Winter nights are better around a fire, and the Rinnai EL1500 gives everyone something to gather towards. All the flames, glow and sound of the real thing, and not a splinter of firewood in sight.

It looks the part thanks to Truburn Flame Technology, which projects high-definition video of real flames, smoke and sparks onto angled glass. The log bed glows from the inside to mimic the char of burning wood, and built-in speakers add a genuine crackle, so it reads as a real fire to the eye and the ear.

Setting the mood takes seconds:

• Four flame styles, nine log colours and nine fuel bed colours to mix, with adjustable brightness to match the light in the room
• 'Favourite' mode to save your ideal flame, log and fuel bed settings and recall them with one touch
• Voice, smart device or remote control, whichever suits the moment

On the heating side, the EL1500 delivers a 3kW output with thermostatic control and a cool blow function for year-round comfort. A 7-day programmable timer with adaptive smart heating runs to your schedule, an hourly timer handles automatic shut-off, and open window detection adjusts the heat when it senses one's open, so you're not warming the yard by accident.

Installation is refreshingly simple: no vents, no flues, and a choice of Front, Corner or Panoramic configuration. Optional 25mm slim and 50mm wide trims are available separately, and the whole unit carries a 5 year parts and labour warranty.

Dimensions: 586mm H x 1506mm W x 513mm D.

Enough presence to bring the room together, none of the mess a real fire brings with it. Available now at Mowerland Bathurst and Lucknow, or come in and we'll help you size it up.