🥇 No.1 — DRU Virtuo 180 & Virtuo 150
Richard’s No.1 Choice
Taking the top position for 2026/2027 is the DRU Virtuo, with Richard selecting both the Virtuo 180 and Virtuo 150.
The Virtuo is aimed firmly at the luxury end of the electric fire market and makes an exceptional centrepiece for a contemporary media wall.
The large landscape format works particularly well underneath today’s larger televisions, while the choice of sizes means the proportions can be matched to the room and media-wall design.
Richard’s Verdict
“If I were choosing a premium electric fire for a media wall in my own home, the DRU Virtuo would be the first one I would look at. That’s why I’ve put it at No.1.”
Best for: Luxury media walls and customers looking for a premium statement fire.
🥈 No.2 — Vision Solus iX15 & iX18
Coming in at a very close No.2 are the Vision Solus iX15 and iX18.
These fires make a fantastic centrepiece for a modern media wall, particularly when you’re looking for a substantial landscape fire underneath a larger television.
The iX range offers the combination of flame presentation, detailed fuel-bed appearance and contemporary styling that Richard looks for when recommending a feature fire.
Richard’s Verdict
“The Solus iX fires look fantastic when you see them working. If you’re building a modern media wall and want something with real presence, these should definitely be on your shortlist.”
Best for: Large contemporary media walls where visual impact is a priority.
🥉 No.3 — Charlton & Jenrick Luminosa 185 & 150
At No.3 Richard has chosen the Charlton & Jenrick Luminosa 185 and Luminosa 150.
The Luminosa is an interesting choice for anyone who puts flame appearance particularly high on their list.
Charlton & Jenrick’s Real Flame Technology™, combined with its darker rear screen, is designed to create greater definition and vibrancy in the flame effect.
The Luminosa can also be installed with one, two or three sides of glass showing, opening up some excellent possibilities for media walls, feature walls and room dividers.
There are extensive flame, log-light and fuel-bed options, together with app control and optional surrounding LED lighting.
Richard’s Verdict
“The Luminosa is one I always recommend seeing working rather than judging from a photograph. The flame and fuel-bed combination really comes into its own when you stand in front of it.”
Best for: Customers looking for a highly customisable premium electric fire with an impressive flame presentation.
⭐ No.4 — Charlton & Jenrick iRange Deep
i1250e Deep • i1500e Deep • i1800e Deep
Richard’s fourth choice isn’t just one fire but a selection from the Charlton & Jenrick iRange Deep family.
The extra depth allows for a more substantial log arrangement and illuminated fuel bed, helping give the fire a fuller appearance.
The fires can be configured with one, two or three sides of glass, making them extremely versatile when designing a bespoke media wall.
The iRange Deep also offers different flame colours, illuminated fuel-bed options and optional mood lighting.
The i1250e Deep, i1500e Deep and i1800e Deep give customers a particularly useful choice of proportions depending on the television size and overall width of the media wall.
Richard’s Verdict
“This is a very versatile range. Having different sizes makes it much easier to get the proportions between the television, fire and media wall looking right.”
Best for: Customers wanting plenty of choice and flexibility when designing their media wall.
⭐ No.5 — Gazco Avanti 150RW & 180RW
Completing Richard’s Top 5 are the Gazco Avanti 150RW and 180RW.
Gazco is an established name in the UK fireplace industry, and these large-format electric fires are well suited to contemporary media-wall installations.
The 150 and 180 sizes give designers and homeowners the ability to create different proportions depending on the size of the room, television and finished feature wall.
Richard’s Verdict
“The Avanti deserves its place in my Top 5. It’s another fire I’d recommend customers see working before making their final decision.”
Best for: Contemporary media walls where a wide landscape fire is required.
Richard’s 2026/2027 Top 5 at a Glance
No.1 — DRU Virtuo 180 & 150
🏆 Richard’s overall choice for a premium media wall
No.2 — Vision Solus iX15 & iX18
🔥 Excellent visual impact for larger media walls
No.3 — Charlton & Jenrick Luminosa 185 & 150
✨ Impressive flame presentation and extensive customisation
No.4 — Charlton & Jenrick iRange Deep
📐 Excellent choice of sizes and installation possibilities
No.5 — Gazco Avanti 150RW & 180RW
⭐ A strong contemporary option from an established British fireplace brand
