Napoleon Elevation and Elevation X electric fireplaces are built for homeowners who want the depth and familiar proportions of a traditional fireplace with the convenience of electric operation. Rather than using a shallow linear format, both series feature a deep, single-sided built-in firebox with glowing Split Oak logs, layered flames, customizable lighting, supplemental heat and smart controls. Available in 36-inch and 42-inch models, the two series share many core features but provide distinctly different levels of flame technology and realism. Explore our complete Napoleon electric fireplace collection for additional styles and installation options.
Choose Between Napoleon Elevation and Elevation X Electric Fireplaces
The main decision between these two fireplaces comes down to the type of fire presentation desired. Elevation Electric creates its fire with Napoleon's triple-layer flame technology, combining several flame layers with glowing logs and a modulating ember bed. Elevation X Electric builds on that concept by adding a high-definition LCD rear panel with realistic wood and gas fire visuals, multi-layer flames in front of the screen and built-in speakers for synchronized crackling fire sounds. Both provide a traditional built-in appearance, but Elevation X is designed for customers who want the most immersive visual and sound experience of the two.
Napoleon Elevation Electric Fireplaces
The Napoleon Elevation Electric Series focuses on realistic flame depth without relying on a video screen. Its triple-layer flame technology creates orange and yellow flames that appear to develop from the front of the firebox toward the back and from the sides toward the center. Flame speed and brightness can be adjusted, allowing the appearance to range from a quieter background fire to a more active flame presentation.
Premium glowing Split Oak logs provide the traditional wood-fire centerpiece, while a modulating ember bed offers several natural color choices. Thirteen top-light colors add another layer of customization, and tinted front glass helps the flames remain visually prominent in the room. The result is a fireplace that feels more like a traditional built-in hearth than a typical flat electric fireplace.
Elevation Electric is particularly well suited to customers who want layered flame realism, premium logs and smart controls but do not need the LCD flame videos or integrated fire sounds found on Elevation X. For shoppers comparing traditional built-in options at different feature levels, the Napoleon Element Series also provides a simpler alternative, while Elevation moves further into flame depth, lighting customization and connected controls.
Napoleon Elevation X Electric Fireplaces
Napoleon Elevation X Electric takes the traditional firebox concept further by combining physical multi-layer flame effects with an LCD rear display. High-definition fire visuals provide a choice between a traditional wood-burning appearance and a gas-fire presentation, creating additional movement and depth behind the glowing Split Oak logs. The LCD system works together with the foreground flames rather than simply displaying a fire on a screen.
Built-in speakers add synchronized crackling and popping fire sounds, making Elevation X especially appealing when realism is the primary buying consideration. The fireplace can also create a quieter visual experience when a full flame-and-sound presentation is not desired. A modulating ember bed, multiple flame tones and 13 top-light colors provide further control over the finished appearance.
Elevation X is the stronger choice for a living room, bedroom, custom fireplace wall or remodeling project where the fireplace is intended to become a major focal point and LCD flame technology, sound and maximum visual depth are important. Elevation Electric offers many of the same convenience and heating features, making the comparison less about basic functionality and more about how immersive the finished fire should look and sound.
Elevation Electric vs. Elevation X: Key Differences
Both series use a traditional built-in firebox design and are offered in 36-inch and 42-inch sizes. Both include glowing Split Oak logs, a modulating ember bed, customizable top lighting, remote operation, Napoleon Home app compatibility, smart-home voice control and supplemental heat. They also share Napoleon's distinctive approach to framing, allowing compatible Elevation projects to be planned around the same rough opening used for corresponding gas fireplaces.
The biggest difference is the flame system. Elevation Electric uses triple-layer projected flames to create its depth and movement. Elevation X adds high-definition LCD wood and gas fire visuals, multi-layer flames and built-in speakers. Customers who prefer a convincing traditional electric flame without video technology may favor Elevation, while those looking for a more immersive combination of flame, video and sound will generally be better matched with Elevation X.
Should I Choose the 36-Inch or 42-Inch Elevation Fireplace?
Both Elevation and Elevation X are available in 36-inch and 42-inch configurations. The 36-inch models work well where wall space or fireplace proportions call for a more compact traditional firebox, while the 42-inch versions provide a larger viewing area and greater visual presence. The larger model can be particularly effective in spacious living rooms, taller fireplace surrounds and feature walls where a 36-inch opening may appear undersized.
Do not select a model based solely on the advertised 36-inch or 42-inch size. Those numbers identify the fireplace class rather than the exact overall or framing dimensions. For new construction or a remodeling project, compare the actual fireplace dimensions, minimum framing opening and finishing requirements in the specifications and installation manual before framing the wall.
