Dimplex Gosford Optimyst Electric Stove, Black Free Standing Electric Fireplace with 3D Water Vapour Flame Technology, 2kW Adjustable Fan Heater, Thermostat, Artificial Logs and Remote Control

I previously owned an electric stove, it was cheap and cheerful and did the job. I hadn't seen a Dimplex Opti-Myst stove until recently, and when I did then I was sold. I bought a Dimplex Gosford GS 020 here from the Amazon Warehouse. It was a "used like new" offer with a significant discount from the new price. Delivery was very fast, just two days and it appeared at my door. Setting up was a little more complicated than expected. It isn't quite plug and go as advertised. First unpack carefully and make sure everything is intact and present. Place the stove in a suitable position allowing sufficient ventilation. Dimplex provide excellent instructions with diagrams which I found very helpful. After about 30 minutes I was done, the reservoir, water tank, bulbs and optimist transducer all fitted. Switch on and the flame effect is simply amazing and very convincing. I did however have a few issues to solve. As said previously, I bought a used item, and whilst overall it was in very good condition and "like new" as described it did have a minor problem with the stove door which at first would not close correctly. The membrane behind the glass was not seated correctly but I soon put it in the correct position. I also noticed the plastic log tray provided was broken. Actually only the base was in one piece with the logs that sit on top in pieces. It spoilt the desired flame effect:( but one short friendly phone call to Dimplex Customer Care, and a replacement log tray was sent just two days later. Very impressive service and a big thank you to Michelle.The instructions says to use filtered water only, also to clean the internals every two weeks which as others have commented is bit of a faff. I live in a hard water area so I have decided to use a mixture of filtered with distilled water to keep the solution as "soft" possible. For reasons I am not aware apparently pure distilled water should not be used? So anyway, I am very pleased with this stove. It looks great, it has the most convincing realistic flame effect I have ever seen and the 1 or 2 Kw electric fan heating it provides whilst won't be used very often (we have gas fired central heating) it will come in handy on those few very cold winter days we get. I forgot to mention the remote control which simple to use, smart and effective. One button controls the heating, one the flame effect and between them is a third button that switches the stove in stand by mode.In my opinion the Opti-Myst range whilst they are expensive are well worth the money . If you seek a simpler option with less faff and maintenance then you might want to look at the less expensive Opti-Flame models. Either way you will be pleased I am sure.Dimplex Opti-Myst Stove, BlackEDIT: I have owned my Opti Myst fire for almost one year and everything is still working perfectly indeed nothing has failed. I read a number of negative reviews here complaining about poor longevity of components; replacing the water tank, bulbs, or the transducer on a regular basis. I surmise this is the result of poor maintenance and/or not reading the instructions. You do need to take care of this fire and that can be a faff at times but it's the price we pay for the realistic flame effect. So, don't over tighten the water tank cap. Always use filtered water. Do clean the components every two weeks and never leave the transducer in standing water for an extended period. If the fire will not be used for a while, then drain down the water and leave the transducer dry. There was another negative review commenting that LED bulbs are not fitted. Whilst LED bulbs would indeed use less electricity, It is my understanding that the heat from the Halogen bulbs is required for the flame effect. If you don't want all the maintenance, then consider the cheaper alternatives. Some look very good but none compare with the realism of the Optimyst fires.

We had originally wanted a real log burning stove, but it was not possible, given the difficulty of installing a chimney. We wanted it primarily as a focal point, but also to provide heat.Instead, we sent for this Dimplex stove.The stove is quite heavy - as a log burner should be - and was easily assembled.When the reservoir has been filled and the stove turned on, the effect is very realistic. Visitors are mesmerised by the flames as they would have been with a real stove.The advantage of the Dimplex stove is that, besides filling the reservoir with filtered water, it has no requirement for maintenance. It can also be turned on, and off, in an instant using the remote control.The stove itself is really excellent, but it does lack credibility in two areas: it needs a hearth, and it needs a chimney.Both are available from Dimplex and they are absolutely worth the money.Even the family dog gets fooled - and there's no chance of her burning her nose on the glass.

The fire looks good in our stone fireplace. Only using for flame effect at the moment but this is excellent compared to others. Read instructions carefully when assembling. We normally get two evenings use from the reservoir approx 10 hours. A little bit expensive but well worth the money for a cosy night by the fire.

The media could not be loaded. I bought this to put in a large empty brick fireplace. It has cheered the space up very nicely. If you don't look too closely it is quite convincing as a log burning stove.I bought it as an open box offer, which saved me £130.The item description warned that there would be small cosmetic damages to top and or sides. Upon opening it, I found that the log bed was quite badly damaged. Luckily I'm quite good at jigsaw puzzles so spent an hour or more glueing it back together. Not perfect as some bits were missing, leaving a few small gaps.Any hoo, onwards and upwards. It was not too hard to figure out instructions, and I soon had it up and running. The flame effect is pleasing, and once I'd placed a couple of small real logs over the holey bits of the broken log bed, it was even more pleasing.On to the actual heater. Yes it's okay. Basically a fan heater with two settings. I do find it a bit noisy, but no more than expected. It will be used to take the chill off the room when it's in use at meal times. The flame effect will be in use more often as it gives a cosy ambience to the room.I think I may invest in a replacement log bed at some point, and also a stove pipe to give it a more authentic look.On the whole I am quite happy with this purchase.

Brilliant wee fire. Did a lot of research before buying it and considered all models and other makes. I’m so glad I bought this one. It looks real as other people have stated. I bought the pipe for added authenticity and everyone has been fooled into thinking it’s a real stove. Was simple enough to set up and I had it unpacked and up n running within 10mins. I will probably only use it lit up for aesthetic purposes, although the heat option is handy. The only very very small picky gripe I have is I can sometimes hear the water gurgling into the chamber that turns it to steam. It’s faint, but I can hear it. I may also add that I bought this fire through the Amazon warehouse and secured it for £50 less than normal due to some small mark on it... that for the life of me I can’t find! So it’s a very happy purchase. Would defo recommend to anyone thinking of purchasing.

TL;DR buy a bioethanol stove, same price, real flame effect and no flue required.Had two of these now, borh arrived damaged and inoperable. When i looked into the fault its a common issue with the parts they use. The logs arwnt package correctly and arrive shattered like a bloody puzzle. Seen one running in BnQ and although the effect is ok you could make it yourself for 1/2 the price and itll work!I bought a Henely Bioethanol burner instead in the end works a treat looks the part and isnt cheap parts peddled at a premium.