Which brand direct vent should I go with ?

Peter H said:

Hi i live in NJ and was looking for a 36-40 inch direct vent gas fireplace to install in my living room. Was looking at the FMI sentinel, and Monessen Belmont, but was also considering the Napoleon brand also. I currently have a Monessen in my basement. And owned a Napoleon in the past also. Don't know too much about FMI. Looking for a clean face unit without the traditional Louvers. Any suggestions or recommendations will be gladly appreciated.
I have been quoted 1800 for the sentinel complete with remote, vent, logs and brick liner.
http://www.monessenhearth.com/family/Fireplaces/Direct-Vent/Belmont/
http://www.fmiproducts.com/prod_detail.cgi?prodnum=0.2.2.08#
Thanks

Click to expand...

If you're getting all of that for $1800, you're not getting anytthing fancy. Probably what you'll end up with is known as a "Builder's Box." Those units tend to be low end & the builders can buy a LOT of them for a low price & throw them in their "Custom" homes. If you look at the Heat N Glo Clean Face units, you're gonna pay double that & more just for the box. Venting will be addtional. They are very realistic looking units & they are Kick-A$$ heaters.
Your best bet, though, is to visit a couple of different showrooms & see what's out there. Look at all the above mentioned units & look at other brands, too. Jotul & Regency also make quality products. Do your due diligence & don't limit yourself. All of us in here will tell you what they think are good & what they think are not so good, & we will argue back & forth, without any resolution. Bottom line is that whatever you put in will probably be there for as long as you own your home. If you end up with one you DON'T like, you'll have to live with it.