We are looking for a propane-fueled fireplace for our family room. The room is 15'x22' and has 7.5' high walls and a vaulted ceiling with a peak at about 10'. There is a single 6' wide opening to the next room (kitchen) along the 22' long side. The fireplace will be in the middle of the adjacent 15' wall nearer to the opening to the kitchen.
There is a reason why I'm giving room dimensions. I'm looking for something with a clean face (all glass, no louvers, controls, or manufacturer markings) and I initially was set on a Mendota FV34. Two of the 3 dealers I talked to (one of which carried the Mendota and one that didn't) were concerned that even the smallest Mendota unit (FV34) will put out so much heat relative to the size of the room that I won't be able to run it for very long time before overheating. When I argued that the flame can be turned down, they argued what's the point of buying such a nice unit when I can't enjoy the flame for longer.
Both recommended a Town and Country unit as a possible alternative. They said that these units are designed for relatively low heat output relative to the size of the flame (i.e. low efficiency). In other words, you burn extra BTUs to make a nice big flame, but much of the heat goes out of the large direct vent pipe.
One of the 2 dealers also highly recommended the Fireplace X 864 TRV. He claimed that although the rated efficiency is closer to the Mendota unit than the T&C, in practice I'll get less intense heat than I would from the Mendota, one reason being that it uses tempered glass rather than ceramic glass. He also preferred the FPX to the T&C due to better manufacturer support, though admitting that the T&C is still nicer looking.
The downside is that I don't like the design of the FPX quite as much as the Mendota or T&C.
Any opinions and or anecdotes are appreciated!
There is a reason why I'm giving room dimensions. I'm looking for something with a clean face (all glass, no louvers, controls, or manufacturer markings) and I initially was set on a Mendota FV34. Two of the 3 dealers I talked to (one of which carried the Mendota and one that didn't) were concerned that even the smallest Mendota unit (FV34) will put out so much heat relative to the size of the room that I won't be able to run it for very long time before overheating. When I argued that the flame can be turned down, they argued what's the point of buying such a nice unit when I can't enjoy the flame for longer.
Both recommended a Town and Country unit as a possible alternative. They said that these units are designed for relatively low heat output relative to the size of the flame (i.e. low efficiency). In other words, you burn extra BTUs to make a nice big flame, but much of the heat goes out of the large direct vent pipe.
One of the 2 dealers also highly recommended the Fireplace X 864 TRV. He claimed that although the rated efficiency is closer to the Mendota unit than the T&C, in practice I'll get less intense heat than I would from the Mendota, one reason being that it uses tempered glass rather than ceramic glass. He also preferred the FPX to the T&C due to better manufacturer support, though admitting that the T&C is still nicer looking.
The downside is that I don't like the design of the FPX quite as much as the Mendota or T&C.
Any opinions and or anecdotes are appreciated!
