
Style Selections 19.5-in W 5200 -BTU Black Metal Flat wall Infrared quartz Electric Stove with Thermostat
- 5,200 BTU infrared quartz electric fireplace provides supplemental zone heating for up to 1,000 square feet to help you save money
- Realistic flame effect with glowing log and ember bed can be operated with or without heat
- Picture window style operational door with arched frame detailing and large viewing area
Transform Your Living Space with Warmth and Ambiance Without Breaking the Bank
As the crisp autumn air settles in and winter looms on the horizon, there’s nothing quite like the comforting glow of a crackling fire to transform your home into a sanctuary of warmth. But for many of us, the reality of installing and maintaining a traditional fireplace is simply impractical—not to mention expensive. Enter the game-changer: Style Selections infrared electric stove heaters, the perfect fusion of nostalgic charm and cutting-edge technology that’s revolutionizing how we heat our homes.
I’ll never forget the first time I plugged in my Style Selections stove heater. The dancing flames—so convincingly real—cast their amber glow across my living room while gentle, enveloping heat radiated outward. In that moment, I understood why these clever appliances have become the darling of interior designers and practical homeowners alike.
Whether you’re looking to supplement your primary heating system, create a cozy focal point in your space, or simply cut down on those eye-watering utility bills, the Style Selections infrared electric stove heater deserves your attention. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about these remarkable appliances that bring the magic of a traditional wood stove without any of the hassle.
What Exactly Is a Style Selections Infrared Electric Stove Heater?
At first glance, a Style Selections infrared electric stove heater appears to be a classic cast-iron wood stove, complete with realistic flame effects that dance and flicker behind a glass door. But that’s where the similarities end. Unlike traditional stoves, these units require no wood, produce no smoke, and need no chimney. They’re entirely electric, plugging into a standard household outlet to deliver efficient, comfortable heat.
The magic lies in the infrared heating technology. Unlike conventional heaters that simply warm the air (which then rises to your ceiling, where it does little good), infrared heaters warm objects and people directly—similar to how the sun warms your skin on a cool day. This creates a deeper, more natural feeling of warmth that maintains healthy humidity levels and doesn’t dry out the air in your home.
Style Selections, a house brand carried by Lowe’s, has developed a line of these heaters that strikes an impressive balance between quality, aesthetics, and affordability. Their stove heaters aren’t just functional appliances; they’re statement pieces designed to enhance your home’s ambiance while delivering reliable heat.
The Science Behind the Warmth: How Does It Actually Work?
Understanding how these innovative heaters function helps appreciate their efficiency. Traditional heaters work by convection—warming air that then circulates around your room. It’s effective but inefficient, as hot air naturally rises and much of that precious heat ends up warming your ceiling.
Infrared heating, by contrast, operates on a completely different principle. These heaters emit infrared radiation—the same type of harmless energy waves that come from the sun or a campfire. When these invisible waves hit objects (including you), they transfer their energy directly, warming the object rather than the air between.
The Style Selections stove heater houses powerful infrared quartz elements that generate this radiant heat. The heat is then gently dispersed throughout your space with the help of a whisper-quiet fan system. Because the heat directly warms people and furniture rather than just air, you feel comfortable faster, and the warmth stays where you need it—at human height, not ceiling height.
The flame effect operates independently from the heating element, using LED technology to create remarkably realistic flickering patterns that mimic real flames. This clever separation means you can enjoy the cozy ambiance of flickering flames year-round, even when it’s too warm to need the heating function.
Where to Find Your Perfect Style Selections Stove Heater
As mentioned earlier, Style Selections is a house brand exclusive to Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. This exclusivity creates a streamlined shopping experience—you’ll find these heaters both in Lowe’s brick-and-mortar locations and on their website.
In-store shopping offers the advantage of seeing the flame effects in person and getting a sense of the unit’s dimensions and finish quality. The floor models are typically operational, allowing you to experience both the visual appeal and to feel the type of heat produced. Lowe’s associates can answer questions and help you determine which model might best suit your space and heating needs.
If you prefer online shopping, Lowe’s website offers the complete range of Style Selections heaters, often with customer reviews, detailed specifications, and occasionally web-exclusive models. Online purchasing also means home delivery, which can be particularly convenient given that these units, while not excessively heavy, are bulky enough to make transport in a standard car challenging.
