DH just set up in our bedroom and it exceeded my expectations.
The mantle is a beautiful dark cherry color, and is very solid.
What I like the most about it is you can adjust the heat setting,and even turn off the heat and have it lit for ambience factor.

Anyway, thought this might help others that have been looking at electric.
It actually has LED lights. It said on the description it should help cut electric bills...guessing it's if you kinda use it like a space heater, rather than turn on your heating for the entire house.

We're going to build ours into a custom surround. I'm mostly interested in the realistic appearance of a fire, not the auxiliary heat or air cleaner, etc. I would like the crackling sound. Any recommendations?

It is the perfect focal point to our great room. I cut out the drywall and recessed it into the wall, then built a custom surround/hearth and finished it with travertine. All I lack is sealing and grouting the stone. One more project finished. Sigh.