Short answer: Choose the Dimplex Ignite XL if your wall is a standard stud wall: it is under 6 inches deep and sits flush in a 2x6 wall, and it is also certified for covered outdoor spaces. Choose the Napoleon Astound if you can build a deeper wall or chase (it needs about 13 3/8 inches of framing depth) and you want a taller flame, more heat on 240V, a media bed you can swap, and app and voice control.
Both are built-in linear electric fireplaces that hardwire on 120V or 240V and need no gas line, vent or chimney. The real differences are depth, flame height, heat, media and where they are allowed to go.
Napoleon Astound vs Dimplex Ignite XL at a glance
| Napoleon Astound Built-In | Dimplex Ignite XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Widths we carry | 50, 62, 74, 96 in. | 50, 60, 74, 100 in. |
| Depth | 13 3/8 in. (minimum framing depth) | 5 7/8 in. product depth |
| Wall it suits | Built-out wall, chase or deep media wall | Flush in a 2x6 wall (5 1/2 in.); 2x4 wall (3 1/2 in.) with the optional trim kit |
| Viewing height | 17 1/2 in. on every width | 12 1/8 in. (50 in. model) |
| Heat | Up to 10,000 BTU (3,000 W) maximum | 5,118 BTU (1,500 W) on 120V; 8,530 BTU (2,500 W) on 240V |
| Wiring | Hardwired, 120V or 240V | Hardwired, 120V or 240V |
| Media in the box | Beach Fire logs and Woodland media kit, behind flip-down glass | Acrylic crystals; driftwood and river rock kit optional |
| Flame and color | Orange, yellow or combined flame with spark effect; 13 ember bed and top light colors | Multi-Fire XD flame; eight color themes including a cycling Prism mode |
| Controls | Remote, Napoleon Home app, Google Home and Alexa | Hidden touch panel and remote; Dimplex says no app connectivity |
| Approved locations | Indoor (Napoleon lists no outdoor approval) | Indoor and covered outdoor |
| Warranty | 5-year limited, registered | 5 years indoor, 1 year outdoor |
| Our price, 50 in. | $2,879.99 | $3,049.99 ($3,243.99 with trim kit) |
| Our price, 74 in. | $3,599.99 | $3,699.99 |
Specifications from Napoleon's Astound Built-In series page and price book, and Dimplex's Ignite XL series page and XLF50 sell sheets. Lumiflares prices as of October 26, 2026, base configuration; they can change.
1. Start with wall depth
This decides most projects. The Ignite XL is 5 7/8 inches deep and fully recesses in a 2x6 wall, which gives 5 1/2 inches of framing depth. In a 2x4 wall (3 1/2 inches) it can still go in with Dimplex's trim kit, which finishes the part that stands proud of the wall.
The Astound needs a minimum framing depth of about 13 3/8 inches, roughly 7 1/2 inches more than the Ignite XL. That usually means building out a media wall or a chase in front of the existing wall. Napoleon also states the Astound Built-In requires a recessed install, so it is not a hang-on-the-wall unit.
If you cannot build out, and you still want a Napoleon, the Astound FlexMount 50 is the alternative: Napoleon lists it at 7 inches deep, for wall-mounted, partly recessed or fully recessed installs. Our guide to wall-mounted vs recessed electric fireplaces walks through those options.
2. Then the flame
Astound: the viewing area is 17 1/2 inches tall on every width, about 5 3/8 inches taller than the Ignite XL 50. The front glass flips down so you can change the media, and two sets come in the box: a driftwood-style Beach Fire log set and a Woodland kit. You can add black crystals, glass beads, birch logs or your own décor later. The flame runs orange, yellow or both, with a spark effect.
Ignite XL: a long, low, clean line of flame over clear acrylic crystals, with eight color themes and adjustable flame speed. It reads as modern and minimal, which suits a slim TV wall. A driftwood and river rock kit is sold separately if you want a more natural bed.
If realism matters most, our comparison of electric flame technologies explains how these effects differ from water vapor and video flames.