Beyond Lowe’s, you may occasionally find these heaters through third-party marketplaces, though buying directly from the authorized retailer ensures you’re getting the full warranty coverage and support.
Feature Breakdown: What Makes These Heaters Special
Style Selections infrared stove heaters come packed with features that set them apart from both traditional heating options and competitor models. Here’s what makes them special:
Realistic Flame Effects
The flame simulation technology in these units is truly remarkable. Using advanced LED lighting systems, the heaters create multi-dimensional flame patterns that dance and flicker with convincing randomness. Many visitors to my home have done a double-take, not immediately realizing it isn’t a real fire. The flames can typically be adjusted for brightness and sometimes even color, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
Adjustable Heat Settings
Flexibility is key to comfort, and Style Selections heaters offer multiple heat settings to match your needs. Most models feature at least high and low settings, while premium versions may offer more precise temperature control through digital thermostats. This adjustability not only ensures your comfort but helps optimize energy usage by not overheating your space.
Remote Control Convenience
Nearly all current Style Selections models come with remote controls, allowing you to adjust heat output, flame brightness, and timer settings from the comfort of your couch. This seemingly small feature becomes remarkably valuable on chilly evenings when the last thing you want to do is leave your cozy blanket cocoon to adjust the heater.
Programmable Timers
Energy efficiency meets convenience with programmable timer functions. You can set your heater to turn on shortly before you arrive home from work or to automatically shut off after you’ve fallen asleep. Some advanced models even offer weekly programming, allowing different settings for weekdays and weekends.
Overheat Protection
Safety is paramount with any heating appliance, and Style Selections doesn’t disappoint. Their stove heaters incorporate automatic shut-off systems that activate if the unit reaches unsafe temperatures. This crucial safety feature provides peace of mind, especially in homes with children or pets.
Cool-Touch Exterior
Despite generating significant heat, these stoves maintain relatively cool exterior surfaces. This is especially important if you have curious little ones or pets who might come in contact with the unit. While no heater should be touched during operation, the risk of serious burns is substantially reduced compared to traditional wood or gas stoves.
Zone Heating Efficiency
Rather than wastefully heating unoccupied areas of your home, these stoves excel at zone heating—warming the rooms you’re actually using. This targeted approach can significantly reduce your overall energy consumption and lower those winter heating bills.
Sizing Up Your Options: Available Models and Dimensions
Style Selections offers their infrared stove heaters in several sizes to accommodate different spaces and heating needs. The lineup typically includes:
Compact Models (approximately 20″ height)
Perfect for smaller spaces like bedrooms, home offices, or apartments, these space-saving units pack surprising heating power into a diminutive footprint. They can typically heat areas up to 400 square feet and fit easily into tight corners or alongside furniture without dominating the room.
Standard Models (approximately 23-28″ height)
The most popular size category, these mid-sized units strike an excellent balance between heating capacity and visual presence. Capable of warming spaces from 500-800 square feet (depending on specific model and home insulation), they make ideal primary heaters for average living rooms or open-concept spaces.
Large Statement Models (30″+ height)
For those seeking both maximum heating capacity and a dramatic focal point, the larger models deliver on both fronts. These substantial units can heat spaces up to 1,000 square feet and feature the most elaborate flame effects and detailing. They’re particularly effective in great rooms, large family spaces, or homes with high ceilings where smaller units might look proportionally out of place.
When selecting a size, consider not just your square footage but also ceiling height, insulation quality, and the overall scale of your room’s furnishings. A heater that’s proportionally balanced with your existing furniture creates the most harmonious visual effect.
The Investment: Cost Considerations and Value Proposition
One of the most appealing aspects of Style Selections infrared stove heaters is their affordability relative to both traditional fireplaces and many competing electric models. The price range typically falls between $149 for basic compact models to $399 for larger, feature-rich units with premium finishes and advanced controls.
This pricing represents excellent value when you consider the dual functionality these appliances provide—both as efficient heaters and as decorative elements that enhance your home’s aesthetic. Compared to installing a traditional wood or gas fireplace, which can easily cost $5,000-$15,000, the Style Selections option provides similar ambiance at a fraction of the price.
Beyond the initial purchase price, operating costs remain reasonable. Most models use between 750-1500 watts of electricity, making them cheaper to run than many central heating systems—especially when practicing zone heating (only heating the rooms you’re using). At average electricity rates, operating these heaters typically costs between 10-20 cents per hour, depending on your selected heat setting and local utility prices.
