Modern Flames Electric Fireplace Comparison Guide
A side-by-side analysis of six Modern Flames electric fireplace families — flame technology, installation, heating, controls, sizing and specs from official manuals.
Shallowest installation depth — Spectrum Slimline at 4" finished opening, compatible with a standard 2×4 stud wall
Only series approved for outdoor use — Landscape Pro Multi, under a patio cover away from direct water or sun
Most installation configurations — Landscape Pro Multi with 6 options: single-sided, left corner, right corner, 3-sided bay, half-recessed, suite wall mount
Largest available size — Landscape Pro Multi and Orion Multi, both available up to 120"
Traditional-style options — Redstone Traditional and Orion Traditional only; all other series are linear
Maximum heat output — 10,000 BTU on Landscape Pro Multi and Orion Multi (240V option); 8,300 BTU on Orion Traditional OR36/42/54
Introduction
What this guide covers and how to use it
This comparison guide analyzes six Modern Flames electric fireplace model families based on manufacturer documentation. It is for buyers evaluating installation options, heating requirements, size constraints, flame technology, and control preferences across Modern Flames product lines.
All information is extracted from official installation manuals, owner's guides, and manufacturer brochures. Where documentation does not specify certain attributes, this guide states "Not specified by manufacturer" rather than making assumptions.
- Which model families offer your required installation type — built-in, insert, wall-mount, or recessed
- What flame technology each series uses and what that means in practice
- Which models meet your heating output needs, from 5,000 to 10,000 BTU
- Which family is approved for outdoor installation versus indoor-only use
- What electrical requirements each family demands — 15A versus 20A, and which need 240V for full output
Understanding Modern Flames Model Families
Six families, each with multiple size options
Flame Technology: HelioVision™ vs Hybrid-FX™
What each technology does and which series uses it
Modern Flames uses two distinct flame technologies across its six series. The technology is the primary factor behind visual differences between models — understanding what each does makes the choice between series clearer.
Technology Feature Comparison
| Feature | HelioVision™ | Hybrid-FX™ |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Orion Multi, Orion Slim, Orion Traditional | LPM, Redstone Traditional, Spectrum Slimline |
| Flame styles per unit | 3 (Hybrid, Wood, Gas appearance) | 1 |
| Flame color options | 6 per style — 18 total presets | 10–14+ depending on series |
| Ember bed control | Independent RGB | Independent (all three series) |
| Downlighting control | Independent RGB | Independent (all three series) |
| Ambient crackling audio | Yes — 4 volume levels | Not documented |
| Viewing angle consistency | "Consistent regardless of viewing angle" | No specific claim in documentation |
| App / Wi-Fi control | Yes — all Orion series | Yes — Landscape Pro Multi; not documented for Redstone or Spectrum |
Both technologies are 100% electric
The flame style names "Wood," "Gas," and "Hybrid" on HelioVision models describe visual appearance only. No Modern Flames series in this guide uses gas, requires venting, or produces combustion.
Installation Type Comparison
Based on installation types stated in each family's manual
| Installation Type | Redstone Trad. | Landscape Pro Multi | Orion Multi | Orion Slim | Orion Trad. | Spectrum Slim. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-In | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | — |
| Insert | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Wall-Mount | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Recessed | — | ✓ | Partial | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Corner / 3-Sided Bay | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Outdoor Approved | — | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
Landscape Pro Multi offers the most configurations
The LPM supports six distinct types: fully recessed single-sided, fully recessed left corner, fully recessed right corner, 3-sided bay, half-recessed, and suite wall mount with recessed cabinet. No other series in this lineup matches that flexibility.
Size Range Breakdown
Model numbers and size configurations from manufacturer documentation
| Series | Sizes Available | Model Numbers | Min Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Traditional | 26", 30", 36", 42", 54" | RS-2621, RS-3021, RS-3626, RS-4229, RS-5435 | 10"–12" |
| Landscape Pro Multi | 44", 56", 68", 80", 96", 120" | LPM-4416V2 through LPM-12016V2 | 12" |
| Orion Multi | 52", 60", 76", 100", 120" | OR52-MULTI through OR120-MULTI | 9" |
| Orion Slim | 52", 60", 76", 100" | OR52-SLIM through OR100-SLIM | 6" |
| Orion Traditional | 26", 30", 36", 42", 54" | OR26-TRAD through OR54-TRAD | 10" |
| Spectrum Slimline | 50", 60", 74", 100" | SPS-50B, SPS-60B, SPS-74B, SPS-100B | 4" |
Heating Capabilities
From specifications stated in manufacturer manuals
All six series: 5,000 BTU standard at 120V
Every Modern Flames series in this guide delivers AC 120V, 1,465W (5,000 BTU) as the standard configuration. Three series offer an optional higher output at 240V.
