We love it. Doesn't heat up the area around it too much, but on the plus side the table isn't dangerously hot either. Great for smores and staring at lovingly. However, buyer beware that the assembly required me to drill three of my own holes(!) in the metal in order to match the fire well and its ignition switch with the outside casing. The pre-drilled holes were about 3 inches off. Not everyone may have the tools and confidence to do that themselves. Manufacturer should quality control this better!