[riccobo4]

I want a real fireplace but that's out of the question so I'll settle for a direct vent gas fireplace.

Does anyone have any experience and/or recommendations for a brand or model that is a good value? I need something slim depth because it will be entirely inside the room. A simple, traditional layout/style is preferred.

 

[pwcopy]

When I had a DV gas fireplace installed in my living room 5 years ago (the house never had an FP), my #1 priority was finding the right unit to fit in the space available, and #2 was the best looking flame. A great flame pattern is hard to come by because DVFPs are designed for efficiency, and the more realistic the flame looks, the more gas the unit is burning. I shopped every major brand available in the Detroit Metro, and I chose the Mendota FV34 Willowbrook Front/Panoramic Copper Porcelain. It fit in the corner of the living room where I wanted it, it had the biggest flame that I could find, I liked the look of the logs and it pumps out a ton of heat. (Kinda funny now because it heats so well that I hardly ever use it on the highest setting where the flame looks the best.) Unfortunately, it was also the most expensive, but I bit the bullet and could not be happier. Have the install permitted and get "APPROVED" stickers for a phases. If you ever have a house fire (heaven forbid), and the FP was the source, your insurance might not pay off a DIY install without permits.