They are a novelty/decorative thing
Not in isolated rural areas they're not. Ours heats our open plan lounge/diner/kitchen and I leave our bedroom door open at night so it heats that as well. We don't have any central heating and only use an oil filled radiator during sub zero temps - timed to come on when the woodburner has gone out around 5am.
I can also cook casseroles, soups and boil water on the top during power cuts.
Anger management!!! Help needed.