I sell both units. So from experience if it were my house I would go with FPX (Travis). Their products are much nicer and the fact that they are all manufactured in the U.S. makes them so much better to deal with if any problems ever arise. The black enamel will be fine over time. I think it makes the logs look bigger than the brick liners. However, a more traditional look is the brick. These are just cosmetic preferences! Good Luck!

Thanks for the info. I liked the look of the black enamel as it seemed more contemporary (but not too odd) but I noticed a whitish area on the enamel liner near where the flame had been once the fire was off. It was faint but I could see it from across the room since it was white on black and was concerned about how bad that would become over time or whether there was any way to get rid of it (cleaner, new paint, etc.). Has anyone had a black enamel liner for a few years to see how it holds up?

I second the FIreplace Xtrordinair. I have had mine for almost two years now and love it. Been very reliable, gives off a lot of heat, and looks nice too. I do have the brick liner as I like the more traditional look.

Abbey