Ameriwood Chicago Electric Fireplace Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 8.5/10
Best for: Adding a fireplace feature and supplementary warmth without a chimney
Not for: Heating a large or poorly insulated room - electric fires are supplementary heat
Bottom line: A practical electric fireplace (electric fireplace, 50in wide) for a cosy focal point.
Regularly presented as a 50-inch-wide electric fireplace TV console from The Ameriwood Chicago Electric Fireplace TV in a black oak look, this unit is positioned as a combined entertainment surface with a flame effect. Its TV console form factor is designed to suit typical media setups, while the black oak finish targets common living-room styles.
Key specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric fireplace TV console |
| Width | 50in |
| Look | Black oak |
| Brand | Ameriwood Chicago |
Pros
- Electric fireplace
- 50in wide
- No chimney, flue or fuel needed - just a socket
Cons
- Supplementary heat only - not a replacement for central heating
- Needs a socket within reach; avoid extension leads at full heat
- Running at full heat costs the same as any 2kW electric heater
Style and Installation
Style and installation for this electric fireplace console are best planned around its media-unit look and 50in width in a black oak finish. It suits setups where a TV stand style is preferred, since the design blends an electric fireplace feature into a TV console profile. For placement, measure the wall area first and allow space for cables, brackets, and any nearby furniture. The black oak finish can complement both modern and traditional rooms, but it may show dust more easily than lighter finishes. During setup, mounting choices should match the surface type, and the unit should be level before final placement.
Heat Output and Room Size
Heat output is an important consideration with the Ameriwood Chicago console, because it is designed as a 50in wide media-unit style setup intended to sit like a TV stand. Plan for it as added comfort rather than a primary heating solution: for smaller spaces, any available warmth may be more noticeable near the unit, while open-plan layouts may require additional heating elsewhere. Safe placement also matters for airflow, so keep the area around the base clear and do not block any vents.
Flame Effect and Realism
The flame effect is a major part of the visual impact of the electric fireplace console. It creates glowing flames within the unit's viewing area, and that display design has a strong influence on perceived realism from normal viewing distance. In brighter ambient light, the flames can appear less pronounced, while dimmer conditions make the motion easier to read and the layered brightness more noticeable. With a 50-inch width, the effect occupies a broad portion of the console's face, helping it stand out as a convincing centrepiece, though it remains sensitive to room lighting.
Controls and Features
Controls and features on the Ameriwood Chicago are set up to let a user manage the 50-inch display and flame effects. As with most electric fireplaces, the controls typically focus on the flame effect, since the unit is described as an electric fireplace with flame-oriented functionality. Where interface specifics such as button types, dial ranges, or whether there are separate settings for flame display are not clear, the manual needs to be checked for confirmation.
Who Is This For?
Anyone choosing the electric fireplace console with a 50-inch format and a black oak look is typically looking for a ready-to-place media unit with a flame effect, without the installation, flue or ventilation requirements associated with traditional fuel-burning fires. It suits UK homeowners and renters who want a central living-room focal point and prefer a straightforward setup that sits into a room layout rather than requiring seasonal upkeep. This fit is less suitable for buyers who need clearly specified high heat output, detailed heat-control features, or comprehensive installation guidance beyond basic positioning.
Where to Buy in the UK
Finding the Ameriwood Chicago Electric Fireplace TV in the UK may take some searching, because availability can vary by retailer and stock levels rather than by the product's specifications alone. Since it is a 50 inch, black oak look electric fireplace TV console, buyers should confirm the exact size before ordering. They can check major UK furniture and home electrical retailers online, then filter for "50 inch" and "black oak look." If the UK listing is not visible, they may search marketplace listings or request back-in-stock updates. After locating a listing, they should compare delivery terms, return options, and the seller's identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ameriwood Chicago worth it?
As a room feature with supplementary heat, the electric fireplace (electric fireplace) does the job. Electric fires are chosen mainly for the look and the instant, flue-free warmth. Check the current Amazon UK price, as fireplaces are discounted heavily outside the autumn peak.
How is the Ameriwood Chicago installed?
The electric fireplace is a electric fireplace. Wall-mounted fires hang on the wall using the supplied bracket - check the wall type and use appropriate fixings, especially on plasterboard - and need a socket or a spur within reach.
What size is this electric fireplace?
The Ameriwood Chicago measures 50in wide. For inset and media wall fires, the width is the headline figure but the required recess DEPTH is what most often catches people out - always check it against your wall build-up before ordering. For freestanding and wall-mounted models, check the width suits the wall or alcove you have in mind.
Are electric fireplaces expensive to run?
Running cost depends on the heat setting and your electricity tariff. At full output most electric fires draw around 2kW, so an hour at full heat costs roughly the same as running any 2kW heater - use the lower setting or a thermostat to cut that considerably. Crucially, the flame effect alone uses very little (it's just LEDs), so leaving the flames on without heat costs pennies.