When evaluating the investment, also consider the longevity of these units. With proper care, a quality infrared stove heater can provide reliable service for 7-10 years, making them a sound long-term investment in both comfort and home ambiance.
Energy Efficiency: How Kind Are These Heaters to Your Wallet and the Planet?
In today’s energy-conscious world, efficiency matters more than ever. Style Selections infrared stove heaters shine in this department for several reasons:
First, the fundamental principle of infrared heating is inherently more efficient than conventional convection heating. By directly warming objects and people rather than wasting energy heating air that rises to the ceiling, infrared technology delivers more comfort with less electricity consumption.
Second, the zone heating approach enables significant energy savings compared to central heating systems that warm your entire home unnecessarily. By using your Style Selections heater in the rooms where you spend the most time, you can turn down your central thermostat and potentially reduce your overall heating costs by 20-30% during winter months.
Third, the programmable features prevent wasted operation. Timers and thermostats ensure the unit runs only when needed and at appropriate output levels. Some models even feature eco modes specifically designed to maintain comfort while minimizing energy usage.
That said, it’s important to understand that like all electric heaters, infrared stoves convert electricity to heat at nearly 100% efficiency—meaning almost all the electrical energy becomes useful heat. However, depending on how your electricity is generated, gas central heating might still be cheaper in some regions. The real efficiency advantage comes from the targeted heating approach rather than the conversion efficiency itself.
Heating Capacity: How Much Space Can These Stoves Really Warm?
Understanding heating capacity helps ensure you select the right model for your needs. Style Selections offers units with varying capabilities:
- Small models typically heat spaces up to 400-500 square feet effectively
- Medium models can handle 500-800 square feet
- Larger units can warm spaces up to 1,000 square feet
However, these numbers assume standard 8-foot ceilings and average insulation. If your home has high ceilings, poor insulation, large windows, or is in an extremely cold climate, you might need to adjust these expectations downward or consider a larger model.
The beauty of infrared heating is that it creates a comfortable zone of warmth that extends outward from the unit. This means even in larger spaces, the area around the heater will feel wonderfully cozy even if the heater isn’t powerful enough to warm the entire room uniformly.
For optimum performance, placement matters. Positioning your heater where people spend the most time ensures the infrared heat reaches its intended targets—you and your family. Corners often work well, allowing the heat to radiate outward in a wide arc, though any wall location away from drafts can be effective.
Safety First: Built-In Protection Features
When it comes to home heating, safety cannot be overstated. Style Selections has incorporated multiple safety features into their infrared stove heaters to protect your home and family:
Tip-Over Protection
If the unit is accidentally knocked over, an internal switch immediately cuts power, preventing potential fire hazards. This is particularly valuable in homes with active children or pets.
Automatic Shutoff
Overheating protection monitors internal temperatures and automatically powers down the unit if it exceeds safe operating parameters. This prevents component damage and eliminates fire risks from electrical malfunctions.
Cool-Touch Housing
Despite producing significant heat, the exterior cabinets remain relatively cool during operation. While you should still exercise caution, this design minimizes burn risks from accidental contact.
Certified Safety Standards
Style Selections heaters meet rigorous safety certifications, including UL (Underwriters Laboratories) standards. These independent verifications ensure the products have been thoroughly tested for electrical safety.
Protective Screens
The flame viewing windows feature protective screens or tempered glass that prevents accidental contact with internal components while maintaining the visual appeal of the flickering flames.
While these safety features provide important protection, responsible use remains essential. Always place heaters on flat, stable surfaces away from curtains, bedding, or other flammable materials. And despite built-in protection, never leave heaters unattended for extended periods, especially when children or pets are present.
Warranty Protection: What Coverage Can You Expect?
Style Selections stands behind their infrared stove heaters with warranty protection that reflects their confidence in product quality. Most models come with a standard one-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use.
Some premium models may offer extended warranty periods of up to three years, particularly on the heating elements and electronic components. The decorative cabinet and cosmetic features typically carry the standard one-year coverage regardless of model.
When purchasing your heater, be sure to complete any warranty registration cards or online registrations promptly. Keeping your receipt and original packaging until you’re satisfied with the unit’s performance is always wise, as warranty claims typically require proof of purchase.
