Step 1: Location
If the logs are going to be installed inside your house choose "Indoor". If the logs are going to be installed in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit choose "Outdoor". Outdoor gas logs have stainless steel burners.
Step 2: Gas Type
It is critical that you purchase the correct burner system for the type of gas you will be using. You cannot burn natural gas with a propane burner or vice versa, it is not safe. Also, propane gas logs ALWAYS require some type of safety pilot or electronic ignition system whereas natural gas can have a match light system. If you have a choice to run a gas line using either type of gas, natural gas will burn cleaner, produce less soot.
Step 3: Fireplace Type
Standard gas logs are for typical single sided fireplaces that are open to one room. See Thru gas logs are for fireplaces that are open to two rooms so you can see through from one room to the other. See Thru gas logs have a double burner and with front and back logs that are the same size so it looks good from both openings. Single Sided log sets are not designed to be seen from the back side.
Step 4: Vent Type
VENTED Gas Logs are the most popular because they burn and look just like a real wood fire. But, just like real wood, they produce smoke and must be burned with the damper open and some of the heat goes up the chimney.
VENT FREE Gas Logs are for those who want lots of heat because they do not smoke and can be burned with the damper closed so all the heat comes into the room. However, vent free logs are not permitted in all fireplaces and have more issues and limitations that you need to be aware of. Read more about the Differences Between Vented and Ventless Gas Logs
Step 5: Control Type
On/Off Remote
Adjustable Flame Remote
On/Off Electronic Ignition Remote
Adjustable Flame Electronic Ignition Remote
Help
Important Note: Liquid Propane always requires a safety pilot, whereas Natural Gas can use a match light system.
Match Light (no pilot): Match light systems do not have any type of safety pilot. You start the fire by turning on your gas and lighting the burner with a match or long lighter. Match light burners are substantially less expensive than other options, but are not legal in many cities. Be sure to check with your local building department to determine if this is allowed.
Manual Pilot: Manually controlled gas logs have a safety pilot that stays lit all the time just like an old hot water heater or wall furnace. Once the pilot is lit, you turn the logs on and off from a knob inside the fireplace. This is also the least expensive required way to operate gas logs with liquid propane.
Basic On/Off Remote*: A remote capable safety valve has the capability of being controlled by a hand held remote control transmitter or by a wall switch. Both the transmitter and receiver are battery operated, so they do not have to be hard wired and will work during a power outage. You cannot adjust the flame height with this type of remote.
Variable Flame Remote*: Variable Flame remote capable safety valve is more desirable because it can turn the logs on and off and can adjust the flame height. These will also work during a power outage.
Electronic Ignition On/Off Remote*: Electronic ignition valves do not have a pilot that stays lit all the time, so they save a log of gas. The electronic valves that are included with our log sets are battery operated systems that will work during a power outage. However, there are also hard wired systems available. On/Off remote systems do not have the ability to adjust the flame height.
Electronic Ignition Adjustable Flame Remote*: These are the ultimate gas log burners that give you the best of everything. No standing pilot and a remote control that turns the logs on and off and also has the ability to adjust the flame height. Optional remotes are also available that have a timer and a thermostat.
*All remote control valves can also be operated manually without the remote.