| Series | Standard (120V) | High Output Option | Models with 240V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Traditional | 5,000 BTU / 1,465W | Not available | None |
| Landscape Pro Multi | 5,000 BTU / 1,465W | 10,000 BTU / 2,930W at 240V | All models |
| Orion Multi | 5,000 BTU / 1,465W | 10,000 BTU / 2,930W at 240V | All models |
| Orion Slim | 5,000 BTU / 1,465W | Not available | None |
| Orion Traditional | 5,000 BTU / 1,465W | 8,300 BTU / 2,500W at 240V | OR36, OR42, OR54 only |
| Spectrum Slimline | 5,000 BTU / 1,465W | Not available | None |
⚠️ All models — supplemental heat only
All six series state verbatim: "This product is not intended to be a primary heat source. It is for supplemental heat only."
What is the difference between the Orion Multi and Orion Slim?
Head-to-head — documented differences only
The Orion Multi and Orion Slim share the same HelioVision™ flame technology and identical flame preset options. The differences are practical: wall depth, installation configurations, maximum heat output, and available size range.
| Attribute | Orion Multi | Orion Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Flame technology | HelioVision™ | HelioVision™ |
| Flame styles / presets | 3 styles × 6 colors = 18 | 3 styles × 6 colors = 18 |
| Viewing area height | 18-7/16" | 14-3/8" |
| Min. wall depth (recessed) | 9" | 6" |
| Installation types | Built-in, corner, 3-sided bay, partial recess, wall-mount | Recessed, wall-mount, mantel |
| Available sizes | 52", 60", 76", 100", 120" | 52", 60", 76", 100" |
| Standard BTU (120V) | 5,000 BTU / 1,465W | 5,000 BTU / 1,465W |
| High output option | 10,000 BTU at 240V | Not available |
| App / Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Breaker (standard 120V) | 20A single-pole dedicated | 20A dedicated |
How to decide
If your finished wall is 6" deep or less, the Orion Slim fits where the Orion Multi cannot. If you need corner or 3-sided bay installation, or want the 10,000 BTU option, or need a size larger than 100", choose the Orion Multi. Both deliver identical flame performance from the same HelioVision™ technology.
Redstone Traditional vs Orion Traditional: Which fits your fireplace opening?
Head-to-head — documented differences only
Both series support built-in and insert installation, come in the same five sizes, and share a traditional aesthetic. The differences are flame technology, maximum heat output, smart control capability, and breaker requirement.
| Attribute | Redstone Traditional | Orion Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Flame technology | Hybrid-FX™ | HelioVision™ |
| Flame options | 10 flame colors, independent ember & downlight | 3 styles × 6 colors = 18 presets, lit log sets |
| Available sizes | 26", 30", 36", 42", 54" | 26", 30", 36", 42", 54" |
| Min. framing depth | 10" (26"–42" models) / 12" (54" model) | 10" — all models |
| Standard BTU (120V) | 5,000 BTU | 5,000 BTU |
| High output option | Not available | 8,300 BTU at 240V — OR36, OR42, OR54 only |
| App / Wi-Fi control | Not documented | Yes — Modern Flames App |
| Remote control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Breaker required | 15A dedicated | 20A dedicated |
| Insert installation | ✓ | ✓ |
How to decide
If you want app control and the option for higher heat output on larger sizes, the Orion Traditional is the choice. If your circuit is 15A or you prefer a simpler setup, the Redstone Traditional works on a standard 15-amp outlet. Note: the Redstone RS-5435 (54" model) requires 12" minimum wall depth versus 10" for the Orion OR54-TRAD.
Control Methods
From specifications stated in manufacturer manuals and brochures
| Control Method | Redstone Trad. | Landscape Pro Multi | Orion Multi | Orion Slim | Orion Trad. | Spectrum Slim. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Touch Control Panel | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Modern Flames App | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Alexa / Google Home | — | ✓ | Not specified in documentation | Not specified in documentation | Not specified in documentation | — |
Remote control is included with all six series.
Touch control panel is available on the Redstone Traditional (6-button panel), Orion Multi, Orion Slim, and Orion Traditional. Not documented for Landscape Pro Multi or Spectrum Slimline.
Modern Flames App with Wi-Fi control is available on the Landscape Pro Multi (Alexa and Google Home compatible, confirmed in manufacturer catalog), Orion Multi, Orion Slim, and Orion Traditional. App control is not documented for the Redstone Traditional or Spectrum Slimline. All app-connected models require 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Indoor vs Outdoor Use
Use restrictions from manufacturer manuals
Landscape Pro Multi — Approved for Indoor and Outdoor Use
"The LPM Series electric fireplaces from Modern Flames LLC have been tested and approved for installation outdoors under a patio cover and away from direct water contact or direct sun light." Outdoor requirements: patio roof overhang must be 50% or more of the patio roof height from the bottom of the fireplace; side distance must be 50% or more of that height; base of fireplace must be at minimum 2" above the floor. Outdoor installations not meeting these specifications void the warranty.
