(checked 2026-10-10)14,217 ratings. The Spruce also links listing B01N7ZEO7D, which shows the same count, so ratings are pooled across finishes and variants.
This is the top pick in the most roundups: best overall at Good Housekeeping and in both of The Spruce's guides, which tested it four times. It has realistic flames and strong infrared heat, and you only attach four legs to set it up. But the front grill gets hot and the settings are hidden behind the door. On Amazon, more owners complain about the temperature control than praise it.
Top complaints
- Front grill gets hot
Both Spruce guides list a hot front grill as the main con. The grill sits right in front of the infrared element, and the top gets too warm to display items, though the sides stay cool.
- Hidden controls, basic remote, fiddly temperature control
The control panel is behind the door, and the remote has no display, so you have to open the door to check the timer, heat or thermostat (The Spruce). On Amazon, temperature control gets more negative than positive mentions (259 vs 338), and the remote is mixed (312 vs 236), with some owners saying it only turns the unit on and off.
- Fan noise and clicking for some owners
Noise level is mixed on Amazon (368 positive, 221 negative): some find it very quiet, while others report loud fans and constant clicking. The Spruce measured it as 'pretty quiet' with a decibel meter.
What owners love
- Realistic 3D flames
Good Housekeeping calls the layered 3D flame remarkably realistic. The Spruce says it looks very real if you don't look too closely, best on the highest of five levels. Realism gets 530 positive and 32 negative mentions on Amazon.
- Strong heat for a plug-in
It is rated at 5,200 Btu, and the maker claims it covers up to 1,000 sq ft (Good Housekeeping, Popular Mechanics). The Spruce says it heats well on all settings, with a blower that pushes warm air about 10 feet. Amazon's 'Heater' aspect is 506 positive to 9 negative.
- Set up in minutes and lasts
Assembly is just attaching four legs (The Spruce). One Spruce test unit was still working 'like a champ' after three years in an unfinished basement.
- Small kids or pets might touch the front grill
- You want to see settings at a glance or use an informative remote
- You want colored or adjustable-speed flames
- A plug-in stove look with no installation
- Real supplemental heat for a living room or basement
- Running the flames without heat
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best overall (updated 2026-08-20; also best overall in its heater guide, updated 2026-09-11): quiet, effective heat, realistic flames and simple setup. The con is a hot front grill.
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall (updated Feb 2026): realistic adjustable 3D flames, powerful infrared heat and no installation. The con is a larger footprint.
- Popular Mechanics: Best freestanding (Dec 2024; picked on specs, not tested). The con is plastic legs.