"Amish heater" does a good job, but don't expect any miracles

When is an electric space heater more than just an appliance? When it's an "Amish heater."

At least that's what those spread newspaper and magazine ads and television commercials for the "miracle" Heat Surge Roll-n-Glow Electric Fireplace would have you believe. The marketing for this appliance says it will help reduce your heating bills and even touts that the heater is free. There is the small matter of the wood surround you have to buy for about $350 to $400—which is where the Amish apparently come in, since the heater itself is made in China. Heat Surge itself is based in Canton, Ohio. (Check out the TV spots by searching for "Amish heater" on YouTube.)

"Miracle heater" is certainly an attention-grabbing way to describe what is essentially a space heater with a lightbulb-powered display of faux burning logs. Some checking in our labs confirmed that the Roll-n-Glow and its built-in light show are no more miraculous than other space heaters we've tested. Some specifics:

The Roll-n-Glow functions primarily as a fan-forced convection heater like those we've tested. Heat Surge says its heater produces "an amazing 5,110 BTUs," but that's just another way of saying it's a 1,500-watt electric heater (it has a 750-watt setting, too), like most we tested. And while the oak surround on the model we bought appears well-built, some pieces are actually veneers, and we saw some nail holes in the trim. So much for that "superior craftsmanship."

The surround also comes in cherry and black and white. The list price on the Web site for the oak surround and heater is about $550 and for the cherry version it's around $590. A current promotion cuts $200 off the price, and some newspaper ads list a price that's $50 lower still. A bookcase and a hearth and mirror are optional add-ons.

How about those lower heating bills and Heat Surge's statement that the heater "can handle a 325 sq. ft. room for about 16 cents an hour"? Any similarly sized electric heater will do that, provided you use it in one room and keep others chillier—that's just basic zone heating. Note, however, that electricity costs roughly two and a half times more than natural gas, which is what most homes use. So any electric heater will cost you more to provide comparable heat unless you cut down significantly on heating elsewhere in your home.

As for performance, we found using this heater reasonably convenient, quiet, and safe. A remote control lets you turn the heater and its display on and off, switch the heat between low and high, and choose from more than a dozen brightness settings for the fake flames. But the heater lacks a thermostat, a key feature that allows you to regulate room temperature. The metal heater cabinet and its glass front panel did make our version somewhat front heavy. That and wheels recessed about an inch inward from the front increase its potential to tip forward, though a built-in tipover protection switch, found on many heaters these days, shut it off quickly when we intentionally tipped it in our tests. After two hours of continuous heating on high, most of its surfaces weren't hot to the touch, and even the center air-discharge grille above the front glass panel wasn't extremely hot. The Heat Surge complies with nationally recognized standards for safety and construction.

You'll find many less expensive but high-performing convection and radiant space heaters that will do a good job in a small space. In fact, David Baker, Heat Surge vice president, recently told The New York Times, "If someone would come to me and say, 'I need a heater and I want to spend as little as possible,' I would say go to a local big-box store and buy one for $29.99. Our heater represents a fireplace rather than just some space heater."

The Heat Surge Roll-n-Glow is not terribly overpriced compared with other faux fireplaces on the market, which start at about $250.

Just don't look for any money-saving miracles.—Jim Nanni, Manager, Technical Department

Essential information: As we reported in “Better Business Bureau Complaints and ‘Amish Heaters,’” the BBB has looked into some issues with the Roll-n-Glow. Use our advice to lower your heating bills this winter.

Comments

[Erik Wesner/Amish America]

Interesting assessment of the heater. It seems to have gotten mixed reviews, just taking the product on its merits. The marketing approach and especially the Amish attachment is what has raised the most eyebrows. Calling a product 'miraculous', of course, is old hat by now. But it has a nice ring when you've got a bearded, suspendered, rustic looking-fellow in the ad photo.

'Made by the Amish' is a controversial concept that can have multiple meanings. Regarding the producers of the mantles, the question is: it really an Amish-owned business, do Amish simply work there, carry product out to the truck, or just breathe that magic 'Amish breath' on it at some point?

One Amishman, writing on the topic, offered ' the example of a turkey-processing plant which used the Amish name, writing, 'to qualify for such a label all that was needed was that someone Amish carried buckets of commercial feed to them or an Amish person worked in the processing plant!'

'Amishness' is an attractive, elusive quality that Heat Surge is latching on to, justifiably or not, and promoting full-bore. Most Amish businesses would not be caught dead on the other end of a promo like this. But that does not mean all.

From what I hear from an informed Amish source there is very likely a mix of situations here in terms of who is producing the mantles. For more analysis on marketing the Amish check: http://amishamerica.typepad.com/amish_america/2008/09/marketing-the-amish.html

[Erik Wesner/Amish America]

Interesting assessment of the heater. It seems to have gotten mixed reviews, just taking the product on its merits. The marketing approach and especially the Amish attachment is what has raised the most eyebrows. Calling a product 'miraculous', of course, is old hat by now. But it has a nice ring when you've got a bearded, suspendered, rustic looking-fellow in the ad photo.