⚠️ All other series — indoor use only
Redstone Traditional, Orion Multi, Orion Slim, Orion Traditional, and Spectrum Slimline all state verbatim: "INDOOR use only! NEVER use this heater outdoors! Doing so may result in electric shock!"
Power & Electrical Requirements
From specifications stated in manufacturer manuals
| Requirement | Redstone Trad. | Landscape Pro | Orion Multi | Orion Slim | Orion Trad. | Spectrum Slim. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Breaker | 15A dedicated | 20A dedicated | 20A dedicated | 20A dedicated | 20A dedicated | 15A dedicated |
| Standard Voltage | 120V | 120V | 120V | 120V | 120V | 120V |
| 240V Option | — | ✓ All models | ✓ All models | — | OR36/42/54 only | — |
| Breaker for 240V | — | 20A 2-pole | 20A 2-pole | — | 20A dedicated | — |
Can I plug any of these into a regular outlet?
The Redstone Traditional and Spectrum Slimline can be plugged directly into a dedicated 120V, 15-amp grounded outlet — no special wiring beyond a dedicated circuit. All other series require a dedicated 20-amp circuit. None require 240V wiring unless you specifically want the higher BTU output on the Landscape Pro Multi, Orion Multi, or Orion Traditional. A dedicated circuit means no other appliances share the same breaker.
Orion Multi — 2-pole breaker applies to 240V operation only
The 20-amp 2-pole breaker requirement for the Orion Multi applies only when wiring for 240V / 10,000 BTU. At standard 120V operation, the Orion Multi uses a standard single-pole 20-amp dedicated circuit.
Included Components
Media and hardware from manufacturer manuals
| Series | Included Media |
|---|---|
| Redstone Traditional | Driftwood logs, small glacier crystals (acrylic) |
| Landscape Pro Multi | Canyon Driftwood Log Set, Smoke Acrylic Crystals, Clear Acrylic Stones |
| Orion Multi | Western Driftwood Log Set, Reflective Black Crushed Glass |
| Orion Slim | Western Driftwood Log Set, Reflective Black Crushed Glass |
| Orion Traditional | Log Set (driftwood style), Crushed Glass Media |
| Spectrum Slimline | Log set, Small glacier crystals (acrylic) |
Safety Requirements and Restrictions
From statements in manufacturer manuals
The following restrictions apply to all six series without exception:
- Extension cord prohibition — Never use with an extension cord or power strip.
- Wall mount bracket — Never use a wall mount bracket from another manufacturer.
- No floor placement — Always mount to wall bracket or frame into wall before use.
- No bathrooms or wet areas — Never install where the unit could contact water or become damp.
- Supplemental heat only — Not intended as a primary heat source.
Clearance Requirements
| Clearance | Redstone Trad. | Orion Trad. | Spectrum Slim. | LPM / Orion Multi / Orion Slim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom | 0" | 0" | 0" | Not specified in manufacturer documentation |
| Sides | 0" | 0" | 0" | |
| Rear | 0" | 0" | 0" | |
| Top (mantel / ceiling / TV) | Not specified | 11.8" (300mm) | 11.8" (300mm) | Not specified |
Model Selection Guide
Match your requirements to the right series
Replacing an existing fireplace
Redstone Traditional or Orion Traditional — both support insert installation. Orion Traditional adds app control and optional 240V upgrade on larger sizes.
Wall is 6" deep or less
Spectrum Slimline (4" min) or Orion Slim (6" min). Both fit a 2×4 stud wall. Orion Slim adds HelioVision™ and app control.
Corner or 3-sided bay installation
Landscape Pro Multi or Orion Multi — both support left corner, right corner, and 3-sided bay. LPM also adds outdoor approval and app/Alexa control.
Outdoor patio installation
Landscape Pro Multi only — the only series in this lineup approved for outdoor use under a patio cover. All others are indoor-only.
Need more than 5,000 BTU
Landscape Pro Multi (10,000 BTU), Orion Multi (10,000 BTU), or Orion Traditional (8,300 BTU on 36"–54"). All require a 240V circuit for the higher output.
App and smart home control
Landscape Pro Multi (Alexa/Google Home), Orion Multi, Orion Slim, or Orion Traditional — all four include Modern Flames App with Wi-Fi. Redstone and Spectrum do not document app control.
Only have a 15-amp circuit
Redstone Traditional or Spectrum Slimline — the only two series requiring only a 15A dedicated breaker.
