I have a home with a fireplace. We used it a lot before we had kids and pets. Between the draft, the mess, and the work, our fireplace does not get much use. This maked me sad, because I love a fire. I do not want gas in my house, but I have tried the 'sterno' logs. These were disappointing.

I remember the first time I saw one of these. East Coast Lumber had one installed in a model kitchen. It looked so good, I grabbed the salesman to see if I could buy one. I was disappointed to learn they did not sell the fireplace -- it was part of the showcase.

Next time I saw one was when I was shopping for furniture. Again, part of the showcase, but they could get me one for $400 -- a steep discount off the [claimed] retail price. Too much to pay for a night light.

When these arrived at Home Depot, the price was <$200 and I used a coupon to get the price down to $180. I figured I'd try the fireplace out and return it if I wasn't happy. I was happy. Very happy. This insert fit perfectly in place of my grate and blower. Tucked in the bacl behind mesh and glass, it was indistinguishable from a real fire. It's 'warmed' our family room every night since the purchase...and I have not turned it on since the first night.

We leave the heat off and enjoy only the ambience of a realistic fire.