For warranty service, Lowe’s generally serves as the first point of contact, with their customer service team initiating the claim process and directing you to authorized service centers if needed. Warranty coverage becomes even more valuable considering these units contain electronic components that aren’t typically user-serviceable.
Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Heater in Prime Condition
Proper maintenance ensures your Style Selections infrared stove heater performs optimally for years to come. Fortunately, these units require minimal upkeep compared to traditional fireplaces or wood stoves:
Regular Dusting
The exterior surfaces and ventilation openings should be dusted regularly with a soft cloth. Dust buildup can impact both performance and potentially create odors when the unit heats up. For ornate details, a small soft brush can help reach crevices.
Filter Cleaning
Many models feature air filters that should be cleaned monthly during heavy use. These are typically accessible from the rear of the unit and can be gently vacuumed or rinsed with water (ensuring they’re completely dry before reinstallation).
Glass Maintenance
The flame-display window benefits from occasional cleaning with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners or glass cleaners containing ammonia, as these can damage the special coatings that enhance the flame effect.
Annual Deep Clean
Before storing for the off-season or at least once yearly, unplug the unit and use compressed air or a vacuum with brush attachment to remove dust from internal components (through approved openings only—never disassemble the heater).
Bulb Replacement
While the LED lights used in modern flame effects are extremely long-lasting, they occasionally require replacement. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions, as this procedure varies by model.
With these simple maintenance steps, your Style Selections heater should provide consistent performance and visual appeal through many heating seasons.
Decorative Appeal: Beyond Just Heating
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Style Selections infrared stove heaters is their dual functionality as both heating appliances and decorative furniture pieces. Unlike utilitarian space heaters that you might hide away when guests arrive, these stoves are designed to be showcased.
The visual appeal begins with the realistic flame effects, which operate independently from the heating function. This means you can enjoy the cozy ambiance of flickering flames year-round, even during warm months when additional heat isn’t needed.
Style Selections offers various finish options to complement different interior design styles:
Classic Black
The most traditional option, reminiscent of classic cast iron stoves, works beautifully in rustic, industrial, or traditional spaces. The glossy black finish creates a timeless look that blends with nearly any color scheme.
Rich Mahogany
For spaces with warm wood tones or traditional furnishings, the mahogany-finished models add elegant warmth. These versions often feature more elaborate detailing and moldings that enhance their furniture-like appearance.
Weathered White
For farmhouse, coastal, or shabby chic interiors, the weathered white finish creates a softer presence that brightens a room while still providing that cozy stove aesthetic.
Beyond the cabinets themselves, many models feature decorative details like beveled glass, ornate door frames, and detailed legs or bases that elevate them from mere appliances to genuine furniture pieces. Some premium models even incorporate mantel shelves for displaying photographs or seasonal decorations, further enhancing their role as room focal points.
Portability and Installation: Setup Made Simple
One of the most appealing aspects of Style Selections infrared stove heaters is their plug-and-play simplicity. Unlike traditional fireplaces or wood stoves that require professional installation, venting, and sometimes structural modifications to your home, these electric alternatives require virtually no installation at all.
The basic setup process typically involves:
- Unpacking the unit (which usually comes fully assembled)
- Placing it in your desired location
- Plugging it into a standard 120V outlet
That’s it—you’re ready to enjoy both warmth and ambiance without contractors, permits, or major disruption to your home.
This simplicity also means these heaters offer exceptional portability. While not lightweight enough for daily moving (most weigh between 15-40 pounds depending on size), they can easily be relocated seasonally or when redecorating. This flexibility allows you to move your supplemental heat source to wherever it’s most needed as the seasons and your living patterns change.
A few placement considerations will optimize your experience:
- Position the unit against a wall rather than floating in open space
- Ensure at least 3 feet of clearance in front of the heater
- Avoid placing directly below curtains or shelving
- Don’t place on thick carpeting or rugs (a hard surface provides greater stability)
- Ensure the chosen location has a grounded electrical outlet within reach without requiring an extension cord
This installation simplicity and placement flexibility represent major advantages over traditional heating options that permanently commit you to a single location.
Real-World Performance: What Users Are Saying
Consumer experiences with Style Selections infrared stove heaters reveal consistent patterns of satisfaction along with a few limitations worth noting.
