Gas fireplace - with or without glass?

[ChilliMochaCoco]

We are about to get a new gas fireplace installed. We have a ds with SEN who can be unpredictable.
I know a fugly guard will be necessary if we have the fire on while is awake and in the house. However is glass in general a good idea or not needed.
I know glass gets hot but it seems less warm.
Any experience of either please?

Glass is presumably safer as the flame is contained. Safety would be my top priority.

Radiators would be safer still.

We have glass as it also stops inquisitive animals fiddling with the coals and gravel bed. It doesn't show when the fire is on and we love our fire.

Do you have a guard too as well as the glass and is it easy to maintain?

We have a gas stove would that be an option , ours only gets switched on about once a year but it looks good .

Yes we have gas central heating so this is more for aesthetics but I want it to be effective too.