Fireplace Xtrordinair (FPX) has a lower BTU/no blower model called the "Custom Builder 35" that does not require a hearth. If you want a higher-BTU model w/ blower, I believe the FPX 36 DV-XL (36-inch Direct Vent-Extra Large) doesn't require a hearth if it's raised three or more inches (same for the 44-inch model). Here's a link to the FPX brochure in .pdf format. There's a chart near the end (brochure pages 18 & 19) that lists the specs & clearances for the various models. Here is a link that might be useful: FPX gas fireplaces

Sorry, forgot to post a followup after it was all installed! We've now had our two fireplaces (a small one upstairs in the bedroom and a 3-sided peninsula unit in the living/dining area) installed and operating for two years. As I mentioned before, I ordered Lennox units from Stoves Direct. The downstairs unit is wonderful. I had to play around a little with the log placement to prevent sooting, and it doesn't NOT soot entirely, but it's pretty good, especially considering how much we use it (it's our primary heat source for downstairs in the winter). It's very attractive, seems extremely well-built and sturdy, and puts out a lot of warmth. The louvers don't allow see- through between the rooms and the entire unit is a showpiece for the room (I'll try to figure out how to post a photo!) However, when I was doing my local research, a Seattle dealer talked me into getting a much smaller unit for our upstairs bedroom, and, alas, it doesn't even begin to heat up the room. Part of the problem may have been the way the gas man (from Northern Energy) adjusted the flame, so I might have it loooked at next time they're out that way. All in all, I'm happy with the Lennox units I bought from Stoves Direct, and am sorry that some people have had problems with either the product or the dealer. All I can say is that my own experiences have been positive.

I literally just had the Mendota DX35 installed. Unlike you, I really didn't do any research and I was alittle surprised. Here's what I learned. It doesn't have an electronic ignition (my previuos insert turned on with a flip of the wall switch). I don't know if that's an option, I kind of went with whatever the fireplace guy recommended. You have to flip down the lower panel turn the button to pilot, then press another button simultaneously to fire it up. I guess it isn't that big a deal. It has air and flame control knobs under the lower panel as well. I got the remote, which seems a little low tech for a remote. It measures the air temp, then you press and up or down arrow, and an on off button. But from what I understand, you still have to manually turn the pilot on at the box. I could be wrong on all of this, next week, I'm going to ask the fireplace guy to come over and go over it with me. His workers had limited english and didn't really explain it in good enough detail. I also purchased the Tuscany grape leave frame in Black Onyx. It looks beautiful, but when I wiped the fingerprints off with a towel that I applied a little licking to, the color tarnished. So, I'm not sure how to clean it properly. The cover cost a fortune, so I hope it's not a maintenance nightmare. Anyway, that's my not super informative description. I'll let you know more next week.

Town and Country and Majestic have the gas controls outside the fireplace. There are issues in finding the proper location for them and having a clean finished product. Escape - Has some funny looking brick. stacked like a retaining wall. Valves are in the fireplace (that's a good thing). Montebello - Just released to the market this week. Looks similar to T&C and Majestic and like Heat N Glo the controls are built into the fireplace . They are latest entry into this clean face market and have benefited for the mistakes make by the others. Napolean - At best, they are fringe player here in Southern California. Have not seen that product.