I have one. No fumes, as it's electric. Yes, it's fine, great for a quick and clean hear boost, but I intend to replace it with a wood burning stove in a couple of years!!
Last year we considered doing the same thing, although we like log fires thought we would at least look at the very modern wall hung type. Went to a lovely showroom but didn't like the look of them at all. When 'off' they looked like a glass tank with bits of driftwood, and all that was missing was the snake!! Back to normal roaring log fires for us after that.
We are thinking of doing away with our fireplace and replacing it with a modern wall hung flame effect electric fire. Does anyone have any recommendations ?