We love ours too. We have a 12' square screen room that we set up the picnic table and lounge chairs in and use the propane fireplace in there. It is dry and warm even in rainy weather. As Scott has said above we have used ours under the awning as well. We have also roasted marshmallows and hot dogs on it with no problem at all. The lava rocks get hot enough to burn anything off in a short period of time.
I too got tired of dealing with firewood and it is becoming harder to find. I also got tired of the mess; a real fire ends up getting ash and debris everywhere including all over the truck, trailer roof, awnings, etc. Not to mention the stench; we notice right away the difference in smell on us and clothing when we have joined friends for a real fire.
The way I look at it is that buying propane for the fireplace is cheaper than buying wood at campgrounds and MUCH more convenient and clean.