convincing is the flame effect when the electric fireplace is running? The unit uses a LED flame effect to project a flame pattern over real coal or white pebbles, helping the overall scene look more natural. In typical room lighting, the flame brightness is adjustable, so a lower setting can reduce glare while a higher setting improves visibility from a wider angle. Overall, it is best suited to living-room viewing distances.
Controls and Features
Controls and features on this electric fireplace focus on simple, everyday use and on how the flame effect appears in a room. The unit is a freestanding electric fireplace with an LED flame effect and adjustable flame brightness, making it possible to tailor the look to the room's lighting. A fan heater offers 1000 W and 2000 W heat settings, and it can be switched on or off depending on heat needs. The fuel bed is presented using real coal or white pebbles.
Who Is This For?
Who is the Dimplex Detroit Deluxe best suited for? This is a freestanding electric fireplace designed as a room-standing feature in a chrome finish. It suits buyers who want an LED flame visual for day-to-day use, plus controllable heat via a 2kW fan heater with 1000 and 2000 watt settings. The coal and white pebble effects also make it suitable for households looking to choose between those visual styles.
Where to Buy in the UK
Where can a buyer in the UK get the Dimplex freestanding electric fireplace, and what should they check before ordering? It is available from UK retailers including Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, Argos, B&Q, Wickes, Dunelm, Wayfair, and The Range, plus established nationwide online marketplaces. Before purchase, they should confirm the item description matches the "Electric fireplace" freestanding fire with the chrome electric fireplace body and LED flame effect. They should also verify the box includes real coal or white pebbles, and that the unit is listed with 2kW and 1000/2000 watt heat settings. If any of these details are marked as "not stated", they should contact the seller for clarification before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dimplex worth it?
As a room feature with supplementary heat, the electric fireplace (freestanding fire) does the job, with 2kW of heat. Electric fires are chosen mainly for the look and the instant, flue-free warmth. Check the current Amazon UK price, as fireplaces are discounted heavily outside the autumn peak.
How is this electric fireplace installed?
The Dimplex is a freestanding fire. Wall-mounted fires hang on the wall using the supplied bracket - check the wall type and use appropriate fixings, especially on plasterboard - and need a socket or a spur within reach.
How much heat does the Dimplex Detroit Deluxe give out?
The electric fireplace is rated at 2kW. Most electric fires top out around 2kW, which realistically takes the chill off a small to medium room rather than heating a large or poorly insulated space. Treat it as supplementary heating and a focal point rather than a replacement for central heating. The lower setting is usually the more economical everyday choice.
How realistic is the flame on this electric fireplace?
The Dimplex uses LED flame effect. Flame realism is largely why people choose one electric fire over another, so it's worth looking at video of it running.
Are electric fireplaces expensive to run?
Running cost depends on the heat setting and your electricity tariff. At full output most electric fires draw around 2kW, so an hour at full heat costs roughly the same as running any 2kW heater - use the lower setting or a thermostat to cut that considerably. Crucially, the flame effect alone uses very little (it's just LEDs), so leaving the flames on without heat costs pennies.