ZAFRO Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove, Small Electric Fireplace Heater with Thermostat Control, 3D Realistic Flame,1000W/1500W & Overheating Protection

A cold snap hit my area last week, and it gave me the perfect excuse to put the ZAFRO fireplace stove through its paces. I set it up in a drafty den that’s roughly 180 square feet, a space where baseboard heat never quite keeps up. After several evenings of use, I’m impressed by how much warmth and ambiance this compact unit adds without demanding much space or fuss.

Design and build

At 9.45" D x 15.35" W x 22.28" H, the stove is small enough to tuck under a window or into a corner, yet it doesn’t look diminutive. The black finish and vintage-inspired detailing give it the kind of presence you want from a faux fireplace—inviting, a bit nostalgic, and suitable for a range of decors. Three glass panels (front and both sides) create a true 180-degree viewing angle, so the flame effect reads well from around the room.

Build quality is what I expect at this price point: the main body feels solid, while the legs are lightweight plastic. On a flat floor the unit sits stable and level, but the legs don’t inspire the same confidence as metal. The front door uses a magnetic catch; it looks nice and aligns well on my unit, though the magnet is on the light side. Nudge it and it can shift slightly, but it didn’t affect operation.

There’s a visible gap above the viewing area that doubles as a vent; it’s functional and part of how the stove breathes. Aesthetically, it’s fine once you notice that it’s by design.

Setup and controls

Assembly took me five minutes: screw on the legs, place it where you want it, and plug it in. No tools beyond a Phillips screwdriver, no complicated steps.

Controls are simple: a power selector for 1000W (low) or 1500W (high) and a thermostat dial. You don’t get a digital temperature readout, so think of the thermostat as a “set and forget” control. Dial it up until the room feels right, then the heater will cycle off and on to maintain that level. The simplicity works in its favor—less to fiddle with, and you can hear and feel the unit cycle so you know it’s doing its job.

Heating performance

At 1500W, this compact heater puts out roughly the same heat as a typical portable space heater, but distribution feels more comfortable thanks to the elevated outlet and cabinet design. In my 180-square-foot den, the temperature rose from 64°F to a comfortable 70°F in about 20 minutes on high. Once there, I could back it down to 1000W with the thermostat a little below mid and keep the chill at bay.

This is ideal supplemental heat. It won’t replace central heating in a large home, but for bedrooms, small living rooms, home offices, or a three-season porch on a cool evening, it’s plenty capable. Positioning matters: placing the stove near a cold exterior wall or under a window helps cut drafts, and leaving 3 feet of clearance around the unit allows the fan to move air freely.

Tip: If you’re concerned about tripping a circuit, start on 1000W and see if that’s sufficient. Only step up to 1500W when needed, and avoid running other high-draw appliances on the same outlet.

Flame and ambiance

The 3D flame effect is the kind of surprise you hope for at this price—convincing enough to make you look twice. The burning log design glows with a believable ember-like depth, and the layered flame effect dances across the backdrop without looking cartoonish. The side glass panels make a big difference; you don’t have to sit directly in front to enjoy it.

I used it mostly in the evenings with the room lights dimmed, and the flame added a gentle warmth even before the heater did. Purists will notice it’s not the ultra-high-end illusion you might get from a premium insert, but for a compact freestanding unit, it does an admirable job of selling the “fireside” vibe.

Safety and noise

Two things stood out. First, the top surface stays cool to the touch, even after extended runs, which is reassuring if you have kids or pets roaming around. The front glass warms but not to alarming levels; I still wouldn’t encourage little hands to test it, but it’s notably safer than a real stove or an exposed-element space heater. Overheat protection kicks in if the internals get too hot, and the unit shuts off appropriately.

Second, noise. The fan has a soft whir that fades into the background after a few minutes. It’s quieter than most ceramic space heaters I’ve used, with no rattles or vibration. On low, I could still watch TV without bumping the volume.

Portability and placement

I moved the stove between rooms a few times, and the lightweight body makes it easy to lift and carry. It left no marks on hardwood floors, though I recommend a small mat if you’re placing it on a delicate surface. The vertical orientation and small footprint help it fit where a wider heater wouldn’t.

Because heat rises, setting the stove a little away from walls and giving it clear front and side airflow yields better room-wide comfort. Avoid tucking it into a deep alcove, and don’t place items on the top—keep the vents unobstructed for best performance.

Energy use and thermostat behavior

Expect standard space-heater power draw: 1000W on low, 1500W on high. Depending on your local electricity rate, running on high can cost roughly 18–30 cents per hour; low is proportionally less. The thermostat cycles the unit off once the room hits your set comfort level, and then back on as needed. If you want all-day comfort without babysitting, set the thermostat so the heater clicks off periodically rather than running continuously at max.

One small quirk: because the thermostat uses a simple mechanical sensor, the set point can feel different depending on where the stove is placed (cool exterior wall versus interior). Once you’ve found your preferred dial position for a given spot, it’s easy to leave it there.

What could be better

• Legs: The plastic legs do their job, but they detract a touch from the otherwise handsome cabinet. On carpet or an uneven floor, you may notice a slight wobble; a flat, hard surface resolves it.
• Door latch: The magnetic catch is gentle. It stays closed in normal use, but it’s not a strong, positive latch. If you’re picky about panel alignment, you may wish it were more assertive.
• Thermostat precision: A numbered dial or a digital set point would make fine-tuning simpler. As is, it’s an analog experience—completely workable, but not precise.

None of these are deal-breakers for me, especially considering the price, but they’re worth noting.

Who it’s for

• Small to medium rooms that need supplemental heat
• Apartment dwellers and renters who want ambiance without installation
• Home offices, dens, and bedrooms where quiet operation matters
• Anyone who values a compact footprint and a convincing flame effect

If you need to heat a large open-plan living area, a larger electric fireplace or a hardwired unit with higher BTU output will be more appropriate.

Recommendation

I recommend the ZAFRO fireplace stove for anyone seeking an affordable, compact way to add both warmth and atmosphere to smaller spaces. It heats effectively, the 3D flame looks good from multiple angles, setup is painless, and safety features inspire confidence. You’ll live with plastic legs and a light door magnet, and you won’t get precision thermostat controls, but those trade-offs feel reasonable for the overall package. For cozy nights in a bedroom, den, or cabin, it’s a welcome companion.