We were looking for an alternative to the traditional fireplace, as where we live it is mostly warm and we still love the visual effect of a fire. After venturing thru the world of electrical fireplaces, gas etc, we did not find the gas option was for us, and well, frankly in our opinion most electric one's seemed a bit tacky. Until we saw the Dimplex ones ... what a fantastic invention! We love the fact that it is open and not covered by a glass "window". Absolutely stunning visual, we have gotten so many compliments already! In real life it is even better looking than on the picture, I do not feel the pic does it justice. We do not own it long enough yet for me to comment on the durability etc, but so far so good. We love it so much that we are going to have our contractor do a custom mantel with Chicago brick and built in cabinets around it!