For too many chilly evenings, I yearned for the comforting glow and gentle warmth of a fireplace, a focal point that could transform a cold room into a haven of coziness. My living situation, however, made a traditional fireplace impossible, leaving me with stark, uninviting spaces that always felt just a little too cool. This problem wasn’t just about discomfort; it meant higher energy bills from cranking up the central heating and a lack of that elusive, serene ambiance. Finding an efficient, safe, and aesthetically pleasing heating solution was crucial, and honestly, something like the TURBRO Suburbs TS17 Compact Electric Fireplace Stove would have been a true lifesaver for those long, cold winters.
- 🔥Toasty Fireplace: There’s no better feeling than relaxing by the fireplace on a cold, winter evening as you sip a steaming cup of hot cocoa. Stay warm this winter with the efficient 4,777 BTU...
- 🔥Flame Control: Create an enchanting fireside environment without the mess and smoke of a real fire. The flame effects can be turned on separately from the heat to really help you set the mood when...
- 🔥Safe to Touch: The heating element is located on the bottom so the body of the stove is always cool to the touch, no matter how long it has been running.
Key Considerations Before Investing in an Electric Fireplace Stove
Electric fireplace stoves offer a fantastic solution for anyone looking to add supplemental heat and a dash of inviting ambiance to their home without the hassle, mess, or installation costs of a traditional fireplace. People typically seek these units to warm up a specific room, reduce reliance on central heating, or simply create a more welcoming atmosphere, especially during the colder months.
The ideal customer for an electric fireplace stove is someone with a smaller living space – an apartment, a bedroom, a home office, or even a cozy den – where they need supplemental heating. They appreciate convenience, ease of use, and the safety features that come with modern electric appliances. Renters, in particular, benefit immensely as these freestanding units require no permanent modifications.
However, an electric fireplace stove might not be the right fit for everyone. If you’re looking to heat a very large, open-concept living area as your primary heat source, a compact unit like the TURBRO Suburbs TS17 may struggle to meet those demands, and you might need a larger, more powerful heater or even a different type of heating system. Similarly, if the raw, smoky smell and crackling sound of a real wood fire are non-negotiable for your experience, no electric unit will fully replicate that. In such cases, a more powerful infrared heater or a larger electric fireplace insert designed for bigger spaces might be a better choice, or even a gas fireplace for a more authentic, low-maintenance flame.
Before making a purchase, consider the following:
* Size and Portability: How much space do you have? Do you need to move it between rooms?
* Heat Output: What square footage do you need to heat? Look at BTU or wattage ratings.
* Safety Features: Does it have overheat protection and a cool-touch exterior?
* Flame Realism: How important is the visual aesthetic of the flame? Can it be used independently of the heat?
* Noise Level: Some fans can be louder than others.
* Build Quality & Aesthetics: What material is it made from, and does its style match your decor?
- Charming Design: Includes side viewing windows, a glass door that really opens, and a brick-style back panel. This stove heater not only enhances your décor but delivers infrared heat in any room up...
- 69,000 BTUs heats up to 1,200 Sq. Ft
- Keep your House Warm: Ventless indoor gas fireplace with 25,000 BTUs heats 1,100 square feet, ensuring a warm and cozy home any time of year; Elevate your comfort with efficient heating solutions
Introducing the TURBRO Suburbs TS17: A Closer Look
The TURBRO Suburbs TS17 Compact Electric Fireplace Stove is an 18-inch freestanding electric heater designed to bring warmth and a charming fireside aesthetic to smaller rooms. It promises efficient supplemental heating with realistic flame effects, all in a compact, safe package. When you purchase it, you receive the stove unit and a user manual. This stove distinguishes itself from basic space heaters by offering a decorative element, transforming a simple heater into a cozy focal point. Compared to larger, more expensive built-in electric fireplaces, the TURBRO Suburbs TS17 is incredibly portable and requires no complex installation, making it ideal for those who rent or frequently rearrange their living spaces. While TURBRO offers larger and more feature-rich electric fireplaces with Wi-Fi and crackling sounds, the TS17 focuses on essential functionality in a compact form factor.
This specific electric fireplace stove is perfect for someone seeking supplemental heat and ambiance in a bedroom, office, or small living area up to 400 square feet. It’s also great for creating a cozy nook in a larger room. However, it’s not designed to be the sole heating source for an entire open-plan house or for someone who demands an exact replication of a traditional wood-burning fire’s intensity or crackling sound, which this model doesn’t include.
