The electric fire place insert is so realistic that guests don't believe that it is not a real fire when first viewing it and often continue to believe that it is real even after close inspection.Ours is behind full glass doors and gives us all the beauty,comfort and relaxation that our wood fires did in the past but WITH NO MESSY CLEANUP! The realism of the electric fire far exceeds other brands that we have seen.Actually,a better product than advertised. The extra cost for the upgrade is well worth it!