Dimplex

Dimplex has been building electric heat since 1949, and it built the category as much as it competed in it. The company produced the first domestic storage heater in 1961, was acquired by Glen in the 1970s to form Glen Dimplex, and now sits inside a privately held Irish group that is the world's largest manufacturer of electrical heating products. North American product development and operations run out of Cambridge, Ontario. That combination of heating engineering and flame design is why Dimplex shows up in backyards rather than just living rooms.

What separates Dimplex outdoors is that both halves of the lineup solve a real patio problem without a gas line. The Ignite outdoor electric fireplaces use Multi-Fire flame technology, layering color, depth, and movement into a flame effect you can tune for speed, color, and brightness, then pair with driftwood, tumbled glass, or crystal media. The DIR Series infrared heaters take the opposite approach: a ruby halogen element behind Schott Nextrema ceramic glass, sealed in an anodized aluminum housing rated IP65 for direct weather exposure, throwing directional heat at full strength in under 6 seconds. Infrared warms people and surfaces instead of air, so it holds up on a breezy patio where a mushroom heater struggles.

The range gives you room to spec the install. Ignite Evolve is the minimalist option in 50, 60, 74, and 100 inch widths that recesses flush into a 2x6 wall. Ignite Bold runs a commanding linear full-frame presentation, and Ignite XL delivers edge-to-edge glass with an uninterrupted flame view. All are certified for covered outdoor installations and controllable through the Flame Connect app for flame, brightness, temperature, and scheduling. On the heat side, DIR Series heaters mount to a wall or ceiling at adjustable angles, hardwire to a 240V dedicated circuit, ship with a remote and mounting brackets, and come in wattages sized to the coverage area.

Dimplex fits the homeowner or builder finishing a covered patio, pergola, three-season room, or outdoor kitchen who wants ambiance and usable warmth without running gas or storing propane. Ignite fireplaces are backed by a 5-year indoor and 1-year outdoor limited warranty, and DIR Series heaters carry a 1-year warranty. Backyard Commerce is an authorized retailer, so every unit ships with full factory coverage and support.