Portable Roll & Glow Fireplace

Features

• Roll-n-Glow fireplaces display artificial flames, which are powered by light bulbs behind the screen. The mantle surrounding the heating unit comes in either light honey oak, cherry oak, manor cherry or black wood finishes. Roll-n-Glow fireplaces rest on wheels for mobility and contains a 6-foot extension cord. These heating units also provide two heat settings at 750 watts to 1500 watts, and high and standard speeds to accommodate different room sizes.

Benefits

• Roll-n-Glow fireplaces offer an alternative for users who want the look and feel of a traditional fireplace without the required assembly. These fireplaces do not require a chimney or vent to operate. They also do not produce ash, smoke or other pollutants emitted by conventional fireplaces. Roll-n-Glow fireplaces are sold with a 100-percent money back guarantee if returned within 30 days of the purchase date according to Heat Surge, LLC (see Resources).

Disadvantages

• Though the Roll-n-Glow fireplace heats rooms from floor to ceiling, heating capabilities will depend on room size and the use of heating systems in other areas of the house, according to MSNBC.com writer, Herb Weisbaum. Because they use zone heating, their heating ability is limited to the room where they operate. As a result, other parts of the home will remain cold. Weisbaum also claims that thermostats must be set to a temperature low enough to offset higher electricity use from Roll-n-Glow units.

Considerations

• When purchasing a Roll-n-Glow heater, research the costs for operating a space heater versus heating systems that use other fuel sources. “Consumer Reports” appliance and home improvement manager, Jim Nanni, states in a February 2009 New York Times article that, “Regardless of the brand, electric heat costs up to two and half times more than natural gas or heating oil.” Electricity needs during heating seasons fluctuate across household and depend on factors such as room size and outside temperatures.