Compare electric fires
Econovex vs DRU Virtuo Electric Fires
DRU is a Dutch brand best known for gas fires, with the Virtuo Evolve range of 3-sided electric fires. Here's how they compare with Econovex.
Econovex vs DRU Virtuo at a glance
| Econovex (deep panoramic) | DRU Virtuo Evolve /3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Econovex 1270: £1,099 · 1600: £1,299 · 1800: £1,699 | Virtuo 100/3 £4,295 · 130/3 £4,445 · 150/3 £4,645 · 180/3 £5,595 (Simply Stoves) |
| Heater | Near-silent 3kW PTC heater | Heating element with a fan ("ventilator"); 1 to 2kW on the 180 model; not suitable for primary heating |
| Glass | Black edition glass as standard | Standard glass; anti-reflective Clear View glass is £225 to £329 extra |
| Guarantee | 5-year guarantee: 1 year on-site, plus up to 4 more years on parts | 2 years through the dealer |
| Smart control | Remote control | Remote and DRU Fire App (Bluetooth) |
| Open-window detection | Open-window sensor coming on new models | No (Virtuo 180 energy label) |
| Depth | 300 mm recess | 510 mm |
Competitor details are taken from the manufacturer's own website, brochures and manuals, or from UK retailers where stated, and were checked on 28 October 2026. Prices and specifications change, so please check the latest details with the retailer. Econovex prices are our own, as listed on fireandfrost.co.uk.
Where DRU is strong
DRU's projected 3D flames and LED glow bed are impressive, and its dealers include home visits by a DRU engineer under guarantee.
Where Econovex is different
- A fraction of the price: the Econovex 1800 is £1,699 against £5,595 for the Virtuo 180/3.
- Slimmer build: a 300 mm recess against 510 mm, so the media wall takes less space from the room.
- More heat, quieter: up to 3kW from a near-silent PTC heater.
- Black glass as standard and a 5-year guarantee included.
Which should you choose?
If budget isn't a concern and you want DRU's flame, see it at a dealer. For a 3-sided media wall fire with more heat, a slimmer build and a 5-year guarantee for around a third of the price, choose Econovex. Get a supply & fit quote.
Sources: DRU electric fires, Simply Stoves (Virtuo 180/3), DRU Virtuo 180 installation manual.
Our panoramic fires
Deep 3-sided fires with a near-silent PTC heater and black glass as standard. Prices are for the fire; fitting is quoted for your room.
More fire brand comparisons
Want to see them side by side?
Visit our Bradford showroom (Mon to Sat, 9:30am to 5pm), or get a supply & fit quote anywhere in the UK.
Real homes
Our panoramic fires in real media walls
Econovex fires built into media walls, alcoves and cabinets across the UK.
