****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This fireplace looks exactly as pictured, only a hair darker in shade. The wood surround is glossy and beautiful and the marble inset, although artificial, is realistic looking. I always have concerns about the different fireboxes that come with fireplace packages, but the SEI firebox is top of the line. There are numerous settings to choose from and the flame and embers look real. The remote that comes with the firebox is highly responsive and is also well designed. The only drawbacks, the fan is not terribly quiet when using heat settings (although this is true of most fireboxes). And, if SEI could nix the tiny red light in the upper right hand corner of the firebox (that stays on when the unit is in use), that would be great. I am not sure of its purpose, but it takes a bit away from the realistic look of the fire. Lastly - Amazon immediately remedied the problem, but there were 2 pieces in the packaged box that were likely packaged in broken condition. The box itself shipped perfectly and was sealed to high standards by Amazon, as usual.Although a shade darker than pictured it is a beautiful piece and still matches my oak furniture. All the assembly hardware (screws, camlocks, cam bolts, wood dowels and allen wrench}, were individually packaged and labeled with letters, making the assembly really easy. All you need is a phillips screwdriver. I read and reread the instructions, they don't really tell you about "cam bolts, but it was easy to see how it all worked with clear instructions. I did it myself in about 2 hours of taking my time. it came very well packaged and protected. The wood is solid and I took the pieces out and took them , piece by piece to my upstairs bedroom, leaving the packaging material in the drive way. The fireplace insert was not as heavy as the mantle top, It looks fantastic and I use it as a stand for my flat screen TV. My husband came home and was quite impressed with the finished product and the fact that i did it myself!!!This went together smoothly. Just follow the instructions,they are really easy. I am72yrs old and it took me 3 and half hours. I would have preferred a different color as this dark walnut stands out from my other furniture. Oh well, time to buy new end table and coffee table anyway. It is a sold fireplace and heavy-duty. I love it. Great buy.Bought this unit from amazon a couple of years ago (Price was $566). It's not high end, but its a good fit for our living room décor. Mantle is very sturdy. We just started having a problem with the flame, log light, and general light not functioning, basically everything but the heater. We feared this was going to be a complicated mess to fix. Not so. I called Southern Enterprises in Texas. The customer rep simply had me unplug the unit for 10 seconds and plug it back in to reset the memory. I really appreciate great customer service, so I just thought I'd put out a good word here for this product and company.I am a single mom and I put this together by myself in about an hour and 30 minutes. It looks beyond amazing! The kids love it and I had family over recently, they all oooooohed & ahhhhhhed over it. I have some antique dining room furniture that belonged to my great grandmother and live in an older house. The detail on the fireplace and color of the wood matches my other furniture & trim work in my house like it was made as a complete set and/or came with the house! The fireplace is simply amazing and everything I had hoped it would be!Really nice furniture! Wife loves it & fits well in den with no fireplace. Two hour assembly...need 2 people at times to re position. Be careful with anchor bolts...will pull & strip out. Recommend gorilla glue in anchors. Worked great.I could not be happier with my choice of an electric fireplace. It is beautiful, well made and easy to assemble. When it is lit, it looks very real..I can almost see Santa coming out of it. I would not hesitate to recommend this product to anyone.The fireplace does not require a large space and makes my living room look warm and cozy.I am so glad that I found this on the internet. Thank youI am very happy with this purchase. The item was exactly as described and pictured. This is a beautiful statement piece. It looks absolutely magnificent! The quality of the wood looks very strong and durable. It came in two packages. Very well packaged. Assembly instructions are very easy and precise. All the pieces are labeled which makes it easier. Anyone can easily assemble it on their own. It took me about an hour and half to assemble. I would recommend this product.
