Pleasant Hearth 20" Electric Crackling Natural Wood Log

Ever since I was a kid, I longed for a fireplace...alas, very few homes in South Louisiana had fireplaces when I was a kid. Deep south home builders (until recently) never felt the need,nor the market demand for the added expense. However, over past 25 years, more homes built do offer fireplaces,(more for the atmosphere than as a heating factor), so I FINALLY have my fireplace to hang the Christmas stockings on, and a mantle to decorate for the seasons. :) Just one thing...now I am an old woman(!) and the thought of cleaning out the messy soot and ashes, paying a chimney sweep(if you can find one within 200 miles of here!) and buying wood or wax fire logs to burn just goes against my grown-up sensibilities. We considered having a propane jet installed, but that's another recurring expense that I don't deem logical just for a "look". So I started my research to find the best, most natural looking electric logs, and trust me....this is the one you want! We opened the promptly delivered box(Amazon, you are the best!!) and had my first fireplace going, glowing and crackling 5 minutes later. It is very realistic looking and sounding. It is just lovely! We first laid down a black heavy trash bag to cover the light colored "floor" of the fireplace burn area, then sat our cast iron grate on the trash bag, placed the log set on the grate. We had intended to only use the trash bag temporarily until we bought some dark lava rocks to scatter underneath, but it turns out the bag reflects the light and the flame effects, adding to the realistic look of flames and embers...because I am a nervous Nellie, I checked many times(and still do) to be sure the bag does not get hot enough to catch fire, and mine has never even been the least bit warm. But mind you, my logs are not directly on the black bag, they are a good 6-7 inches above it, I would NEVER suggest putting them on a bag directly, use a grate for a more authentic look and for safety. The light in the logs is not a real hot bulb- but better to be safe. We love the look of the fireplace, and best of all, when its time for bed, we just hit the remote button, and its out. No mess, no ashes, no soot. Oh I almost forgot, invest in the remote while you are shopping. Its so easy to use, just plug the fire log cord into it and plug into wall. You can afford it, think of all the money you are saving on firewood, chimney sweeps, propane cost, etc! Enjoy your fireplace. The wireless remote which I also purchased from Amazon is the "Etekcity wireless remote for household appliances. It cost a very reasonable $11.98. This is the only way to go....Enjoy!

I have a brick wall with a wood burning fireplace that I wanted to use again. I checked into gas logs and was just about ready to put the $800+ into getting a working fireplace. I would still lose almost 70% of heat up the chimney but I would be able to start my fireplace when I wanted to enjoy it without the mess and danger of using wood. I wasn’t really looking for extra heat of a fireplace so except for wasting natural gas, I thought what the heck. I happened to see an ad for ‘electric fireplaces’-essentially heaters with glowing ember-like lights. I started researching the various models and looked at them at local stores. Then I came to Amazon to check out reviews and found Pleasant Hearth. I figured for the cheap price I’d give it a try. I am extremely glad I did. I was impressed when I opened the box. The unit was VERY well made and as realistic looking as many of the mid range gas log sets. I did a little prep work- blocked off the damper and closed off the flue with a reflective insulated board to fit. On the bottom of the fireplace I placed small pieces of bark and branches and liberally scattered glass beads as another reviewer suggested. I put the unit on the grate I had from the wood fire which raised the unit up and allowed the flickering light to glow under the ‘fire logs, really enhancing the ‘burning ember’ look. I had also purchased the remote controlled outlets and plugged the unit into 1 of those. The wall outlet is 2-1/2 feet from the fireplace and I was able to run the cord under the unit and along the hearth to the outlet with no problem. Since I planned on using the remote to operate the outlet I didn’t need to worry about being able to reach the switch on the cord. I placed a few small pieces of wood on the unit as well and closed the glass fireplace doors. I pressed the remote ‘on’ and had as realistic a fireplace as the gas logs would have provided. I don’t really hear the crackling sound as it is behind the glass doors, but late at night when it is very quiet and I concentrate, I can faintly hear it. What I really do enjoy are the dancing flames the unit provides. They are reflected from the top, back and bottom of the fireplace. Friends are amazed that it is electric. Many knew my plans for getting gas logs and at first sight thought that was exactly what I had done. When I told them what I had really done they admitted it was hard to tell! My grandkids love it and my 2 year old grandson asks to ‘put the fire on to get warm’. We all love being able to use the remote to control the fireplace!It may not be for everyone but I love my Pleasant Hearth fireplace. I saved a LOT of money and got everything I wanted.The unit has run everyday, many hours a day for 4 months without any problem. I did try a red bulb to see how it looked but went back to the orange bulb that came with it. It gives a much more realistic colored flame. I would highly recommend this unit!

For the price, I admire this product. Is it the most beautiful and "natural" looking? No. I admire that the manufacturer did their best in the design and manufacturing. For that reason I give it 5-Stars for effort and the price.To a lesser refined eye this would be very pleasing. To me it looks "cheap", which it was. It does the job and fills the black void in my fireplace, and it is worth the lower price I've paid.I may want to buy a grate to raise it a bit higher, and also a gate to make it look even more "real".FYI: the cord is much too short.UPDATE: It lost it's"crackling" sound. The bulb burnt out really quick but I found an Amber LED at wallymart. Product is still okay though for the price.Otherwise, I do recommend this product.

Great product. Only problem I faced is that the bulb was damaged during transit.

a great fireplace insert it looks great , I painted inside the fireplace black and it really makes the flames pop out , great price also

Had to cut it down to fit the small fireplace, looks great with the recommended orange bulb.

This is awesome. I like the creativity of designerSimple but real 👌👌👌