Modern Flames quietly moved its Orion Multi line to a second generation, and the original version is already listed as a legacy product on the manufacturer's own site. If you're comparing a modern flames orion electric fireplace for a media wall or built-in project, the version matters more than it might look at first glance, since V1 and V2 are priced differently and aren't identical hardware. Here's exactly what changed, based on Modern Flames' own product documentation.
TL;DR
Both versions share the same core idea: a three-sided electric fireplace built for front, corner, or bay installations with HELIOVISION flame technology. The differences are concentrated in the display, media, and connectivity.
Modern Flames now lists the V1 Orion Multi as a legacy product on its own site, which typically signals a wind-down in production rather than an ongoing parallel lineup.
The upgrades aren't purely cosmetic. Real split-wood logs and an active ember bed change how the fire reads at close range compared to a flat driftwood log set, and the jump from 3 flame styles to 24 out of the box, with more added later through the app, is a meaningfully different customization range rather than a minor refresh. The Bluetooth speaker upgrade is the one feature that has nothing to do with the fire itself, and it's worth weighing separately if you don't plan to use the fireplace as an audio source.
The Orion Multi V2 comes in five widths: 52, 60, 76, 100, and 120 inches, and it supports single-sided, corner, or bay-style builds, plus wall-mount or partially/fully recessed framing depending on the size. Every size runs the same heater: 5,000 BTU on low and 10,000 BTU on high, rated for up to 450 sq ft, and it requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit (a 2-pole circuit for the 10,000 BTU setting). It's CSA certified and carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
Worth Considering: the Orion V2's touch control panel, part of the display upgrade over V1.
The three-sided design is built for media walls and great rooms where the fireplace is viewed from more than one angle, corner installs, or peninsula-style layouts. Because the heater and flame effect run independently and the unit supports app, touch panel, or remote control, it also suits larger open-plan spaces where a single wall-mounted unit wouldn't read as a focal point. The 52- and 60-inch sizes work for a standard living room feature wall, while the 100- and 120-inch sizes are sized more for great rooms or commercial lobby-style spaces.
The three installation configurations also change how much wall you need to give up. A single-sided front install uses the least depth and is closest to a standard built-in project. A corner install needs two adjoining walls framed to the same specs, and a bay configuration needs the most planning since it wraps flame visibility around three sides. If you're not set on the three-sided look, the single-sided Orion Traditional shares the same underlying flame technology in a more conventional footprint, which can simplify framing considerably.
Confirm which version you're actually buying. Because V1 and V2 share a product family name, it's easy to assume you're getting the newer hardware when a retailer's older listing or leftover stock is actually V1. Check the SKU, since Modern Flames appends "-V2" to the V2 model numbers. Second, size the rough opening to the exact model and version, since framing dimensions are published per size on the spec sheet and don't necessarily match your assumptions from a similar-looking fireplace. Third, confirm your electrical panel has room for a dedicated 20-amp circuit before buying if you plan to run the 10,000 BTU high setting, since that requires a 2-pole breaker. Finally, budget for the V2 premium if the newer display, audio, and app features matter to you. If they don't, the V1 (where still available) covers the same core flame technology at a lower price.
Our Top Pick: the 60-inch Orion V2 Multi, recessed into a tiled feature wall.
Modern Flames now lists the V1 Orion Multi as a legacy product on its own site, and availability may decline as V2 becomes the standard offering.
On our site the difference is $200 to $500 depending on size, with the 52-inch models at $4,799 (V1) versus $4,999 (V2).
Up to 450 sq ft, using the 10,000 BTU high setting on a dedicated 20-amp circuit. The 5,000 BTU low setting covers less.
Yes. Flame and heat operate independently on both versions, so you can run the visual effect year-round without the heater engaging.
A dedicated 20-amp circuit at minimum, and a 2-pole 20-amp circuit if you want access to the full 10,000 BTU high heat setting. Confirm your panel has capacity before buying, since this isn't something you can substitute with a standard outlet.
No. V1 uses the original Modern Flames app for flame, ember, and downlight control. V2 uses the newer Modern Flames+ app, which adds an expanding library of downloadable flame styles and themes on top of the same core controls.
Compare the Multi against the rest of the line, including the Orion Slim and the Orion Traditional, or browse the full Modern Flames collection. If you're still deciding between a three-sided and a standard built-in layout, our built-in electric fireplace collection covers both.
Modern Flames released a V2 version of its Orion Multi electric fireplace, and the V1 model is already listed as a legacy product. Here is exactly what changed between versions and whether the upgrade is worth the price difference.
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