Color customization is the priority
Landscape Pro Multi — full RGB independent control across flame, ember bed, and downlighting with the widest documented color range in the lineup.
Complete Specifications Table
All attributes compared side by side
| Attribute | Redstone Trad. | Landscape Pro Multi | Orion Multi | Orion Slim | Orion Trad. | Spectrum Slim. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flame Technology | Hybrid-FX™ | Hybrid-FX™ | HelioVision™ | HelioVision™ | HelioVision™ | Hybrid-FX™ |
| Style | Traditional | Linear | Linear | Linear | Traditional | Linear |
| Sizes | 26"–54" (5) | 44"–120" (6) | 52"–120" (5) | 52"–100" (4) | 26"–54" (5) | 50"–100" (4) |
| Min. Depth | 10"–12" | 12" | 9" | 6" | 10" | 4" |
| Installation Types | Built-in, Insert | Built-in (6 configs), Wall-mount | Built-in, Corner, Bay, Partial recess, Wall-mount | Recessed, Wall-mount, Mantel | Built-in, Insert | Recessed, Wall-mount |
| Outdoor Approved | — | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Standard BTU | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Max BTU Option | — | 10,000 | 10,000 | — | 8,300 (select) | — |
| Breaker Required | 15A | 20A | 20A | 20A | 20A | 15A |
| Remote | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Touch Panel | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| App Control | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Alexa / Google Home | — | ✓ | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | — |
| Warranty (registered) | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Size Guide | Guide → | Guide → | Guide → | Guide → | Guide → | Guide → |
Frequently Asked Questions
All answers sourced from manufacturer documentation
What is the difference between the Orion Multi and Orion Slim?
The Orion Multi requires a minimum wall depth of 9 inches for recessed installation and supports five configurations including corner and 3-sided bay. It offers an optional 240V upgrade delivering 10,000 BTU and is available in sizes up to 120 inches. The Orion Slim requires only 6 inches of finished wall depth — compatible with a standard 2×4 stud wall — and is available in sizes up to 100 inches at a maximum of 5,000 BTU. Both use HelioVision™ flame technology with identical 3-style, 18-preset flame options.
What is the difference between HelioVision and Hybrid-FX flame technology?
HelioVision™ is used in the Orion Multi, Orion Slim, and Orion Traditional. It produces a multi-dimensional flame appearance with image quality that remains consistent regardless of viewing angle, offers three distinct flame styles per unit, and includes integrated ambient crackling audio. Hybrid-FX™ is used in the Landscape Pro Multi, Redstone Traditional, and Spectrum Slimline. It uses high-intensity RGB lighting to independently control the flame color, ember bed, and downlighting across 10 or more color options per zone.
What is the difference between the Redstone Traditional and Orion Traditional?
The Redstone Traditional uses Hybrid-FX™ with 10 flame colors, is limited to 5,000 BTU at 120V, requires only a 15-amp breaker, and has no documented app control. The Orion Traditional uses HelioVision™ with 3 flame styles across 6 colors, supports up to 8,300 BTU on the 36-inch, 42-inch, and 54-inch models at 240V, requires a 20-amp breaker, and includes app control. Both support built-in and insert installation across the same five sizes from 26 to 54 inches.
Do Modern Flames fireplaces need venting?
No. All six Modern Flames series in this guide are 100% electric. They require no gas line, no venting, no chimney, and no flue. The only installation requirement beyond mounting is a dedicated electrical circuit — 15 amp for the Redstone Traditional and Spectrum Slimline, 20 amp for all other series.
Are Modern Flames fireplaces noisy?
When the heater is active, a blower fan operates at low volume and continues briefly after the heater turns off as a cool-down cycle. In flame-only mode with the heater off, all six series operate nearly silently. The Orion series includes optional ambient crackling audio through an integrated speaker, adjustable across four volume levels independently of the heater and flame.
Can I plug a Modern Flames fireplace into a regular outlet?
The Redstone Traditional and Spectrum Slimline can be plugged directly into a dedicated 120V, 15-amp grounded outlet. All other series require a dedicated 20-amp circuit. None require 240V wiring unless you specifically choose the higher BTU output option on the Landscape Pro Multi, Orion Multi, or Orion Traditional. A dedicated circuit means no other appliances share the same breaker.
What is the warranty on Modern Flames electric fireplaces?
Modern Flames provides a 5-year limited warranty when the product is registered at modernflames.com after purchase, or a 2-year warranty without registration. A 1-year labor credit of up to $100 covers one service call. The warranty requires purchase from an authorized retailer and excludes damage from improper installation, power surges, and unauthorized modifications. The integrated screen on Orion series models carries a separate 1-year coverage term.