Here’s a quick rundown of its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
* Compact, lightweight, and portable design, making it easy to fit into small spaces.
* Realistic flame effects that can be operated independently of the heat, perfect for ambiance.
* Provides efficient 4777 BTU (1400W) heat output for rooms up to 400 sq ft.
* The body remains cool to the touch, enhancing safety, especially for homes with children or pets.
* Equipped with essential safety features like overheat protection and CSA certification for North American standards.
Cons:
* Numerous user reports indicate issues with the longevity of the flame effect, which can dim or stop working prematurely.
* The fan can become noticeably loud with prolonged use, producing an annoying clunking sound.
* Lacks advanced features like a remote control or a built-in crackling sound, which are found in other models.
* While effective for small spaces, its heating coverage is limited for larger rooms, requiring close proximity for optimal warmth.
* Assembly of the legs can be surprisingly difficult, with screw holes not perfectly aligned, requiring extra effort.
Deep Dive into the TURBRO Suburbs TS17’s Core Attributes
Having spent a considerable amount of time with the TURBRO Suburbs TS17, I can really speak to its performance and how its features translate into everyday use. It’s been a staple in my living space, offering warmth and a pleasant visual, despite a few quirks.
Compact & Freestanding Design
The first thing you notice about the TURBRO Suburbs TS17 Compact Electric Fireplace Stove is its size. Measuring just 8″D x 14″W x 18″H and weighing a mere 13 pounds, this unit truly lives up to its “compact” name. I found it incredibly easy to move from my home office to the living room or even tuck it into a corner of my bedroom when needed. This portability is a huge benefit for anyone who doesn’t have a fixed spot for a heater or lives in a smaller apartment where every square inch counts. It simply sits on the floor, requiring no wall mounting or special installation, making it perfect for renters. The aesthetic is a classic stove design with a powder-coated metal finish in black, which blends seamlessly with various décor styles. The door even opens, revealing the interior, which is a nice touch, though it’s purely decorative in function. While the legs do require some assembly upon arrival, some users report difficulty with the screws aligning perfectly. This wasn’t a showstopper for me, but it did take a bit more effort than I anticipated to get them securely attached.
Efficient Heat Output (4777 BTU / 1400W)
When it comes to heating, the freestanding stove heater packs a decent punch for its size. With 4777 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat output, equivalent to 1400 watts, it’s designed to effectively warm rooms up to 400 square feet. In my 12×10 home office, it quickly takes the chill out of the air. You simply flip a switch and turn a knob to your desired temperature, and within seconds, you can feel the warmth. This feature is important because it acts as excellent supplemental heating, allowing me to keep my central thermostat lower, thus saving on energy costs. The internal thermostat means it won’t just keep heating indefinitely; it will cycle on and off to maintain your set temperature. This cycling ensures the room stays comfortable without overheating, although some users note that this on-off cycle, combined with a single fan speed, can create noticeable fluctuations in perceived warmth if you’re sitting directly in front of it. While not designed to be a primary heat source for an entire home, for targeted warmth in a specific zone, it performs admirably.
Realistic Flame Effects for Ambiance
One of the most appealing aspects of any electric fireplace is the flame effect, and the TURBRO Suburbs TS17 aims for realism. Initially, the flames are quite beautiful, offering a vibrant, dancing visual that truly elevates the mood of a room. What’s particularly great is that these flame effects can be turned on separately from the heat. This means you can enjoy the cozy ambiance on a mild evening without adding any extra warmth, which is perfect for year-round use. Setting the mood is effortless, whether you’re reading a book or entertaining guests. However, this is also where I’ve encountered the most significant drawback. Several users, myself included, have experienced a noticeable dimming or even complete failure of the flame feature after a relatively short period of light to moderate use. When the flame effect diminishes or disappears, the unit loses a significant part of its charm and becomes, essentially, just another space heater, albeit a stylish one. This longevity issue with the flame effect is a recurring concern that dampens an otherwise excellent feature.
