As the mercury drops and the nights grow longer, Australians everywhere are on the hunt for ways to keep warm without breaking the bank—or sacrificing style.
Enter Kmart’s latest winter sensation: the Flame Effect Fireplace Heater, a $79 gem that’s got shoppers raving, ‘Best purchase ever!’ and, frankly, we can see why.
Let’s face it: most portable heaters are about as attractive as a soggy Weet-Bix. They’re boxy, bland, and destined to be hidden behind the couch.
But Kmart’s new heater is turning that stereotype on its head. With its vintage-inspired design and a realistic LED log flame, this little unit looks more like a charming miniature fireplace than a run-of-the-mill appliance.
It’s the kind of thing you’d expect to see in a cosy English cottage, not your average Australian lounge room.
And it’s not just a pretty face. The heater boasts two power settings—900W and 1800W—so you can tailor the warmth to your needs, whether you’re taking the chill off a small study or heating up a larger living area.
There’s a thermostat control for each mode, and safety hasn’t been overlooked: it comes with overheat protection, a tip-over switch, and a thermal cut-off device. In other words, it’s as safe as it is stylish.
But what really has shoppers swooning is the LED log flame effect. Adjustable via a simple dial, the flame can be set to your preferred brightness, or even used without the heater function at all.
That means you can enjoy the soft, ambient glow of a ‘roaring fire’ on a cool evening, without actually cranking up the heat (or your power bill). One reviewer summed it up perfectly: ‘Fantastic warm flame effect makes the room cosy.’
It’s no wonder, then, that the heater has earned a stellar 4.6-star rating on Kmart’s website and is currently sold out online. Many stores are reporting low or no stock, so if you spot one in the wild, consider yourself lucky!
The heater’s popularity has even spilled over onto social media. A recent video by Brisbane artist Phoebe Hofsteede, showing her unboxing and setting up the heater in her cabin retreat, has racked up over 134,000 views.
Viewers were quick to comment on the ‘cozycore vibe’ and ‘aesthetically pleasing’ look, with many sharing their own glowing reviews. ‘This is the best purchase ever and I love her in my little villa,’ gushed one happy customer.
Of course, with the cost of living on everyone’s mind, some shoppers have raised concerns about electricity usage. One commenter lamented, ‘We used to have this and I loved it, but my husband got rid of it—apparently our electric bill went up.’
Another added, ‘I want one so bad, but I’m worried about the electricity bill.’ It’s a fair point: while the heater is more energy-efficient than running a ducted system, it’s still worth keeping an eye on your usage, especially if you’re running it for hours on end.
But if you’re looking for a more targeted way to stay toasty, Kmart has another winter winner up its sleeve: the $27 Heated Foot Warmer.
This clever slip-on device, available in a sleek grey, has three adjustable heat settings and a long USB cord, making it perfect for chilly mornings or sneaky warmth under your desk.
It’s gentle on your feet, helps with circulation, and—thanks to its USB power—can be used just about anywhere. Shoppers have dubbed it an ‘instant win’ for cold toes and a must-have for anyone who feels the chill.
So, whether you’re after a statement piece that brings both warmth and ambiance to your home, or a nifty gadget to keep your feet snug, Kmart’s winter range has you covered. Just be quick—these hot items are flying off the shelves faster than you can say ‘snuggle season’.
Have you managed to get your hands on the Flame Effect Fireplace Heater or the Heated Foot Warmer? How do you keep warm during the Australian winter without blowing the budget? Share your tips, tricks, and reviews in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Also read: Slash your heating bills and stay cosy all winter—here’s how
Poorly written without any examples of the heater outside the box, or talks about other items like a foot warmer, but doesn’t show it being used under a desk, as stated.
Most articles advertising these companies have a good short video of the main item of interest, but not today.