Buying guide
Dimplex Nova
vs Revillusion
A shallower plug-in hearth or a deeper traditional firebox. Find the difference worth making room for.
The decision
Decide whether the deeper view is worth the space.
Choose Dimplex Nova when a shallower, plug-in firebox and a familiar log display fit the room. Choose Dimplex Revillusion when seeing into a layered firebox—with illuminated logs, a visible interior and a translucent flame panel—is central to the project. We would spend more on Revillusion for the layered view and lighting control. If extra warmth is your main goal, compare the electrical installation before upgrading.
Start with Nova for a simpler cabinet project
The 33-inch log model brings three flame speeds, three brightness levels and a supplied infrared remote. Its 8-inch minimum opening depth can make it the more practical starting point when the cabinet cannot accommodate a deeper fireplace.
Explore Dimplex Nova 33-inch logsStart with Revillusion for a traditional hearth
The 30-inch Neutral Brick model gives the flame a brick-lined setting, adds an ambient-light sensor and supports different electrical supplies. It needs a taller, deeper framed opening than this Nova example. Decide whether that finished view is worth the extra room and project cost.
Explore Dimplex Revillusion 30-inch Neutral BrickWe compare these two current log fireboxes as concrete examples. Their nominal sizes differ, and they are not interchangeable inserts. Other sizes and finishes have their own equipment and installation details.
Picture your room
Look at the whole hearth, not just the flame.
Nova: tune the pace of the flame
Nova lets you choose minimum, medium or maximum flame speed. On the log version, the documented themes are natural, red highlights and orange highlights. Its three brightness levels adjust the flame and logs. Those are useful everyday choices if you want a quieter effect in the evening without changing the room’s traditional character.
Revillusion: light the interior as well as the logs
Revillusion combines internally illuminated Realogs with a translucent Reflective Flame Panel. You can see the firebox interior rather than a conventional opaque mirror. Its 360° lighting offers white, yellow and red settings. Turn on the built-in ambient-light sensor to let brightness respond as the room light changes.
The Neutral Brick interior is a physical finish; it does not turn into Herringbone, Black or Weathered Concrete when you change the lighting. Choose the backer before ordering.
For either fireplace, picture the view from your usual chair as well as from directly in front. The appeal is the complete arrangement of logs, flame, surround and opening—not the longest list of color settings.
At a glance
Where the two examples actually differ.
| What changes | Dimplex Nova 33-inch logs | Dimplex Revillusion 30-inch Neutral Brick |
|---|---|---|
| Flame controls | Three flame speeds; three brightness levels | Brightness/flicker modes; flame-base accents; interior lighting |
| Room-light response | Choose brightness manually | Ambient-light sensor can adjust brightness automatically |
| Control method | Supplied infrared remote and hidden touch controls | Supplied directional remote and hidden touch controls |
| Phone connection | No app or Wi-Fi required | No app or Wi-Fi required |
| Minimum opening / framing W × H × D | 31⅝ × 22⅝ × 8 inches | 30⅝ × 26 3/16 × 12½ inches |
| Electrical supply | 120V plug-in | 120V plug-in connection or documented hardwired supply options |
| Heat rating | 1,465W at 120V | 1,300W at 120V; 1,975W at 208V; 2,575W at 240V |
| Flame without heat | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep timer | 30 minutes to eight hours | 30 minutes to eight hours |
| Limited appliance warranty | Two years; eligible in-home service during that term | Two years; eligible in-home service in year one, covered parts in year two |
These are opening requirements for the named examples, not overall front dimensions or a complete clearance plan. Use the linked installation drawings before making a cabinet or cutting a wall.
Plan the project
The deeper firebox needs a different wall plan.
When depth is limited
Nova’s minimum opening depth is 8 inches, with the manual’s rear air space and airflow beneath the unit preserved. Revillusion needs 12½ inches of framing depth in this 30-inch version. That difference can decide the project before appearance or price enters the conversation.
When extra heat matters
At 120V, Revillusion’s documented heat rating is lower than Nova’s. Revillusion’s higher output requires the appropriate 208V or 240V installation. Ask the installer to quote the actual electrical work before treating the higher rating as part of your purchase.
Nova’s manual specifies a suitable 120V receptacle and 15-amp circuit. Revillusion’s manual recommends a dedicated, properly fused 15-amp circuit rated for the chosen supply. Both need the documented connection and access; neither should be operated through an extension cord.
Revillusion’s ¼-inch self-trimming flange is a finishing edge, not a way to conceal an oversized opening. Its manual also requires insulation and vapor barrier at the top to remain at least two inches from the firebox. Nova requires airflow below the unit and must not sit directly on carpet or go into a damp existing fireplace.
For a room that already has adequate heating, compare the flame-only experience first. Both can remain part of the room with the heater off. Neither rating establishes how warm your entire home will become.
What arrives
Check the package before adding extras.
