My woodburning fireplace has an out of date chimney liner. I really didn't want to pay the expense of converting to gas and I came across this electric insert. The flames are semi realistic but the embers look very real. Overall it creates a nice ambiance, I've had many compliments on it. It took 5 minutes set up, if that- Just insert and plug in. I've had it for several months and I am very happy with my purchase.