Smart Controls, Lighting and Supplemental Heat
Both Elevation series offer multiple ways to operate the fireplace. The included remote provides everyday control over functions such as the flame, ember bed, top lighting, thermostat and scheduling. The Napoleon Home app provides additional customization, favorite settings and scheduling options, while compatible Google Home and Alexa devices can control select fireplace functions by voice.
Heating can also be tailored to the installation. The current Elevation and Elevation X models support 120-volt and 240-volt operation, providing up to 5,000 BTUs on 120 volts or up to 10,000 BTUs when properly configured for 240-volt operation. ECO mode reduces heat output when less warmth is needed, while BOOST mode increases heat and blower performance. The flame and lighting effects can also be enjoyed without operating the heater, allowing the fireplace to remain a visual feature throughout the year.
Built-In Installation with the Flexibility to Choose Fuel Later
One of the more distinctive benefits of the Elevation family is Napoleon's shared framing concept. Elevation Electric and Elevation X Electric coordinate with the rough framing used for compatible Napoleon Elevation gas fireplaces. This can be useful during new construction or a major renovation because the fireplace opening can be planned before the final decision between gas and electric is made.
Both electric series require no chimney or combustion venting, helping simplify projects where running a gas line or vent system is undesirable. Electrical requirements still need to be planned correctly, particularly when 240-volt heat output or hardwiring is desired. Always follow the specifications and current installation manual for the selected model when determining framing, electrical connections, clearances and finishing requirements.
Benefits of Napoleon Elevation Electric Fireplaces
Napoleon Elevation fireplaces are designed for projects where a traditional fireplace appearance is preferred but the convenience of electric operation is important. Deep fireboxes, realistic log media, layered flame technology and customizable lighting give both series more visual depth than many conventional electric fireboxes, while connected controls make everyday operation straightforward.
For additional traditional electric fireplace options, browse our complete Napoleon electric fireboxes and inserts. Customers comparing Napoleon with other manufacturers and fireplace styles can also explore our full electric fireplace selection.
FireplaceandGrill.com is an authorized Napoleon dealer offering Napoleon Elevation and Elevation X electric fireplaces for nationwide ordering. Compare the available 36-inch and 42-inch models above or contact our team for assistance determining which series, size and feature set is the best match for the project.
Napoleon Elevation and Elevation X Electric Fireplaces FAQs
What is the difference between Napoleon Elevation Electric and Elevation X Electric?
The primary difference is the flame technology and level of realism. Napoleon Elevation Electric uses triple-layer orange and yellow flames that create depth from the front of the firebox to the back and from the sides toward the center. Elevation X adds a high-definition LCD rear panel with realistic wood and gas fire visuals, multi-layer foreground flames and built-in speakers with crackling fire sounds. Both include glowing Split Oak logs, customizable lighting, smart controls and supplemental heat, but Elevation X is the better choice when the most immersive visual and sound experience is the priority.
Should I buy the 36-inch or 42-inch Napoleon Elevation electric fireplace?
Choose between the 36-inch and 42-inch models based on the available framing space and the desired visual scale of the fireplace. Both Elevation and Elevation X are available in 36-inch and 42-inch sizes, with the 42-inch models providing a larger viewing area and greater presence in a room. The nominal size is not the actual framing measurement, so always compare the overall dimensions, minimum framing dimensions and finishing requirements for the specific model before ordering.
How much heat do Napoleon Elevation and Elevation X electric fireplaces provide?
Both series can provide up to 5,000 BTUs on 120-volt operation and up to 10,000 BTUs on 240 volts. They also include ECO mode for reduced heat output and BOOST mode when additional warmth is desired. The flame and lighting effects can operate without heat for year-round use. Electrical connection requirements depend on the selected voltage and installation, so review the model specifications and installation manual and use a qualified electrician when hardwiring is required.
Can I frame for a Napoleon Elevation fireplace before deciding between gas and electric?
Yes. One of the distinctive features of the Napoleon Elevation family is that the electric fireplaces coordinate with the rough framing used for compatible Elevation gas fireplaces. This allows a builder or homeowner to plan the fireplace opening and make the final fuel decision later in the project. Exact framing and finishing requirements still vary by model, so the current installation manual should be used before construction begins.
Where can I buy Napoleon Elevation and Elevation X electric fireplaces from an authorized dealer?
FireplaceandGrill.com is an authorized Napoleon dealer offering both Napoleon Elevation Electric and Elevation X Electric fireplaces for nationwide ordering. Customers can compare the available 36-inch and 42-inch models online or explore our complete Napoleon electric fireplace collection. Our team can also help compare Elevation versus Elevation X, determine the appropriate size and review the features that matter most before an order is placed.
