Real Deal: Amish Fireplaces

PHILADELPHIA - If you've seen the ads for the "Miracle" Amish Fireplaces, you may have been lured in by the pictures of hard-working Amish craftsmen and the claims this fireplace can save you big money on your heating bills.

Here's "The Real Deal:" despite the implication, these fireplaces are not made by the Amish. They're made in China.

Look closely at the ad and you'll notice the wood mantle is made by Amish craftsmen. But the Amish have nothing to do with the fireplace itself, Fox 29 Consumer Reporter Michelle Buckman said.

The fireplaces (ranging in price from $250 to $587) are actually sold by an Ohio Company that has an unsatisfactory record with the Better Business Bureau due to a high number of complaints. The report goes on to say the company is working to address those complaints, but the unsatisfactory record still stands, according to the BBB.

It's really like an expensive electric space heater with the look of a fireplace. If that's what you want, fine. But you can't cut your energy bill with an electric heater. To produce the same amount of heat, electricity is more expensive than natural gas or oil. Sure, your gas bills may drop but your electric bill will soar, Buckman reported.

Consumer Reports has not tested the Amish fireplace. But, if you are still interested in a space heater, they have looked at several others and they're a lot cheaper.

Two Honeywell electric heaters, the HZ-519 and HZ-515 are top rated and they're only $60. Also for $60 there is the Holmes Quartz Tower.

The 'Edenpure' claims it can cut your heating bills in half. But Consumer Reports says the heavily-advertised $400 heater was the worst of the 20 space heaters tested.

If you're looking for an efficient way to heat your home, check out a wood-pellet stove. Buckman did a story a few months ago you can check out by clicking here.