Are Amish heaters worth the investment? on clarkhoward.com

Have you seen the TV and newspaper ads pushing Amish heaters? You supposedly get the heater for free -- once you pay the $298-$587 in shipping and handling charges for the Amish-built mantle that encases the heater.

But wait, that's not all! The heater contained within the beautifully handcrafted casing is actually a low-cost Chinese model that's probably worth $15 or $20. Not exactly ultra energy efficient as promised in the ads, eh?

Meanwhile, Clark has seen at least one report of shoddy customer service. One person claimed it took 7 weeks to get a refund -- even though the product promises an easy money-back guarantee -- according to a report out of York County, Pennsylvania.

So if the goal is to stay warm, the consumer champ recommends just buying a $20 space heater.

Finally, it's important to know that this rip-off is not being perpetrated by the Amish, nor are they the ones paying to run the ads.

What others are saying

Amish Heaters
The mantels are made by the Amish. If you really want to save money on your heating bills, do as they do and heat by either wood or coal!
By Unknown @ 11/17/09 10:10:49 AMreport abuse
AMISH HEATERS
I UNDERSTOOD THE AMISH ONLY MADE THE MANTELS ETC, THE WOOD SECTIONS, NOT THE HEATERS. SOUNDS LIKE THERE NAME GOT USED AND THEN SLOTTERED, SO WHAT IS THE RAL TRUTH?
By PEGALEE BENDA @ 08/11/09 11:27:48 AMreport abuse
amish heaters
This is just another example of, "if its looks to good to be true, it probably isn't".
By d pratt @ 04/08/09 08:47:05 AMreport abuse
a scam
this is a 100% scam. one kilowatt of electricity going in equals the same heat going out no matter what style of portable electric heater. go down to kmart and buy esentially the same thing (without the fake flames) for under $50. you will get the same identical cost to use and heat output as the phony "amish" model.
By brian @ 03/23/09 02:47:00 PMreport abuse
Unless it's a heat pump
Except with an electric heat pump, then you can get lots of extra heat. But you have to put all that cold air somewhere.
By Timbob @ 03/20/09 09:19:55 AMreport abuse
Amish Heater
I'm curious why Carrie thinks a $349 electric heater is such a good deal. And why are her mother & aunt pleased that their electric bills went up?
By Gil @ 03/19/09 11:13:12 PMreport abuse
Don't focus on saving money, Focus on the look.
Nobody has mentioned the neat look of the glowing flickering pseudo-flames, this heater is just as much for looks as is heat, probably more for the looks actually. Don't focus so much on the saving money and focus more on that neat display these heaters emit. I enjoy mine. It's a good conversation piece too.
By Sev @ 03/19/09 11:01:40 PMreport abuse
Amish Heaters
My mother purchased a mantle abd recieved the fireplace for free. A total of 349.00 including remote. She used it last winter and was very pleased her electric bill went up by $10.00. My Aunt in Michigan purchased 1 for the same price her heating went bill went up $30.00 and she loves it. This year we both bought one from their scatch and dent inventory, for $279 including remote. Neither of us could find scratch or dent, and we have been very happy with them. I would highly recommend these heaters. I don't know what other people have recieved but we have recieved nothing but quality.
By Carrie @ 03/19/09 04:34:38 PMreport abuse
Love the Ads
My favorite is the newspaper ad that shows the "Amish" craftsmen at work. One guy has his back to the camera and you can see the rubber band holding on his fake Amish-style beard!
By Joe @ 03/19/09 03:42:07 PMreport abuse
Is not the fuel used for those beautiful faux fireplaces dangerous?
By Callie Cressman @ 03/19/09 12:34:28 PMreport abuse
amish heaters
Bless you! I had set the ad aside and thoguht it might be just what we needed! Do you have any good recs for heaters? We have an old oil filled but the newer ones bought this year do not work as well as our 20 year old one. thanks
By katy @ 03/19/09 10:33:52 AMreport abuse
This is so sad! I love the Amish!
By Clark Howard Listener @ 03/18/09 06:34:47 PMreport abuse
AMish Heaters..a HUGE Scam
These are plain and simple electric heaters. They get as much energy out of them as you would any other electric heater. Electrical heating is 100% efficient. That means that you get out exactly what you put in. You cant get any more heat out of 1000 watts of electric heat, no matter how fancy you make the package. Dont be fooled. This is a scam of unbelievable proportions. Take it from an electrical engineer.
By John @ 03/18/09 03:35:28 PMreport abuse

Listen Live:

Clark On Demand:

Clark's Advice:

Consumer Action Center:

Quick Links:

Clark Media:

Call The Show:

Mar 18, 2009 -- Are Amish heaters worth the investment?

Add your comment

What others are saying