A steam-based faux fireplace comprising a boiler configured to receive a fluid and generate steam, and a manifold configured to receive the steam from the boiler and emit the steam to generate a steam plume at an output. A very realistic faux flame with a significant length is generated from the low power boiler. The manifold includes a deflector configured to receive directly impinging steam directed thereat from the output, causing the steam to lose some energy and velocity, and turbulently billow about the deflector. The turbulently billowing steam is illuminated to create a realistically looking flame.