I LOVE this thing! Straight out of the box ready to go. Plugged it in and what a realistic looking fire! As fur the heat, my daughter came to see it and told me it was hit in my living room. I had accidentally turned the heat on so I know they will be perfect for the winter. The cord was long enough for my needs. In fact it fit perfectly in length to my connection. I’m still not too heavy but not cheaply made it seems. My only thing I’m not fond of is the red digital control panel in the front. It’s just ok there and when I put my screen up it is hidden for the most part. But fur the price, quality and the actual heating I can ignore that. Again, I love this insert.