When comparing the Modern Flames Orion Traditional vs. Redstone, you're looking at two built-in electric fireplaces from the same brand that fit the same retrofit openings but serve different purposes. Both slide into standard zero-clearance or clean-face fireplace openings and run on household current. They differ in flame system, heat output, controls, and price in ways that matter when you're making a $1,000 to $4,000 decision. This guide walks through the key differences so you can match the right model to your project.
The Redstone is the more accessible of the two lines. It starts at $999 for the 26-inch model and tops out at $3,149 for the 54-inch. Each unit ships with trim kits, a log set, and glass media, so the listed price covers most of what you need for a standard installation.
The Orion Traditional starts at $2,149 for the 26-inch model, roughly double the entry price for a comparable size, and scales up from there for larger openings. If budget is the primary constraint and you have a straightforward retrofit opening, the Redstone is the clearer starting point. If you're specifying for a higher-end project, the Orion Traditional's pricing reflects a different set of capabilities.
This is where the two lines diverge most meaningfully.
The Redstone uses Hybrid-FXâ„¢ Flame Technology, which gives you independent RGB control over three separate zones: the flame column, the ember bed, and the downlighting. You can set each to a different color or coordinate them. The result is a multicolor, customizable presentation that works well for decorative installations and rooms where you want to set a specific mood. The flame effect is LED-based and consistent.
The Orion Traditional uses HELIOVISIONâ„¢ Flame Technology, a digital flame system that renders flames from video footage of real fire rather than mechanical LED patterns. The flame appears multi-dimensional and maintains visual depth from different viewing angles, avoiding the flat look common to traditional electric fireplaces. The Orion Traditional supports multiple selectable flame styles and speed settings. The V2 version adds an upgraded LCD panel with improved contrast and deeper blacks, enhanced TruWood lit logs with an active ember bed, Bluetooth audio streaming, and access to the Modern Flames+ app with over-the-air flame style updates.
In short: Hybrid-FX gives you flexible color control. HELIOVISION gives you a more realistic flame presentation. If color customization drives the decision, the Redstone holds its own. If visual realism is the priority, the Orion Traditional is the better choice.
The Redstone produces 5,000 BTU across all sizes: the 26-inch, 30-inch, 36-inch, 42-inch, and 54-inch all deliver the same heat output and cover up to 400 square feet. Wattage is 1,465W on high and 750W on low. The heating area does not scale with the size of the unit; you're choosing a larger Redstone for the visual footprint of the flame, not for more heat.
The Orion Traditional diverges on larger sizes. The Orion 26 and Orion 30 produce 5,000 BTU, matching the Redstone. The Orion 36, 42, and 54 step up to 8,300 BTU, covering up to 450 square feet.
If you need more than 5,000 BTU from a built-in electric fireplace, the Redstone cannot deliver it. The Orion Traditional 36 and larger can. For a straightforward supplemental heat application in a room under 400 square feet, both lines perform comparably at smaller sizes.
Both the Redstone and Orion Traditional are built for the same retrofit format: they slide into existing zero-clearance or clean-face fireplace openings and include trim kits to cover gap edges at the opening. Neither line requires venting, gas connection, or any combustion infrastructure.
The Redstone runs on a standard 15-amp circuit. For many homes with an existing unused fireplace opening, the Redstone can be installed without any electrical work: plug it into an existing 15-amp outlet and slide the unit into the opening.
The Orion Traditional requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit. If the room doesn't already have a 20-amp circuit at the fireplace location, that's an electrician call before installation. The higher heat output models (36-inch and larger) require hardwiring rather than a plug connection.
For most DIY retrofits where an outlet already exists, the Redstone is the simpler path. For new construction or rooms already wired for a 20-amp load, the Orion Traditional installs in the same physical footprint with no additional complexity.
The Redstone includes a remote control and manual touch buttons on the unit. There is no app control and no Wi-Fi connectivity. If smart home integration or remote control via phone matters to you, the Redstone does not offer it.
The Orion Traditional includes a remote control, manual controls, and mobile app control via Wi-Fi. V2 models add Bluetooth audio streaming and the Modern Flames+ app, which enables over-the-air flame style updates. For connected homes or installations where phone control is expected, the Orion Traditional is the only option of the two.
Both the Redstone and Orion Traditional carry the same Modern Flames warranty structure: 5 years from the date of purchase when the product is registered at modernflames.com within 30 days, or 2 years if the product is not registered. Labor coverage applies for the first year on both. The warranty is non-transferable and requires purchase from an authorized Modern Flames dealer.
Both lines run on standard 120V power with no combustion, so ongoing maintenance is limited to occasional cleaning of the glass and media. Neither line has filters, burners, or moving parts beyond the fan and control electronics.
Choose the Redstone if: you have an existing fireplace opening and want a straightforward plug-in retrofit, multicolor flame control matters more to you than photorealistic flame depth, your budget is under $2,000 for smaller sizes, or you don't need app connectivity. The Redstone 36-inch is the most popular size for standard residential openings and covers up to 400 square feet. Browse the full electric fireplace insert collection to compare sizes and opening requirements.
Choose the Orion Traditional if: you want HELIOVISION flame realism in the same retrofit format, you need 8,300 BTU from a 36-inch or larger model, or app control and Wi-Fi connectivity matter to you. The Orion Traditional occupies the same physical footprint as the Redstone but steps up in flame quality, heat output on larger sizes, and smart home capability. View the full Modern Flames Orion Traditional lineup for size and pricing details. For the full range of options from this brand, browse all Modern Flames electric fireplaces at The Fireplace USA.
Hybrid-FX, used in the Redstone, is an LED-based system that controls the flame column, ember bed, and downlighting independently across a full RGB color range. HELIOVISION, used in the Orion Traditional, renders flames digitally from real fire footage, producing a multi-dimensional appearance that maintains depth from different viewing angles. Hybrid-FX gives you more color customization. HELIOVISION prioritizes flame realism.
Yes. Both use a cool-top design that does not discharge heat upward, making installation below a TV safe. Heat exits from the front of both units. Verify the specific clearance requirements in each model's installation manual before mounting a television above the fireplace.
The Redstone is designed for DIY installation into existing zero-clearance or clean-face openings. It requires a 15-amp circuit, which many existing fireplace locations already have. If no outlet exists at the fireplace location, an electrician will need to add one. The Orion Traditional requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit, which typically requires an electrician unless one is already in place.
The Redstone is available in 26-inch, 30-inch, 36-inch, 42-inch, and 54-inch widths. All sizes produce 5,000 BTU and cover up to 400 square feet. Size selection is based on the width of your existing fireplace opening, not on heating requirements.
Yes. The Orion Traditional includes Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile app control as standard features. You are not required to use the app — remote and manual controls are also included. If app connectivity is a concern for a specific installation, the Redstone offers the same built-in retrofit format without any wireless components.
Yes. Both carry the Modern Flames limited warranty: 5 years from purchase when the product is registered at modernflames.com within 30 days, or 2 years without registration. Labor coverage applies for the first year on both. The warranty is non-transferable and only applies to purchases from authorized Modern Flames dealers.
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