ZAFRO Electric Fireplace Stove, 5100 BTU Quick Heating Electric Fireplace Heater with Adjustable Flame Brightness, 1000W/1500W Thermostat, for Living Room, Bedroom

Why I tried it

I wanted a compact, plug‑in heater that didn’t look like a space heater. Something that could warm a 200–400 sq ft room on cool evenings, add some ambience, and tuck neatly into a corner without demanding a permanent installation. The ZAFRO electric fireplace stove checks those boxes on paper: 1500W/1000W heat, a claimed 5100 BTU output, 3D flame effect, and a vintage stove aesthetic. After several weeks of daily use across a small living room and a three‑season space, here’s how it actually performs.

Design, build, and setup

Out of the box, assembly is simple: attach the four feet with the included screws and you’re done. The main body feels solid enough for the price and the finish looks tidy in black. The unit is compact—about 16.3" deep, 11" wide, and 24.4" tall—so it fits under a window, beside a sofa, or on a small hearth without crowding the space. It’s light enough to move room to room without fuss.

A few design notes from living with it:
- The feet are plastic molded to mimic cast iron. They look fine from a few feet away and widen the stance for stability, but they’re still plastic. On hardwood or tile, I’d recommend felt pads to prevent sliding and protect the floor.
- The front door has a magnetic catch. It works, but the alignment on my unit is a hair off—good enough, just not furniture‑grade. This is one of those details you notice once and then forget.
- The “glass” panels (front and sides) give a wide view of the flame effect and contribute to the cozy vibe. They’re not real glass, but they’re clear and don’t distort the view.

Overall, it looks convincingly like a small potbelly stove. In a living room with warm lighting, it blends in rather than shouting “space heater.”

Heat performance

This is a fan‑forced electric heater with two power levels: 1000W and 1500W. That translates to a maximum of roughly 5100 BTU—standard for a 120V space heater. In practice:

• In a 230 sq ft den (insulated, interior room), the 1500W mode raises the temperature from 66°F to 70–71°F in about 15–20 minutes and comfortably maintains it. Once the room is up to temperature, 1000W often suffices to hold it there.
• In a 380 sq ft living room (open to a hallway), 1500W takes the edge off quickly and keeps things comfortable seated near the unit. The far edges of the room stay a couple degrees cooler; that’s expected with any single portable heater.
• In a drafty, three‑season porch, it’s best used to “take the chill out” rather than to make it toasty. It will make the space livable on cool days but won’t overcome heavy drafts on freezing nights.

Airflow is directed out the front grille. The fan is effective without blasting you, and the heat feels even rather than spotty. As with any 1500W heater, claims of “heats 600 sq ft” are optimistic unless your space is well insulated and you’re aiming for a moderate temperature bump. Think of it as supplemental heat—perfect for targeted zones or for turning down your central thermostat and warming the one room you’re in.

The thermostat is a simple dial that cycles the heating element on and off to hold an approximate set point. It’s not precise—there’s no digital display and you’ll need a minute to “learn” where you like it—but it does the job. I typically set the flame effect to medium brightness, choose 1500W to get comfortable, then drop to 1000W and let the thermostat manage from there.

Flame effect and ambience

The simulated flame is better than I expected in this size and price. The 3D “dancing” effect sits behind a realistic ember bed and can be adjusted from dim to bright. On medium, it’s convincingly fireplace‑like—more glow than glare. In the evening, it adds a lot of atmosphere without looking like an LED light show.

You can run the flame without the heat, which is great for shoulder seasons or for ambience on mild nights. The glow spills nicely through the side panels, making the unit feel more substantial than a flat‑fronted heater.

Noise, smell, and day‑to‑day use

• Noise: The fan produces a soft whir that fades into the background. I watched TV and took calls with it running without needing to raise the volume. The flame effect motor is very faint; you won’t notice it unless the room is silent.
• Initial odor: On first use, there was a mild “new heater” smell that dissipated after about an hour at high heat. That’s typical of protective oils burning off; it hasn’t returned.
• Controls: Straightforward switches and a dial. No remote, no app—just physical controls you can set and forget.

Safety and power considerations

The unit includes overheat protection that shuts the heater down if it gets too hot, plus a broad stance from the outwardly angled feet for stability. As always, common‑sense space‑heater rules apply:
- Keep at least 3 feet of clearance in front of the heater and avoid draping fabrics over it.
- Place it on a flat, hard surface; use felt pads on slippery floors.
- Plug directly into a wall outlet. Avoid extension cords or basic smart plugs; at 1500W it can draw about 12.5 amps, which is too much for many third‑party plugs and splitters.
- Don’t run it on a heavily loaded circuit with other high‑draw appliances to prevent nuisance breaker trips.

The exterior gets warm but not scalding; treat it with the same caution you would any heater. With pets and kids, I’d still maintain a no‑touch zone, especially around the front grille.

Where it fits best

• Small to medium rooms where you want quick, localized warmth
• Bedrooms (on the 1000W setting) thanks to the quiet fan and gentle flame
• Enclosed porches or cabins for taking the chill off
• Rentals or spaces where a permanent fireplace isn’t feasible

If your goal is to heat a large, open great room or to replace central heating, this won’t be enough on its own. If you want to reduce furnace runtime and make one zone comfortable, it’s ideal.

Shortcomings and trade‑offs

• Materials: The plastic feet and some trim pieces remind you this isn’t a cast‑iron appliance. They look fine but don’t feel premium.
• Door alignment: The magnetic door catch on my unit could be stronger, and the door sits a millimeter proud if you look closely. It doesn’t affect operation, but it’s a noticeable cost‑cutting area.
• Thermostat precision: The dial is coarse. It works, but if you’re picky about exact temperatures, you’ll rely on a separate room thermometer.
• No remote: I don’t mind simple controls, but a remote would be convenient for flame brightness and power.

None of these are deal‑breakers given the performance and price, but they’re worth knowing before you buy.

Value and alternatives

For a compact electric stove with realistic flames, adequate fan output, and basic safety features, this offers strong value. Stepping up in price typically gets you heavier metal construction, a more refined flame engine, and digital thermostats or remotes. If those are must‑haves, budget accordingly. If you prioritize warmth, looks, and simplicity, this hits a sweet spot.

Recommendation

I recommend the ZAFRO electric fireplace stove for anyone seeking a good‑looking supplemental heater that warms small to mid‑size rooms quickly and adds genuine ambience. It’s easy to set up, the flame effect is surprisingly convincing, and the two heat levels make it flexible across seasons. The build shows its price in places—plastic feet, a basic thermostat, and a so‑so door latch—but the core experience is solid: consistent heat, quiet operation, and a compact footprint that fits where a traditional stove can’t. If you accept those trade‑offs, it’s a cozy, practical upgrade for everyday use.