Dimplex Nova 33-inch logs
- Log firebox with front glazing and the selected log presentation
- Infrared remote and hidden front touch controls
- Power cord for the documented plug-in installation
- Installation, operation and care guide
Dimplex Revillusion 30-inch Neutral Brick
- Firebox with installed log set and tumbled glass embers
- Front glass, glass trim and the listed glass hardware
- Remote control
- Power-cord assembly and four wire connectors
- Installation and user guide
A mantel, finished wall and site work are separate project items. Do not add another plug kit, remote or front glass just because another generation of the range needed it: the current Revillusion manual lists those pieces in the package.
There is more than one look in each range
Nova is offered in 23-, 26-, 28- and 33-inch sizes, with log and acrylic-crystal versions. The crystal versions have different color themes; changing the theme on a log model does not convert its ember bed. Optional driftwood also has specific crystal-model compatibility.
Revillusion includes 24-, 30-, 36-, 36-inch Portrait and 42-inch configurations, with Neutral Brick, Weathered Concrete, Herringbone and Black interiors in the current assortment. The smaller 24-inch firebox uses different documentation and electrical details. Choose the size and interior on the product page, then have us check the exact package and opening.
Our take
Buy the view you want to come home to.
Why we would choose Nova
We like Nova for a room where the cabinetry, log look and straightforward evening use matter more than a deeper built-in firebox. The flame-speed control is a real preference to try: a calmer display can feel more at home in a reading room. Its shallower opening and two-year eligible in-home appliance service are worth including in the decision.
Ratings cover the Dimplex Nova family.
What owners say
Owners commonly enjoy the realism, cozy appearance and the option to keep the flames on without heat. Several describe easy installation or a satisfying replacement for an older fireplace arrangement. Heat and fan experiences vary: some welcome the warmth and quietness, while another finds the output and blower disappointing. We would choose it for the visual fit first and supplementary comfort second.
Why we would choose Revillusion
We would spend more on Revillusion when the fireplace opening is the feature we want the room to gather around. The visible interior, glowing logs and room-light response give specific reasons to choose it. We would settle the Neutral Brick finish and sight line first, then price the wall depth and electrical arrangement around that choice.
Ratings cover the Dimplex Revillusion family.
What owners say
Owners who like Revillusion often point to realistic flames, attractive appearance and straightforward installation. Other feedback is less enthusiastic about flame size, log proportions or operating noise. One installation account highlights the space needed behind the unit for the plug. Together, those experiences make viewing angle, framing depth and checking the supplied accessories especially useful before purchase.
Shop the ranges
Continue with the exact configuration.
These cards select Nova 33-inch logs and Revillusion 30-inch Neutral Brick. Compare the opening and complete project cost alongside the current appliance prices. Other sizes and presentations are available on the product pages.
Dimplex
Nova 33-inch logs
Dimplex Nova family rating
$1,474.99
33-inch log model with front glazing, remote and power cord.
Dimplex
Revillusion 30-inch Neutral Brick
Dimplex Revillusion family rating
$2,224.99
30-inch Neutral Brick model with installed logs, front glass, remote and power-cord assembly.
Warranty and documents
Service at home is a benefit worth comparing.
Nova: two-year eligible appliance service
Nova’s two-year limited appliance warranty includes eligible on-site or in-home service, with covered labor and transportation subject to its terms. That can be a meaningful benefit for a firebox installed into cabinetry. Mantels and trims have their own one-year coverage.
Read the Nova limited warrantyRevillusion: first-year service, second-year parts
Revillusion’s two-year limited appliance warranty includes eligible repair or replacement with in-home service in year one. Year two provides covered replacement parts without in-home service; labor, transportation and removal costs are not included. Mantels and trims have a separate one-year term.
Read the Revillusion limited warrantyBoth warranties apply to the original purchaser within their listed eligible US and Canadian regions and require proof of purchase. You must provide clear service access; travel charges may apply beyond 30 miles from the nearest authorized service depot. Read the exact warranty for exclusions and claim instructions.
Before ordering
A few details worth settling first.
Let’s find the right fit for your project.
Tell us the opening dimensions, your preferred log or interior treatment and how you plan to power the fireplace. We can help check the exact configuration before the cabinet or wall is finished.
Speak to an Expert
Good questions
A clearer choice.
Is Revillusion automatically the warmer fireplace?
No. At 120V, the current 30-inch Revillusion is rated 1,300W versus Nova’s 1,465W. Revillusion’s higher 208V or 240V ratings require the appropriate installation. Decide the supply with your installer.
Do either of these fireplaces need Wi-Fi?
No. These examples use supplied remotes and hidden touch controls. Nova’s manual identifies an infrared remote; Revillusion’s remote must be pointed toward its hidden controls.
Can the same opening take both examples?
Do not assume so. The Nova 33-inch log model requires a minimum 31⅝ × 22⅝ × 8-inch opening; the Revillusion 30-inch frame is 30⅝ × 26 3/16 × 12½ inches. Each needs its own complete installation requirements.
Does the two-year warranty mean the same service on both?
No. Nova’s eligible in-home appliance service runs across its two-year limited term. Revillusion provides eligible in-home service in year one and covered replacement parts in year two. Full terms and eligibility apply.