I’ve already had the old FP gutted, but that is my concern... that it’s going to be hot... they had suggested the smallest model, but I definitely want to have flame, are you able to adjust the thermostat in it?

You can adjust the flame size and that changes the heat it puts out. I do often keep ours on the lowest setting (it looks like glowing embers), and I definitely should add, we have the largest model.

The best way I can describe the Valor is that it’s a lot like a real fire in looks and heat output. If it’s a small fire (on low/smallest unit), it’s not as hot, and if it’s bigger (on high/bigger unit) it’ll keep things quite toasty.

Thank you seagreen3 ... I thought that perhaps if I went with the smallest model, that I could have it on full flame more often. Sounds like your happy with yours!

@seagreen3- we are about to purchase a Valor G4. Which log set did you go with? It's hard to tell from the website which set most resembles wood logs. Thanks!

We went with the “Traditional” log set and the reflective black interior. Our house was built in the 1930s and has Art Deco features—we felt our fireplace selections brought a modern edge to an older look. It really suits the house well. People have mistaken it for a wood burning fireplace when they first see it.

@seagreen3

Thanks so much! We also have Art Deco features in our living room although our house is Spanish Colonial from 1929. If it's not too much trouble, could you attach a photo when you have a chance? I'd love to see the black reflective background!

Unfortunately I can’t get a picture that does it any justice. The best I can tell you is that the reflective background doesn’t look like a mirror. It looks black and spacious behind the fire and essentially adds movement by quietly reflecting bits of flame.

@seagreen3 Thank you so much!

@seagreen3 Hi again, one final question about your Valor G4. Did it give off a strong chemical smell during the burn off/curing period? I've read some bad stories about chemical burn/self cleaning oven/waxy smell during the first few times of use and/or at the beginning of each season. Some say it takes days/months to go away. Did you experience this? Thanks again!!

I ended up not with the Valor but I can tell you they all smell toxic when you first light ... you want to run it for about 13 hours and let it burn off that smell and then after that it will be fine. They all do this.

I have a very sensitive nose, and I think divachar is correct. They all smell at first—just turn it on and open the windows. At the start of each season, if dust has accumulated on the exterior of the unit inside the chimney, you’ll smell that as it burns off, but nothing chemical.

@divachar Thanks! Which brand did you end up getting? Was it an insert or a gas fireplace?

I ended up taking out my wood burning fireplace and having a Gas fireplace installed. I ended up purchasing:

Heat & Glow SL-9X

Its been a challenge to get used to gas after after having wood .... my ongoing joke is that the gas FP feels like a toy as its just not the same.