Electric fires have changed. A few years ago they were a compromise. Today the best models give you a genuine focal point, a media-wall centrepiece, and real warmth, all without a chimney or a sweep. The flame effects have finally caught up with the marketing, and running costs are lower than most people expect.
We looked at the fires Irish buyers are actually choosing in 2026, with a focus on media-wall and feature-wall installs, because that is where most of the demand now sits. Here are our picks, how they compare, and what to check before you buy.
How we chose these fires
We judged every fire on five things. Flame realism, because it is the first thing anyone notices. Build depth, because a full-depth fire throws a far more convincing flame than a shallow panel. Running cost, because Irish electricity prices matter. Control, because app and remote operation is now standard at the top end. And installation flexibility, because a fire that works single-sided, three-sided, or in a corner suits far more rooms.
We have leaned towards media-wall and feature-wall fires throughout. If you are planning a TV feature wall, that is the category to understand first.
What to look for in an electric fire
Start with the install type. Built-in and inset fires suit clean modern feature walls and chimney breasts. Wall-mounted models are the quickest to fit. Three-sided and corner fires give you the widest flame picture and the most flexible placement. Electric stoves suit cottages and traditional rooms.
Then look at flame quality. Full-depth fires with a charred-log fuel bed and layered LED lighting look dramatically better than thin glass-fronted panels. A black rear panel or smoked-glass front deepens the flame and cuts glare, which matters in bright Irish living rooms.
Finally, check the practical details. Heat output for your room size. Flame-only mode for year-round use. App control if you want it. And the TV size the fire is designed to sit beneath, if it is going on a media wall.
The best electric fires in Ireland for 2026
Best media-wall fire – Lumo Odyssey 180
The Odyssey 180 is a 70-inch statement fire built for a large media wall. It is designed in Ireland, which is rare at this level, and it shows in the detail. Handcrafted charred-oak logs sit over integrated LEDs, and a black mirror back panel gives the flame a real sense of depth. You get six flame styles, full app and remote control, and flame-only running at around 1 cent per hour. If you want the centrepiece of the room to be the fire rather than the television, this is the one.
Best value-luxury fire – Lumo Ultra 150 Black Series (2026)
The Ultra 150 is where Lumo makes its strongest case. It is a 60-inch full-depth fire that suits TVs up to 65 inches. The 2026 Black Series adds a black rear panel and smoked front and side glass, which lifts flame vibrancy and reduces reflections. Build quality is genuinely premium, with cold-rolled steel, tempered glass, and a powder-coated finish. It ships with a real Irish-oak log kit, RGB LED lighting across separate flame zones, crackling-log sound, and Smart Life app control. It does most of what fires costing considerably more will do, which is the whole point of it.
Best compact feature-wall fire – Lumo Ultra 130
If your wall is smaller, the Ultra 130 brings the same Black Series treatment in a 50-inch format. You keep the enhanced flame effects, the charred-oak logs, dual heat settings, and the flexible single, three-sided, or corner installation. It is the sensible choice for a snug, a smaller sitting room, or a bedroom feature wall where the 150 would overwhelm the space.
Best premium alternative – Evonic E-lectra 150
It is worth knowing the established premium names. The Evonic E-lectra is a strong, well-regarded media-wall fire with excellent flame technology. It is the fire Lumo most often gets compared against, and if budget is no object it deserves a look. For most buyers, though, the gap in real-world performance is narrower than the gap in price, which is why Lumo keeps winning the value argument.
Best for ultra-realistic flames – Dimplex Optimyst
For pure flame realism, Dimplex Optimyst remains the benchmark. It uses water vapour and lighting to create a three-dimensional flame and smoke effect that genuinely looks like a wood fire. It is a different proposition to a full-depth media-wall fire, but if lifelike ambience is your single priority, it earns its place.
Lumo versus the premium brands – how Irish design compares
| Feature | Lumo Ultra 150 | Evonic E-lectra 150 | Dimplex Vivente |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Designed in Ireland | UK | UK |
| Build | Full-depth, cold-rolled steel | Full-depth | Inset depth |
| Flame lighting | 3 zones, RGB LED | Multi-setting LED | OptiMyst effect |
| Fuel bed | Real Irish-oak log kit | Log set | Log set |
| Glass | Smoked front and side (Black Series) | Standard front | Standard front |
| Control | Smart Life app and remote | App and remote | Remote |
| Flame-only running cost | Around 1 cent per hour | Low | Low |
| Relative price | €€ | €€€ | €€€ |
The pattern is clear. Lumo matches the premium brands on the features that affect what you see and how you use the fire, then undercuts them on price. The Irish design angle is not only marketing either. It means stock and support are local, which is worth something when you are fitting a fire into a build.
Prices and models update through the year, so confirm the current figure on each product page before you commit.
What an electric fire actually costs to run
This is where electric fires surprise people. On heat, most models cost somewhere between 30 and 60 cent per hour, depending on the setting and your electricity rate. That is for genuine room heating, and you would rarely run it flat out.
The real advantage is flame-only mode. Lumo’s fires run the flame effect for around 1 cent per hour, because the LEDs draw very little power. So you can have the glow and the atmosphere every evening for next to nothing, and only switch the heat on when you actually want it. There is no fuel to buy, no chimney to sweep, and no soot to clean.
Installation and media-wall fit
Electric fires are far simpler to install than gas or solid fuel. There is no flue, no gas line, and no chimney required. Wall-mounted models often just need a socket. Full-depth media-wall fires need a stud or block recess built to the right dimensions, which is straightforward for any builder working on a feature wall.
If you are planning a TV above the fire, match the fire to the screen. The Ultra 130 suits TVs up to around 55 inches, the Ultra 150 up to 65 inches, and the Odyssey 180 anchors the largest walls. Leave the recommended clearance above the fire so heat never reaches the television.
Frequently asked questions
Are electric fires expensive to run in Ireland?
Not really. Flame-only mode costs around 1 cent per hour on a Lumo fire. With the heat on you are looking at roughly 30 to 60 cent per hour, and you control exactly how much heat you use.
Do I need a chimney for an electric fire?
No. Electric fires run on mains electricity and need no chimney, flue, or gas connection. That is what makes them so easy to fit in modern homes and apartments.
Which electric fire is best for a media wall?
A full-depth fire gives the most convincing flame on a feature wall. The Lumo Ultra and Odyssey ranges are built specifically for this, with sizes to match common TV widths.
Can I run the flames without the heat?
Yes. Every fire here lets you enjoy the flame effect on its own, all year round, using very little electricity. The heat is a separate setting you switch on when you need it.
Is Lumo a good brand?
Lumo is designed in Ireland and built to compete with premium names like Evonic and Dimplex, usually at a lower price. The Black Series models in particular offer premium build, strong flame effects, and full app control, which is why they feature so heavily in our picks.
Cian’s Key Thought
If you are fitting a feature wall or media wall in 2026, the Lumo range is the value benchmark to beat. The Odyssey 180 is the showpiece, the Ultra 150 is the sweet spot for most homes, and the Ultra 130 covers smaller rooms. Have a look at the full range, compare the sizes against your wall and your TV, and you will have a centrepiece that earns its place every evening.