ZAFRO Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove with Realistic Flame, 5100 BTU Electric Fireplace Heater with Retro Design, 1000W/1500W, Dual Safety Protection for Living Room, Bedroom

Why I picked it up

I wanted a compact, electric heater that could pull double duty: take the edge off a chilly room and add some visual warmth without committing to a built‑in fireplace. The Zafro stove checked those boxes on paper with a 1500W high setting, a 3D flame effect, and a small footprint that wouldn’t dominate my living room. After several weeks of use in a few different spaces—including a 3‑season porch and a smaller bedroom—here’s how it actually performed.

Design and build

The Zafro stove leans into a vintage, cast‑iron‑inspired look with an ebony finish and a front glass viewing window. At 15.94 x 10.04 x 22.13 inches, it’s compact enough to tuck into corners, under a mantel shelf, or along a wall without overwhelming the room. It’s also light enough to move between spaces as the seasons change.

A few build notes:

• The body panels feel sturdier than I expected for this class, but the legs are plastic. They widen the stance nicely for stability, which I appreciate, though I’d prefer metal for long‑term durability. On my unit, the legs attach securely and don’t flex under normal use.
• The door uses a magnet to keep closed. The latch works, but it feels light; if you bump the door, it can sit slightly off‑center. It hasn’t affected performance, but it’s a reminder this is a budget‑friendly stove.
• Fit and finish overall are tidy. The faux stove bars and door framing do a good job selling the classic look, and the viewing window is clear with minimal distortion.

It’s an attractive piece that blends into both traditional and modern rooms, and the footprint makes it unconcerned with tight layouts.

Setup and controls

Setup is easy: attach the feet with the included screws and you’re done. No tools beyond a screwdriver, and no assembly quirks. The controls are straightforward:

• Flame on/off with adjustable brightness (from a subtle ember to noticeably bright).
• Two heat settings: 1000W (low) and 1500W (high).
• You can run the flame effect without heat.

There’s no thermostat and no remote. That simplicity will appeal to some; others may miss set‑and‑forget temperature control. I found the analog approach fine for targeted, supplemental use.

Heating performance

This is a 1500W electric heater rated at up to 5100 BTU. In practical terms, that’s typical for plug‑in space heaters and sufficient for supplemental heating in spaces up to about 600 sq ft, depending on insulation and drafts.

My results:

• 3‑season porch (about 200 sq ft): The Zafro stove took the chill off quickly on both fall mornings and cool evenings. On high, it made the seating area comfortable in under 10 minutes, and I could drop to low to maintain comfort thereafter.
• Bedroom (approx. 140 sq ft): Overkill on high; the low setting was enough to keep things cozy while reading or winding down.
• Open living area (about 400 sq ft): As a zone heater, it performs well near the appliance—great for the seating area within 8–12 feet. It won’t replace central heat in a larger, open plan, but it noticeably lifts comfort where you place it.

Airflow is front‑discharge and feels evenly distributed. If you need room‑wide coverage, placing it near where you sit or along a primary airflow path (like near a hallway entrance) works best.

One important note: 1500W is the maximum most standard outlets allow for a single appliance. This stove heats as well as any other 1500W unit; the difference here is the presentation and the way it encourages you to sit near it, which makes the perceived warmth more satisfying.

Flame effect and ambiance

The flame effect is the Zafro stove’s secret weapon. The 3D “dancing” flame has good depth, with adjustable brightness that lets you choose between a subtle glow and a more visible focal point. It’s not fooling anyone into thinking it’s a real wood fire, but it’s convincingly warm and adds a lot of atmosphere.

A few specifics:

• Brightness control is meaningful. I kept it on the lower third for evenings and closer to the middle during daytime.
• The flame and ember effect operate independently from heat. I often ran the flame on its own for ambiance.
• Reflections on the glass are minimal at moderate brightness levels.

Overall, the flame is a standout for this price and size.

Safety, stability, and noise

Safety features are basic but appropriate:

• Overheat protection shuts the unit down if internal temperatures climb too high.
• The outward‑flared feet create a wider base than the body footprint, which helps prevent tipping. That said, always place it on a flat, hard surface.

As with any space heater, use safe practices: plug directly into a wall outlet, keep at least three feet of clearance in front, and avoid drapes or soft furnishings close to the discharge vent. The front glass and surrounding trim warm up, so treat it as you would any heater—use caution with kids and pets, and don’t block the vents.

Noise is low. The fan produces a gentle whoosh on high, easily drowned out by conversation or TV at normal volume. The flame mechanism is essentially silent in my unit.

Everyday usability

Over a few weeks, the Zafro stove found its way into my daily routine. Morning coffee on the porch? Flip on high for 10 minutes, then drop to low. Late‑night reading? Flame‑only mode for ambience, then low if the room cools off. The lack of a thermostat did mean occasional manual toggling to maintain comfort, particularly in shoulder seasons when temperatures swing. If you want automated temperature control or a remote, you’ll need to look higher up the range.

I also like the small footprint and portability. Moving it between spaces is simple, and it doesn’t demand a permanent spot. The design blends in with a surprising number of decor styles, which helps it feel like furniture rather than a utility box.

Limitations to note

• No thermostat or remote: Controls are simple, but you’ll be adjusting power manually.
• Plastic legs and light door magnet: Functionally fine, but a reminder of the cost. If you plan to move it frequently, handle it from the body rather than the legs.
• Supplemental heat only: It improves comfort substantially, but it won’t replace a primary heating system in colder climates or in very large rooms.

These aren’t deal‑breakers for me, but they’re worth knowing before you buy.

Tips for best results

• Place it near your primary seating area, with clear airflow in front, to maximize perceived warmth.
• Use high (1500W) to bring a room up to temperature, then switch to low (1000W) to maintain.
• Keep the flame brightness at a lower setting in dim rooms to minimize reflections and enhance realism.
• Avoid power strips and extension cords; plug directly into a wall outlet.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Compact footprint with a convincing vintage look
- Adjustable 3D flame effect that can run without heat
- Solid supplemental heat on both 1000W and 1500W settings
- Simple setup; just attach the legs
- Overheat shutoff and wider, stable stance

Cons:
- No thermostat or remote control
- Plastic legs and light magnetic latch feel budget
- Door alignment can sit slightly off if bumped
- Best as a zone heater rather than whole‑home heat

Final thoughts and recommendation

The Zafro stove delivers exactly what I wanted: a tasteful, compact electric stove that meaningfully warms the space I’m in and looks good doing it. In raw output, it’s comparable to any 1500W space heater; the difference is the presentation and the flame effect, which make you more inclined to sit nearby and enjoy the warmth you’re already paying for. Build quality matches the price point—mostly solid with a few corners cut in the legs and latch—but nothing that affected performance or safety in my testing.

I recommend it for anyone who wants a portable, easy, and visually pleasing way to add supplemental heat to small and midsize rooms, cozy up a 3‑season porch, or create a focal point without installing a full fireplace. If a thermostat, remote, or all‑metal construction is essential for you, you’ll likely want to step up to a higher‑end model. For the price and size, though, the Zafro stove is a practical, cozy upgrade that’s easy to live with.