We use this in the fireplace in the family room. Now that we are getting older, it is not so much fun to bring in the wood to build the fire and then to clean up the ashes. This insert that we bought is wonderful, looks like we have a real fire there and with the heater it is just like a real fire without the work. It was easy to set up. The remote is not the greatest but there is an on/off switch attached to the unit which is fairly easy to use.