Cool-to-Touch Exterior for Enhanced Safety
Safety is paramount with any heating appliance, and the TURBRO Suburbs TS17 excels in this regard. A major advantage is that the heating element is strategically located at the bottom of the unit, meaning the main body of the stove remains cool to the touch, regardless of how long it’s been running. This is an incredibly important feature, especially for households with curious children or playful pets. I’ve never had to worry about accidental burns if someone brushes against it, providing immense peace of mind. This cool-to-touch design ensures that while the room gets warm, the appliance itself doesn’t become a hazard, making it a responsible choice for home heating.
Overheat Protection & CSA Certification
Adding to the safety profile, the TURBRO Suburbs TS17 Compact Electric Fireplace Stove comes with built-in overheating protection. If the internal temperature gets too high, the heater automatically shuts itself off, preventing any potential hazards. This automatic safeguard is a non-negotiable feature for any electric heater and offers an essential layer of security. Furthermore, the unit is CSA certified for use in North America, which means it has been tested and meets stringent safety and performance standards. This certification is a critical stamp of approval, assuring users that the product adheres to high safety benchmarks. These features are vital because they guarantee that you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance without constantly worrying about the device’s operational safety, a relief for any homeowner.
Easy Operation
Simplicity is key, and the TURBRO Suburbs TS17 is incredibly user-friendly. There are no complicated menus or remote controls (which some users actually miss). To operate, you simply flip a switch to activate the heating element, and then turn a knob to adjust the temperature to your desired level. The flame effect also has its own toggle. This straightforward, intuitive interface means that anyone can operate it without needing to read a lengthy manual. The ease of use is important because it removes any barriers to enjoying the product, making it accessible and convenient for daily use. However, the lack of a remote control might be a minor inconvenience for some who prefer to adjust settings from a distance.
Durable Construction
The TURBRO Suburbs TS17 is constructed primarily from metal with a powder-coated finish. This material choice not only gives it a sturdy, quality feel but also contributes to its durability. The powder-coated finish is resistant to scratches and everyday wear, ensuring the stove maintains its attractive appearance over time. This robust construction is important because it means the unit is built to last, providing reliable warmth and ambiance for many seasons, rather than feeling like a flimsy, temporary appliance.
What Others Are Saying: Real User Experiences with the TURBRO Suburbs TS17
I scoured the internet for other user experiences with the TURBRO Suburbs TS17, and the feedback, while largely positive, does echo some of my own observations, particularly regarding the flame effect. Many users praise its perfect size for small areas, commenting on its cuteness and impressive ability to heat a room effectively, often at lower thermostat settings. The initial realism of the flame and the option to use it without heat are frequently highlighted as favorites, with some mentioning the cozy crackle sound (though this specific model doesn’t advertise crackle, other Turbro models do, so this might be user confusion or a different version). One person, who struggled with heating in their apartment, found it transformed their bedroom into a “fully heated, even hot” space, eliminating the need for other heating sources.
However, a recurring and significant concern, as I also experienced, is the flame feature’s longevity. Several reviewers reported the flame dimming or disappearing entirely within a few weeks of light use, turning the unit into “just a regular space heater.” Another notable issue mentioned is a “loud, incessant clunking noise” that developed after a short period, making the heater unbearable for some, particularly those with auditory sensitivities. While assembly is generally straightforward, some found attaching the legs difficult due to misaligned screw holes. There were also isolated reports of units failing completely after about a year of use, often due to a switch mechanism issue.
Final Thoughts: Why the TURBRO Suburbs TS17 Might Be Your Next Smart Buy
Living with persistently cold, uninviting spaces can significantly impact your comfort and even your energy bills. The need for an efficient, safe, and aesthetically pleasing supplemental heat source is clear, as complications like relying solely on expensive central heating or enduring chilly rooms can quickly diminish your home’s appeal. The TURBRO Suburbs TS17 Compact Electric Fireplace Stove presents a compelling solution, especially for those in smaller living areas.
Despite some noted drawbacks, this electric stove is a great fit for solving your heating and ambiance needs for several key reasons. Its compact, freestanding design makes it incredibly versatile and easy to place anywhere without permanent installation. It delivers efficient supplemental heat for rooms up to 400 square feet, helping you create cozy zones and potentially lower your overall heating costs. Furthermore, its robust safety features, including a cool-to-touch exterior and automatic overheat protection, provide invaluable peace of mind. If you’re looking to add warmth, comfort, and a charming visual element to your small space, this stove offers a practical and stylish option. To explore more about this fantastic little heater and bring that much-needed coziness into your home, Click here to check out the product!
Last update on 2025-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API