Take a look at ethanol fireplaces instead of the gel. Same vent-free concept, since the ethanol burns completely. I have been looking at these although I have not installed or used one yet. I think the number of ways you can incorporate these is almost endless.

http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Firepla ... I6e34LJursCFU5o7AodgwMAzw

Quote:

A friend bought one and loves it. You can hang it on the wall in a similar way you hang a picture frame. These use the same sterno heater cans you would use on a hot chafing dish. There is no resale value for these units.
I had a great fireplace when I lived in NYC and these don't compare.

I have several fireplaces in my house but they're all designed for coal-burners and not deep enough for proper wood-burning use. And I LOVE a nice fire, even though I know it's actually heat-inefficient when you consider all that goes up that open chimney.

Only been around one gel-type. My buddiy's wife insisted on it and spent a small fortune. To me, it was kinda lame. If he'd put a 50" TV in front of the fireplace, showing a fire burning, it would have been almost the same. And that fuel is NOT cheap. I think he told me it was something like $5/hour in addition to the original purchase price.

interesting but don't you have to refill the cansiter pretty frequently?

I've long wanted a fireplace, but a true wood-burning or gas type isn't possible in my low floor, street facing, "loft" condo. I've seen ads/articles on gel-fuel models and that seems feasible, provided there are no JC laws against them. What appeals is an authentic flame, even if its not a heat source, and the fact that you can design a setting in any aesthetic. Does anyone have any experience with these? Advice on cost, installers, potential impact on re-sale value, etc.? Thanks!

http://hearthcabinet.hubpages.com/hub ... -and-ambience-to-any-room