'Made by the Amish' is a controversial concept that can have multiple meanings. Regarding the producers of the mantles, the question is: it really an Amish-owned business, do Amish simply work there, carry product out to the truck, or just breathe that magic 'Amish breath' on it at some point?

One Amishman, writing on the topic, offered ' the example of a turkey-processing plant which used the Amish name, writing, 'to qualify for such a label all that was needed was that someone Amish carried buckets of commercial feed to them or an Amish person worked in the processing plant!'

'Amishness' is an attractive, elusive quality that Heat Surge is latching on to, justifiably or not, and promoting full-bore. Most Amish businesses would not be caught dead on the other end of a promo like this. But that does not mean all.

From what I hear from an informed Amish source there is very likely a mix of situations here in terms of who is producing the mantles. For more analysis on marketing the Amish check: http://amishamerica.typepad.com/amish_america/2008/09/marketing-the-amish.html

[Rudolf R. Boentgen, PE]

Any engineer will tell you that all electrical heaters have the same efficiency of 100%. All will convert all the electrical energy input into heat. Some will produce different forms of heat, e.g., radiant or convective, but all will have the same efficiency. There are no miracles here, Amish or otherwise.

[Rich D.]

Personally, I think the ads are very deceptive as if you are getting a heater for free. There is no way to get it without paying money for it and a mantle.
The ad also draws away from the (apparent) fact that the heater is made in China.

[Hank K]

I've read reports that when someone tries to file a warranty claim, the company will only back the mantle. They say that the heater is 'free' and therefore not covered.

Has anyone at CU checked this out?

[Valerie Schwartz]

Why are there so few ratings of appliances and other items on your website now. I have subscribed to your website but it's difficult to get a rating on anything, now, only a general article. What amI paying for?

[Don B.]

To me, the idea that you can reduce overall household heating costs by using small electric heaters in one or more rooms is deceptive.

As soon as you turn off the whole-house heating system, the house starts to cool off. Pretty soon only the space around the local heater is comfortable (or close to it), and the rest of the house continues getting colder and colder, all winter long.

[Manford Trens]

We got one of these "Amish" heaters without the mantle, and were hugely underwhelmed by the quality and design. It seemed to be a common cheap space heater with a really cheesy fake fire system, and it had loose screws and something rattling inside it when we unpacked it. We didn't get the mantle with it, so I cannot speak as to its merits, but I can say that the heater portion of the unit is the kind you can get for about $25 at most stores. NOT WORTH THE MONEY, unless you consider the heater portion of the units as being "free" and count the price as being for the mantle. Seeing how poor the quality of the heater was, I have doubts about the company itself and their claims of amish craftsmanship. their ads dont read with a lot of credibility to me. I will say that they did make the return and refund process pretty painless. I say just get a cheap space heater and skip the fake fire part, and you'll be richer and smarter in the end!

[Mark]

I just want to thank CU for doing this. I put in a request and I am pleased with CU's response and review. Thanks from a satisfied subscriber of the magazine and the website.

[lectricman]

Thank you all for this info,I will not buy one. I was about to buy one. My wife wanted me to buy one , but when she reads this I won't have toget one. Thank You again , it sounds like junk to me. lectricman

[Nola S]

I'm glad to have read this review. We were ready to buy one of these heaters. In fact, a friend had purchased one and raved about it. After reading these reviews we have opted out of buying one for our home

[Debbie]

I got 2 of the Amish Heaters last Oct. My electric bill didn't change much. Also everytime I run them on high it throws the switch box. And they are in 2 different rooms. It cuts off about a 1 or 2 minutes after you turn it on high. I called them about it throwing the switch box & they acted like it was my fault. They were rude. All they want is the sale no help. The mantal on 1 started coming a part. To me it was money that I threw away. It doesn't heat the room like it says it would. You still have to run your heat in the house or freeze.

[Deb]

I have been trying to understand what CR recommendations were on 4 different larger ticket items I wanted to purchase this year, including a similar infrared Comfort Furnace which wasn't reviewed at all. A Samsung LED TV was the only item I was able to confidently purchase based on CR testing. The Canon camera model said it was currently in testing as did the laptop we wanted to purchase. Your website is not very consumer friendly and we consumers really need updated product info for purchasing the latest gadgets and appliances. Sorry, but I expect more from you.

[Joe T6]

I am trying to find a propane space heater for my minivan. I have carpet cleaning equipment that can not freeze. I want to leave it going all night. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Scott]

We purchased a Quadra-Fire, Mount Vernon SE, pellet stove, fireplace insert in the fall of 2007. It's paid for itself already. I don't understand your findings on payback. I did the install myself so that cost was reduced but still.

This model is the highest output available for an insert, 60,000 BTU. The company is owned by Harmond. It's a great product, solid cast iron and looks very nice in our living room. We have heated our 1900sq. ft. northern VT house with it for two years. Last years fuel cost was 1k.