Among the most frequently praised aspects:
Visual Appeal
Users consistently express delight with the realistic flame effects, often noting that guests mistake them for actual fires. The aesthetic contribution to home ambiance receives high marks across all models.
Supplemental Heating Effectiveness
For zone heating and taking the chill off specific rooms, satisfaction runs high. Users report comfortable, gentle heat that doesn’t dry the air or create the stuffiness associated with some heating methods.
Value for Money
Given the dual functionality as both heater and decorative element, many reviewers consider these units excellent investments, particularly compared to the cost of installing traditional fireplaces.
Quiet Operation
The noise level of these heaters earns positive mentions, with most users describing them as whisper-quiet, especially on lower settings.
Areas where expectations should be managed:
Primary Heat Source Limitations
Some users express disappointment when expecting these units to serve as primary heat sources for large, poorly insulated spaces. They perform best as supplemental heaters or in smaller, well-insulated rooms.
Flame Effect Variation
The quality of flame effects varies between models, with premium units generally offering more convincing simulations. Budget models may have more simplified or repetitive flame patterns.
Fan Noise at High Settings
While operation is generally quiet, some users note that at maximum heating settings, the internal fan becomes more noticeable, though rarely described as disruptive.
Overall, customer satisfaction trends strongly positive, with most criticisms stemming from misaligned expectations rather than genuine product deficiencies.
Comparing Style Selections to Competitor Brands
The infrared electric stove heater market features several notable players. Understanding how Style Selections compares to these alternatives helps contextualize their value proposition:
Duraflame
Perhaps the most recognized name in electric stoves, Duraflame typically offers more models and sometimes more elaborate flame effects, but at higher price points. Style Selections delivers comparable heating performance at more accessible prices, though sometimes with slightly less sophisticated flame effects.
LifeSmart
Another popular competitor, LifeSmart units often feature additional heating technologies like copper heat exchangers. These can provide more even heat distribution but come at premium prices. Style Selections offers simpler but reliable construction at more budget-friendly price points.
Pleasant Hearth
Closest in price point to Style Selections, Pleasant Hearth models sometimes offer more traditional styling details but comparable heating technology. The choice often comes down to aesthetic preferences rather than functional differences.
Comfort Zone
At the budget end of the spectrum, Comfort Zone models typically cost less than Style Selections but with noticeably simpler construction and less convincing flame effects. Style Selections represents a step up in both quality and visual realism.
In this competitive landscape, Style Selections occupies a sweet spot—offering better quality than budget brands while remaining more affordable than premium options. The exclusive availability through Lowe’s also means more consistent customer support and warranty handling compared to brands sold through multiple retailers with varying return policies.
Wrapping Up: Is a Style Selections Infrared Electric Stove Heater Right for You?
After exploring every aspect of these innovative heating appliances, the question remains: would a Style Selections infrared electric stove heater be a worthwhile addition to your home? The answer depends on your specific needs and expectations.
You’ll likely be delighted with a Style Selections stove heater if:
- You’re seeking supplemental heat for specific living areas
- You value the ambiance and visual appeal of a traditional stove or fireplace
- Your budget doesn’t accommodate a real wood or gas fireplace installation
- You prefer heating solutions that don’t require permanent installation
- You’re looking to practice zone heating to reduce overall energy costs
- You appreciate the safety advantages over open-flame heating options
Conversely, these might not be ideal if:
- You need a primary heat source for a very large or poorly insulated space
- You live in an area with extremely high electricity costs relative to other fuel sources
- You’re seeking the authentic crackling sounds and aromatic experience of real wood fires
- Your aesthetic strongly favors ultra-modern, minimalist design
For most homeowners, however, Style Selections infrared electric stove heaters represent an excellent balance of form, function, and affordability. They deliver the cozy ambiance we crave during cold months without the maintenance, safety concerns, or installation complexity of traditional fireplaces.
As someone who’s experienced both traditional and electric options, I can attest that while nothing perfectly replicates the multisensory experience of a genuine wood fire, these modern alternatives come remarkably close on the visual front while offering significant advantages in convenience, cleanliness, and control.
Whether you’re looking to create a cozy reading nook, add ambiance to your family gatherings, or simply reduce your heating bills through more targeted warming, Style Selections offers solutions worth serious consideration. With their attractive price points, plug-and-play simplicity, and dual functionality as both heaters and decorative elements, they’ve earned their growing popularity in homes across the country.