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fireplace design ideas » amish_fireplaces Amish Electric FireplacesThe Controversy Surrounding Amish Electric Fireplaces Christopher Smith What would you say if I told you that you can heat your home with an Amish electric fireplace by using less electricity than your coffeemaker? It seems almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? However, these are the claims that are being made about the Heat Surge Roll-and-Go Electric Fireplace. Not only are these fireplaces supposed to be efficient and cost-effective, but they also are equipped with beautiful, Amish-made wooden mantles and shells. You probably already know that anything wood crafted by the Amish is going to be of the highest quality, the finest workmanship, and the best materials, but is an Amish electric fireplace really something that you want to invest in? There has been some controversy about whether or not these fireplaces are really Amish-made. Some people believe that the name is being used only to capitalize on the fine reputation the Amish have established. They think that the Amish would never condone the use of electricity in any of their fireplaces. However, others who have purchased the units state that they have found them to have all the quality that they are advertised as having and truly believe that they are being made by Amish craftsmen. John Matarese, a reporter for WCPO, the ABC affiliate in Cincinnati, reported in February that although the wood shells for the fireplaces could possibly have been crafted by the Amish, the electric heaters inside them are made in China. He stated that the interior workings are nothing but $250 space heaters that are being sold by a company in Canton, OH which has been rated unsatisfactory by the Better Business Bureau due to numerous negative complaints. Even though the Heat Surge Roll-and-Go Electric Fireplace does seem to work properly, Consumer Reports magazine has listed several electric space heaters that will work just as well for under $100. The bottom line for Mr. Matarese was that people are wasting their money buying these fireplace units. There are proponents on both sides of the issue, and it doesn’t appear that the controversy will be solved any time soon. Therefore, it’s up to you to make up your own mind as to whether an Amish electric fireplace is right for your home. |
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