The most important benifit of the switch from oil is that I now burn a locally available fuel. Secondly, that fuel is considered zero emmission.

[Dee B]

I am considering buying the Amish fireplace. I don't want to heat my house. What I need to do is turn my heat down in the evening a couple of hours before I go upstairs to bed. If I leave the heat turned up, the upstairs gets too warm for sleeping. However, if i turn the heat down in order for the top floor to be cool at bedtime, it gets too cold downstairs while I am trying to relax. Watching TV, etc. requires lots of blankets!

I first saw this heater at a local restaurant. It was finished in cherry. The fake fire was pleasant to see and when the fire was aglow, the heat setting could be turned on or off. It was cool to the touch even though the heat had been on for quite a while when I first saw it.

I have 2 small dogs and 1 large kitty who enjoy being on the floor in front of my Lakewood quartz heater. The heater works well---750/1500 watts. However, I have to keep a CAREFUL watch because I am always afraid that it might tip over if accidentally knocked by one of the pets. Also the grille on the front becomes very hot when the unit is on. I believe that the Amish fireplace would be much safer.

Again, I am not looking for any miracle heat savings. The unit I saw is lovely and I am considering buying the white or maybe the black finish. Has anyone purchased one of these units, especially one in black or white, and is happy with it? The restaurant owner is very pleased with the one she purchased for her restaurant.

Just wondering---does anyone have anything to say about the Edenpure heating unit? Consumer Reports gave the 2007 model a poor review...24 points out of 100. I cannot find an updated review of there new models.

[Kelly]

My husband and I purchased this heater around two years ago.We have had nothing but sucess.It is heating up to 3 rooms and our home is over 1800 square feet.Usually by now our main house heater would be kicking on. We are pleased with this,

[LIBBY HURLOCKER]

Thank you so much on th amish heater!!!! I was told by a friend that this was a great thing.. My husband wasn't sold and said we need to do our homework!!! As always for years and years CR provided the information we need it... THANK YOU AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK...

[shirley france]

I am thinking of buying the heat surge unit to use in my fireplace do you think it would look ok, is it free standing or do you need the stand?

[trista]

i have to say first of all i live in new york 10 minutes from canada and it gets cold up here. I live in a 2 story house with 10 rooms in all and to heat this house with oil it costs me $400.00 dollars. so i have to say buying a few of these heaters that wont raise my electric bill that much is a good idea. so why not just buy a few space heater for $30.00? for me its because i like my house to look nice and i wouldnt want ugly space heaters laying around my house. this heater has an attractive appeal to it. I buy 4 of these heaters and put them through my house turn the one on in the room i'm going to be in and i save a lot of money in the long run. the fireplace heaters are $350.00 a piece so i spend $1400.00. with oil what i pay for the cold season which starts in early october here is about $3200.00. So is this a good investment for me? you bet it is even if it raised my electric bill to $400.00 a month i and still cutting my heat bill in half. So say what you will about the product at hand for a lot of people this will save them money. I really dont care if the amish built my mantle or just "breathed on it". when you get down to it that doesnt matter does it. what matters is money that can be saved. the firplace heaters for me paid for themselves.

[trista]

on my earlier post i forgot to put i pay $400.00 every 2 weeks. post doesnt really make sense without that piece of information.

[Boyce broadbent]

I find it troublesome that the manufacturer makes no mention of the fact that the larger 1500 watt heater would require almost the entire 15 amps in a typicle household circut so for safety sake you would need a dedicated 15 amp breaker to run this appliance.Many older homes wouldnt even have a large enough entrance to make that available.

[onecountrygl]

Wish I had read the reviews on the Heat Surge Electric Heater before purchasing the one I ordered.
It was made well enough, out of oak like it said, but even though the mantle was made well and the flames looked real enough and very soothing to look at, the thing wanted to fall forward to the point of concern, so sent it back.
After seeing it here in my room the light oak wood I realized did not go well with what I had so asked if the replacement could be of different wood. Was told they could replace it with a "cherry" one and that it would be $40.00 more. When I objected to that, as the one they had originally sent was faulty, they talked to a couple of managers and agreed to send a cherry one at no further cost to me.
Upon receiving it, I discovered it was made of not cherry wood, but cherry stained Pine and the workmanship was not near as good as the one I had previously received.
My cost was over $300. and this replacement one just did not put that much heat out. I had it just a few feet from my chair and had it on high on a pretty chilly day and was pretty disapointed at its performance so had it sent back for a refund except of course for the $40.00 shipping and handling.
It was a decision I hated to make as the fire did look so realistic and soothing, but I did think better of it and am glad I didn't keep it as know I would have regretted it.
countrygl

[flipenflum]

Dont believe and buy everything you see on TV. Consider it as everything else on the tube, just a normal fiction t.v. show. Thats what all these electronic and appliance stores are for so you can see with your own eyes. ;-)