This fireplace is a little noisey when putting out heat, but it does heat up the room and the flames are pretty- is it realistic?  Sort of.... but the flames are pretty enough to create the ambience you want and it is a very pretty piece, not too big, not too small, but would look best in small to medium-sized rooms.  We really enjoy this fireplace.  assembly was not too bad and overall, was worth the purchase, we especially loved having this over the christmas season and our kids love story time by the fireplace.  Overall:  nice finish affordable, doesn't look "cheap" like some other options we looked at and I would reccommend this product :)