TL;DR
A Wired contributor reviewed Turbro’s Suburbs TS25 smart electric fireplace (about $200) and found its LED flames, crackle audio and heater helped prompt unexpected rest. Academic research cited in the piece reports decreased blood pressure when people view fire with sound, and the author notes simulated fireplaces avoid indoor air pollution.
What happened
A reviewer unboxed and set up the Turbro Suburbs 25 in. Wi‑Fi‑Enabled Electric Fireplace and found the physical assembly mildly frustrating—16 screws and a recommended 6‑inch Phillips‑head screwdriver that wasn’t included. The 32‑pound unit, roughly a two‑by‑two‑foot freestanding box, connected to the SmartLife app and offered three flame brightness levels, three crackle sound volumes and an infrared heater that can be scheduled. In the reviewer’s apartment the unit warmed a roughly 200‑square‑foot living room and produced a cartoon‑like LED fire that, combined with the crackle audio, seemed to promote relaxation and an unintended hour‑long nap. The article cites Christopher D. Lynn, an anthropology professor who reported consistent blood‑pressure decreases when people viewed fire with sound and who said he replicated similar results using an electric fireplace (a follow‑up paper is being prepared). The reviewer also notes simulated flames don’t produce indoor air pollution and the unit carries a two‑year warranty once registered.
Why it matters
- Controlled simulations of fire may trigger measurable relaxation: research cited finds blood‑pressure decreases in fire‑with‑sound conditions.
- Electric fireplaces provide a flame aesthetic without the indoor air pollution associated with burning real wood.
- Relatively affordable smart devices (around $200) can combine visual, audio and heating features to create a low‑cost relaxation aid.
- Smart app integration and adjustable settings allow users to tailor intensity and sound for personal comfort.
Key facts
- Product reviewed: Turbro Suburbs TS25 25 in. Wi‑Fi‑Enabled Electric Fireplace (white enameled stove design).
- Approximate price reported: $200 (sourced from Home Depot listing in the piece).
- Weight and size: about 32 pounds and described as roughly a 2‑by‑2‑foot freestanding box.
- Controls: SmartLife app integration; three flame brightness settings and three crackle sound volumes; physical remote described as clunky.
- Heater: infrared heater with a timer; reviewer said it effectively warmed a 200‑square‑foot living room.
- Assembly: required attaching freestanding legs with 16 screws; recommended 6‑inch Phillips‑head screwdriver was not included.
- Warranty: two‑year warranty available once the product is registered.
- Research cited: Christopher D. Lynn’s studies found consistent blood‑pressure decreases in the fire‑with‑sound condition; he reports a replication using an electric fireplace with funding from Napoleon Fireplaces and is working to publish the follow‑up paper.
- Health note: simulated fireplaces do not cause indoor air pollution, according to the article.
What to watch next
- Publication of Christopher D. Lynn’s replicated study using an electric fireplace (paper is being prepared and submission is pending).
- Not confirmed in the source: broader, independent peer‑reviewed consensus on long‑term cognitive or mental‑health benefits of simulated fireplaces.
- Not confirmed in the source: manufacturer reliability data and long‑term durability comparisons between models.
Quick glossary
- Electric (simulated) fireplace: A freestanding or built‑in device that uses LEDs, screens and audio to mimic the appearance and sound of a real fire without combustion.
- Infrared heater: A type of heater that emits infrared radiation to directly warm objects and people in a room, often used for energy‑efficient spot heating.
- Indoor air pollution: Contaminants in indoor air, such as particulate matter and combustion byproducts, that can affect health; electric fireplaces do not produce combustion emissions.
- SmartLife app: A third‑party smart‑home application referenced in the article that can detect and control compatible Wi‑Fi‑enabled appliances.
Reader FAQ
Does watching a simulated fireplace reduce blood pressure?
Research cited in the article reports consistent blood‑pressure decreases in a fire‑with‑sound condition; the author cites work by Christopher D. Lynn showing this effect.
Is the Turbro Suburbs effective at heating a room?
The reviewer reported the unit effectively warmed a 200‑square‑foot living room during testing.
Does an electric fireplace produce indoor air pollution?
According to the piece, simulated fireplaces do not cause the indoor air pollution associated with burning real wood.
How much does the Suburbs fireplace cost and is there a warranty?
The article lists an approximate price of $200 (Home Depot) and notes a two‑year warranty once the product is registered.
LISA WOOD SHAPIRO GEAR DEC 25, 2025 5:33 AM Can You Buy Relaxation? My $200 Electric Fireplace Says Yes Research shows that watching a simulated fire may have real psychological…
Sources
- How a $200 Fake Fireplace From Home Depot Soothed My Soul
- Freestanding Electric Fireplaces Under $200
- The 8 Best Electric Fireplace Heaters, Tested and Reviewed
- Highly Rated – Electric Fireplaces
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