3. Heat and wiring
Both are supplemental heaters, and on both the flame can run without heat. Dimplex publishes 1,500 W (5,118 BTU) on 120V and 2,500 W (8,530 BTU) on 240V for the Ignite XL. Napoleon publishes a 10,000 BTU (3,000 W) maximum for the Astound and says it hardwires on 120V or 240V. Napoleon's page does not give the 120V output, so if you plan a 120V circuit, ask us to confirm the figure from the manual before you decide.
For either one, the heat is the same at every width. A wider unit gives more presence, not more warmth. Plan the circuit with your electrician before the wall is closed; our electrical requirements guide explains 120V vs 240V and dedicated circuits, and what it costs to run an electric fireplace shows the math.
4. Where it is going
- Covered patio or porch: the Ignite XL. Dimplex certifies it for covered outdoor spaces, with a 1-year warranty outdoors. Napoleon lists no outdoor approval for the Astound.
- Smart home: the Astound, with the Napoleon Home app and Google Home or Alexa voice control. Dimplex's Ignite XL page says it has no app connectivity.
- Very wide walls: both go big. The Astound tops out at 96 inches, the Ignite XL at 100 inches.
- Three-sided viewing: neither of these. Look at the Ignite XL Bold or the Astound FlexMount, which can be set up as one-, two- or three-sided.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Dimplex Ignite XL if:
- You have a 2x6 wall, or a 2x4 wall and are fine with a trim kit.
- You want a slim, modern flame under a TV.
- The fireplace is going on a covered patio or porch.
Read our Ignite XL 74 review or how the XL compares with the Evolve and Ultra.
Choose the Napoleon Astound if:
- You are building a media wall or chase and can give it about 13 3/8 inches of depth.
- You want a taller flame, logs in the box and the option to change the media.
- You want the most heat on a 240V circuit, or app and voice control.
See how it compares with Napoleon's other lines in our Astound vs Elevation guide.
Once you have picked one, size it to the screen above it with our guide to what size electric fireplace goes under your TV.
Common questions
Can the Napoleon Astound go in a 2x6 wall?
Not flush. Napoleon lists a minimum framing depth of about 13 3/8 inches, so a 2x6 wall (5 1/2 inches) needs to be built out. The Ignite XL fits a 2x6 wall flush.
Which one gives more heat?
On 240V, the Astound: up to 10,000 BTU against the Ignite XL's 8,530 BTU. On 120V, the Ignite XL gives 5,118 BTU; ask us for the Astound's 120V figure for your model.
Can either one be plugged in?
No. Both manufacturers describe these built-in models as hardwired, so plan for a licensed electrician.
Do the widths match?
Only at 50 and 74 inches. In between, the Astound comes in 62 inches and the Ignite XL in 60. At the top, the Astound is 96 inches and the Ignite XL 100.
Next step
Browse the Dimplex Ignite XL and Napoleon Astound collections, or compare every option in linear electric fireplaces. Popular starting points are the Ignite XL 50 and the Astound 50 Built-In.
Not sure your wall is deep enough? Send us the wall depth, width and TV size through our electric fireplace fit check and we will confirm the fit against the manufacturer's manual, or contact us.
Sources
- Napoleon, Astound 50 Built-In (NEFB50AB) product page and Astound series dimensions table, napoleon.com (US).
- Napoleon price book, Astound Built-In Series (electrical, included media, controls, warranty).
- Napoleon, Astound 50 FlexMount (NEFL50AB) product page, napoleon.com (US).
- Dimplex, Ignite XL series page, dimplex.com (framing, flame, controls, approved locations, warranty).
- Dimplex, IgniteXL 50" XLF50 sell sheets (SE-017-R05, 2019, and 2022 edition): depth, viewing area, framing, wattage and BTU.
This guide is for planning and product selection. It does not replace the manufacturer's installation manual, local electrical code or a licensed electrician. Confirm framing, clearances and wiring for your exact model before you build.
