Does an electric fireplace really generate heat or are they just for show?

Am I the only person who has noticed the poster using '?' as a user name i answering every question with two or more answers; on this question i saw 3 of his answers.

They are for both.   

There is some heat given off, but mainly they are for show not warmth!

The cheapest ones are just for show. But I have 2 that also put out heat too ...meaning a glorified electric room heater.

depends on the model some do heat and others are show pieces .

you'll have to check on the individual fireplace--some are also heaters, some aren't. The one I have is also a small space heater, which only warms the immediate vicinity, but it's fine when I turn down the main heat in my house and sit in my living room. But a lot the ones I see don't have that ability. 

No, the fire on an electric chimney isn't genuine.

The warmth is given from the warming component that is independent to the fire.  Since the fire isn't genuine, no unsafe gases or smoke is created from and electric chimney. This implies that electric chimneys can be utilized without the requirement for a smokestack, pipe or vent.

very little heat mainly just for show 

There are both. My cousin has one that has heat in her living room. Her house runs colds and she says it does help keep the living room warmer. It is the room the hang out. 

Some are just for show and some have a "heating element" inside. Those put out a little heat, but not enough that you could use it as your only heat source in a cold house.