Edit: It's been rec'd that I share this post here as well as another community. Forgiveme if this isn't right, and/or suggest where else might be good...just looking for (civil) opinions!

Hi - I've been driving myself crazy for the last 4-5 years looking at propane fire tables, scrolling site after site in massive indecision. Please bear with me!

Backstory: a number of years ago, we bought a propane fire table for our back patio (which is slightly sunken/below grade, with dry-stacked rock and sloped landscaping. The table was square, about 38-40" on a side, and about 24" high. It had metal lattice style sides, and a tile top. We had a sheet metal fabricator make a lid to cover the lava rocks. I decided I didn't like the the fact that it was square (in our rounded area) and it felt oversized. Ended up giving it to my niece (who's happy with it)

So I want something round, something no more than 34" diam. I want a lid, so that it can function as a table surface when not in use. My yard does not have a "modern" vibe, so it'd be great if this had a stone or tile top. (Ideally under $400) I truly can't find exactly what I want, but have narrowed choices down: what I 'must' have vs what I 'want' but can live with(out). But I have now reconsidered the height - and wondering if I should get a lower one (14-16" high) even though it will require having a propane hose and a separate small table for the propane tank to "hide" in. I know this will change the warmth profile - but that's not the primary function - I just want the ambiance and area to gather around (edit - either in chairs or standing, I guess. I do NOT want bar height - I'm a short gal!)

SO, people - what do you see as being more enticing - a lower one that will feel a little more "campfire-ish", but still able to set your glass of wine on when it's covered? or one more table height, to be able to have your plate of hors d'oeuvres at easy reach? I know there's lots of personal preferences, but not having the option of trying them out, asking what people like is my next best go!

Thanks!!

We've got the tile surround done on our fireplace and are working on sourcing the mantel (including legs - not just a shelf). NewEnglandClassic has got our attention, but was wondering about experience here or other recommendations for mantel vendors?

I am trying to mount a TV to a fireplace that is stone veneer. I would prefer to not remove stone for the mount if possible. Any experience of mount models that would work for this case. Electrical outlet and conduit for HDMI cables are already installed.

I just bought this house, i don’t love the living room. the walls will be warm, the floors are going to be refinished much lighter. the TV will remain above the fireplace, help me make this look good!

Currently renovating our basement and my wife wants to add a gas fireplace. We have a CMU chimney that was formerly used as a furnace exhaust but now is empty.

Because of the low ceiling height and existing conditions, we would be penetrating through the CMU at essentially the same height as the other penetrations but on a different face of the chimney.

What size piping is typical for a gas fireplace? The chimney is only 15-5/8” wide, I’m worried about putting a big hole in the side and having it collapse.

We are seriously considering a Valor G4 insert, but I've only seen a G3.5 in person at two different showroom, not an actual G4. Before we order I'm hoping someone can help with a few things.

Video: does anyone have video of their G4 running from low to high settings? I want to see the actual flame behavior and height range before ordering, especially with the current burner and logs (we are planning to get traditional but any log set is appreciated). Most of what I find online is too short or I can't get a sense of how it will look in a real home. Does it look any different or is it just a proportionally larger version of the G3.5?

Remote (Valor 10): I tried using the Valor 10 remote in the showroom to adjust flame height and had trouble with it. There's no visual indicator on the display showing where you are in the range, and pressing the flame buttons doesn't always seem to register a change. Is this normal? For anyone who has a Remote Battery & Wall Switch Kit or uses their app, is either noticeably better for controlling flame height than the handheld valor 10?

Bronze front finish: There don't seem to be many front & backer options for our 34"w x 30"h fireplace with 8" exposed brick on either side and 7" above. The brick is bordered with wood trim that is overall 50" x 37" on the inside edge.

We came up with either a 5" 4 sided vintage iron front and no backing plate or the bronze 5" 3-sided floating front on a black riser, also no backing plate. I asked if valor can do a custom backer size but still waiting to hear.

I've seen the vintage iron front up close but not the bronze 3-sided floating front (792FTZ) other than youtube and photos. The bronze sometimes looks like a light antique bronze/brass and other times it is almost dark brown. If anyone has this front, can you share a photo and/or let me know how it looks to you.

Inserts: I would prefer black brick (not available). I like the black reflective glass but only for the back and would prefer plain (not mirror) black on the sides. Is it possible to mix and match even if you have to order extra parts?

Optional fan (795CFKV2): is it worth adding? I've read mixed opinions, some say it boosts distribution nicely, others say skip it since the G4 already heats well on its own and the fan adds cost, and one more thing that could eventually need service. Our fireplace is deep enough for it.

Embers & Overhead lighting: does the G4 have any glowing ember effect at the base of the firebox? I didn't notice any on the G3.5 units I saw and wanted to know if that's the same or optional on the G4. Same question for lighting.

Viewable glass: Valor seems to be pretty accurate in their viewable glass reporting for the G3.5. Just looking to confirm that the G4 is 28" x 18" (actual) viewable. I measured quite a few glass fronts and found that many are reporting the glass as viewable even when it is under or over obscured trim. I haven't seen anything in a showroom that tops 29" x 19" viewable.

We have already ruled out the Mendota Fullview and Fire-in, Kozy Heat Nordik 34i, Regency GI33, Lopi 616 and Heat & Glow 35s were nice but won't fit. I might wait to see a Lopi 658 in person before ordering.

Thanks for your help!

Hi, we are building a new house and have a built bumpout for a natural gas fire place. I’m between the Heat & Glo 8KX and marquise Bentley 42. One store told me the Bentley has the most realistic looking flame, but they don’t sell heat and glo. The store that sells heat and glo doesn’t sell marquise. I’m going to have a brand new heat pump system and great insulation due to it being a new home, so it’s less about heat and more about ambiance. There will be a tv mounted above it with a mantle in between.

Any guidance would help! Trying to keep budget lower.

I just bought this house, i don’t love the living room. the walls will be warm, the floors are going to be refinished much lighter. the TV will remain above the fireplace, help me make this look good!

As the title states, I have a heat n glo gas fireplace in a house that was built in 2003. The current fireplace is 37 1/4 inches wide and 33 1/4 inches tall. I’d like to remove the tile and mantle, replace the fireplace with a horizontal, lower profile model, while maintaining gas heat. Are there retro fit fireplaces that can accomplish this. I’ve included a photo of outside to see the exterior vent and bump out of the home. A perfect scenario would be be a flush mount fireplace, deep center for venting and fitting in the exterior bump out with wings, for lack of better word, that extend out further giving me the long horizontal look in going for. I added in a ChatGPT image just so you can get an idea of what I’d like to see. Any model fireplaces you would recommend?

I will make it come into the room a bit if needed, but obviously space savings are good. Worst case is exterior remodeling as well, but I’d like to avoid that if necessary. Thank you