breezy - While I realize that the forty people who post on GW are a much more representative group than the hundreds of thousands who respond to CR questionnaires, it was not my intention to debate CR. That has been done ad nauseum around here. Rather, it was to point out that regardless of brand, it appears that the actual percentage of cooktop problems is quite low, and that this low number seems to include any and all problems regardless of severity, and that therefore I would not make reliability or service my primary focus as sayde suggested when saying, "I've forgotten to factor in what is probably the most important concern!" In the end, you, Weissman and I are all saying the same thing. I just happened to make the mistake of citing Consumer Reports. Pick what appeals to you.

Our architect specified the Heat N Glo Escape and it IS beautiful, but we didn't realize when we agreed to install it, that the cost was $4500. That's a couple thousand more than almost any other fireplace we could have had. Be sure to check on the price if you are interested in this one. Also, the tile guy and the trim carpenter said they had never seen such a difficult unit to work around. We do love it, but probably would have opted for a different unit if we would have realized the cost.

Trying to pick out a vent free gas fireplace for a a building which is near a pool. Since its open on one side I am not worried about the carbon monoxide issue. I have looked at Napoleon, Empire, Vanguard, and Monessen. Are these the best manufacturers to look at for vent free. I want a good quality unit with nice logs and flame. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks

All the dealers around carry Peterson RealFyre - but this forum has several negative posts about them. I want to find some "realistic" looking 24" gas logs for my vented fireplace (we've been burning wood in it for the time being) that don't put off much heat (we're in Florida in a new home). I can't find the BTU detail on the Rasmussen logs - but maybe BTUs don't tell the whole story? How can I determine which logs are going to fit my needs?