COSTWAY Electric Fireplace Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.5/10
Best for: A built-in focal point in a media wall or chimney breast
Not for: Heating a large or poorly insulated room - electric fires are supplementary heat
Bottom line: A practical electric fireplace (inset / media wall fire, 750W / 1500W switchable, 91cm wide) for a cosy focal point.
Overall, the COSTWAY 36"/91cm Electric Fireplace is a flexible media-wall style heater designed to be inset, wall mounted, or used freestanding, with a switchable 750W/1500W heat setting and an LED flame effect. The 91cm width suits many media walls, while 9 LED flame colour options and 5 brightness levels help match different room lighting. A remote, thermostat, and 1 - 8H timer add convenience for evening use, with no further performance detail provided beyond heat output, so buyers should confirm space and installation fit.
Key specifications
| Feature | Value Notes |
|---|---|
| Width | 91cm Listed |
| Power | 750W/1500W Switchable |
| Flame | LED effect 9 colours |
Pros
- Inset / media wall fire
- 750W / 1500W switchable heat output
- 91cm wide
- LED flame effect
- Remote control, thermostat, timer, overheat protection
Cons
- Supplementary heat only - not a replacement for central heating
- Needs a correctly sized recess - check the required depth carefully
- Running at full heat costs the same as any 2kW electric heater
Style and Installation
The COSTWAY electric fireplace is made for inset, media-wall, or freestanding placement, so the styling decision depends on the available wall or shelf space and how much of the surround can be used. At 91 cm wide, it is important to measure the wall opening or the shelf area before purchasing materials. For an inset look, a recess is required and the frame needs to sit squarely to avoid visible gaps. For a media wall, it can be installed within the unit layout, using the 91 cm width as the guide. For freestanding positioning, the main consideration is still planning the cable route so it reaches the power point cleanly.
Heat Output and Room Size
Heat output depends on the installation and surrounding space, as the electric fireplace/91cm electric fireplace is designed for inset, media-wall, or freestanding use. It features a 750W/1500W switchable heater setting, with room warmth depending on which power level is selected. In an inset or recessed setup, heat can be more localised, but airflow gaps around the unit still influence how warmth disperses. The fireplace includes a thermostat and a 1-8H timer to help maintain a chosen temperature.
Flame Effect and Realism
Flame visuals are the centrepiece of an electric fireplace, and the COSTWAY/91cm model uses an LED flame effect to create a fire-like appearance. The overall realism depends on the viewing angle from a normal seating position, as LED flame effects can look less lifelike at steeper angles. The unit includes 9 LED flame colours and 5 brightness levels, letting the flame appearance be adjusted to suit different room lighting conditions. This added control helps tailor the look, but it still cannot replicate the natural randomness of a real flame.
Controls and Features
Controls and day-to-day features on the electric fireplace/91cm Electric Fireplace centre on convenience, supported by a remote control and onboard options for flame appearance and heat settings. An LED flame effect is built in with 9 flame colour options and 5 brightness levels, and these can be adjusted remotely. A thermostat option helps maintain the selected room temperature, alongside a 1-8 hour timer that can be set to run for a chosen period. Overheat protection is included for safer operation. Onboard controls are present.
Who Is This For?
This electric fireplace/91cm electric fireplace suits people who want a flexible room feature, because it is designed for inset, media wall, and freestanding use. It supports an adjustable flame look with 9 LED flame colour options and 5 brightness levels. Convenience features include a remote control for thermostat use and a 1-8H timer, and it includes overheat protection for basic safety coverage. It may disappoint buyers who require features beyond those specified.
Where to Buy in the UK
Finding the COSTWAY 36"/91cm electric fireplace in the UK typically comes down to checking major home and electrical retailers online and comparing the listing details against the exact model features. Shoppers should look for the 91cm width and the inset or media wall style, then confirm the included controls, such as a remote, thermostat, and a 1-8H timer. Because similar listings can be confusing, the switchable 750W/1500W setting, LED flame effect, and overheat protection should be verified before ordering. Many buyers start with retailer websites such as Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, Argos, B&Q, Wickes, Dunelm, Wayfair and The Range, then cross-check returns policies on the same site. If a listing omits key specifications, it should be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the COSTWAY worth it?
As a focal point built into a media wall or chimney breast, the electric fireplace (inset / media wall fire) does the job, with 750W / 1500W switchable of heat. 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 COSTWAY installed?
The electric fireplace is an inset / media wall fire, designed to be recessed into a stud wall, media wall or chimney breast. You'll need a correctly sized recess (check the required depth as well as the width and height) and a nearby socket or a spur fitted by a qualified electrician. Plan the opening before you build the wall - retrofitting a recess is far harder.
How much heat does this electric fireplace give out?
The COSTWAY is rated at 750W / 1500W switchable. Most electric fires top out around 2kW, which realistically takes the chill off a small to medium room rather than heating a large or poorly insulated space. Treat it as supplementary heating and a focal point rather than a replacement for central heating. The lower setting is usually the more economical everyday choice.
What size is the COSTWAY 36"?
The electric fireplace measures 91cm 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.
How realistic is the flame on this electric fireplace?
The COSTWAY uses LED flame effect. Flame realism is largely why people choose one electric fire over another, so it's worth looking at video of it running.
What features does the electric fireplace have?
The COSTWAY offers remote control, thermostat, timer, overheat protection. A thermostat lets it cycle off once the room is warm rather than running constantly, which saves running cost. A remote is genuinely useful on an inset or wall-mounted fire you can't easily reach. Match the features to how you'll actually use it.
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.