Szara- Did you end up going with the Mezzo48? Our specs our very similar and I'm getting very close to pulling the trigger. Would be interested in any feedback you might have. Thanks in advance!

I have one but not the model mentioned. Mine is quite a bit smaller (smaller space to heat) but is extremely efficient. It is not the primary heat source in the residence but is a great supplement for when the power goes out (which it does often here in the woods....like just last weekend!) and to make things warm and cozy on a wet winter day :-) It is fully adjustable so the heat can be regulated but I find I only need it on at its current midrange setting for a relatively short period before it becomes too warm. I am new to this residence and haven't made it through a full winter yet so I may change that opinion when the weather gets colder :-))

We did. We love it. Its definitely a wow factor. It puts out some heat, but it is in a large room with vaulted ceilings so it does not overpower the room. The one think I would not re-purchase is the lighting kit - on this model you can only run it when the flames are off. So that part is kind of cheesy (IMHO). Let me see if I can find some pictures.

Before - nice 80s gas logs with folding doors

After. We decided on no surround and are happy with the modern look. We can always add a surround/mantle later if we choose to. We have a big room - this is the 48" model. I think the room is 20x20 and is open to the kitchen, front hall and dining room.

Wow! Thanks Szara! Like I mentioned, the specs of our space are very close to yours - about 16x20 room, open to the foyer and kitchen with vaulted ceilings. The main difference would be that ours will be flanked by windows rather than built-ins. I appreciate the advice on the optional lighting kit because I would agree, the light would be cheesy by itself. Unfortunately, I haven't seen a unit in person so we will be buying based on the brochure (and your input). It looks pretty slick in the photographs and we were hoping that it would be a well-crafted unit based on the higher price tag. Bummed it doesn't have a blower though. Thanks again for your input and pictures!!

We have had units with blowers and each time the installer has poo-pooed them. Of course we never listened and always purchased them. We don't miss the blower unit (noisy, not very effective), but we do have a nice ceiling fan installed that can run at a very low speed during the winter. Much more effective than a blower unit in my experience. On this unit we got an optional blower kit that can divert some of the warm air to a movie room below this room. Again - I kind of wish I hadn't spent the money.

Hope you find that perfect fireplace. There are so many nice ones out there.

I have a Heat n Glo with a blower. The blower is very quiet and really puts out the heat. This unit heats 2 floors completely. The fireplace is in a space off the kitchen. The level has a great room, breakfast room and upstairs there are 3 bedrooms.

btw, I've had this unit for 10 years and it was installed 3 years prior to me buying the home.