Gas Log Materials & Controls: Your Guide to Choices & Features
Today I’m going to break down the different materials used to make gas logs. If you’re thinking about adding gas logs to your fireplace, knowing the difference between ceramic fiber and refractory cement logs will help you choose the best option for your home.
Ceramic Fiber Logs: Ceramic fiber logs are made to handle extreme heat. One of their best features is that they keep giving off warmth even after you turn the fire off, which can make your room feel cozy for a while. These logs are usually lighter and easier to handle than their cement counterparts.
Refractory Cement Logs: Refractory cement logs are much more durable than ceramic fiber logs. They hold up to high temperatures and retain their colors and details for a long time. Many of these logs are cast from real trees or made with detailed molds, and they’re often hand-painted to look super realistic. If you want your gas logs to look like real wood, refractory cement is usually the way to go.
Some gas logs, especially those made from refractory cement, even have steel rods inside to add extra strength. This makes them tough and able to withstand years of use.
Pros of Ceramic Fiber Logs:
Great heat retention: They keep radiating heat after the fire is off.
Lightweight and easy to handle.
Usually more affordable.
Cons of Ceramic Fiber Logs:
Not as durable: Over time, they might wear out or lose their details.
They don't look as realistic as refractory cement logs.
Pros of Refractory Cement Logs:
Extremely durable: They last longer and keep their details intact.
More realistic appearance: Hand-painted with lifelike details, they look almost exactly like real wood.
Can handle high heat for long periods without losing their shape or color.
Cons of Refractory Cement Logs:
Heavier and more difficult to handle.
Doesn’t retain as much heat after the fire is turned off.
They can be more expensive.
In short, if you want something that gives off extra heat after the fire’s off, ceramic fiber logs might be for you. But if you care more about the look and long-term durability, refractory cement logs are a fantastic choice. It all depends on what you’re looking for!
Now that we’ve talked about gas logs, let’s dive into the different control options for operating them. There are several ways to light and control your gas logs, ranging from simple match-lit options to remote-controlled systems. Let’s break them down, along with the pros and cons of each, so you can pick the one that works best for you!
1. Match-Lit System
AV-17 & AV-18 Manual Valves
This is the most basic and affordable option. With a match-lit system, you use a match or lighter to ignite the gas by holding it near the burner while turning the gas supply on with a key valve. It's a simple and reliable way to light vented gas logs that run on natural gas.
Pros:
Inexpensive and simple to use.
No complicated setup needed.
Cons:
No safety features: You have to be careful since there’s no automatic shutoff if the flame goes out.
Requires a bit more effort each time you light the fire (you need a match or lighter).
2. Manual Safety Pilot (SPK)
Low Profile Safety Pilot System SPK-26
A step up from match-lit, the manual safety pilot has a flame-sensing thermocouple, which makes it safer. You turn on the gas, push a knob, and the pilot light ignites your logs. Once the fire is going, you can release the knob, and the system will automatically shut off the gas if the flame goes out.
Pros:
Safer than match-lit: Automatically shuts off gas if the fire goes out.
No need for matches once the pilot light is on.
Cons:
Manual operation: You still have to be physically present to turn the gas on and light the pilot.
3. Modified Safety Pilot
Automatic Safety Pilot System with Variable Remote
This system is just like the manual safety pilot, but it has a motor that allows you to control your log set with a remote control or variable control. This makes turning your gas logs on and off much easier and more convenient.
Pros:
Convenient: You can control the fire with a remote or switch.
Safer with automatic gas shutoff.
Cons:
More expensive than the manual safety pilot.
Requires setup for the remote or control system.
4. Millivolt Valve
Millivolt Control System
A millivolt system is like the manual safety pilot, but with a thermopile that creates more power. This allows you to control your gas logs with a remote control, wall switch, timer, or even a thermostat. The best part is that it doesn’t need external electricity—just the pilot light.
Pros:
Multiple control options: Remote, wall switch, timer, or thermostat.
Works even during power outages, since it doesn’t need external power.
Cons:
More expensive than basic systems.
The pilot light always stays on, which can consume a little extra gas.
5. Electronic Valve
Automatic Remote Lighting Safety Pilot System
This is the most high-tech and convenient option. With an electronic valve, the pilot light only ignites when you want to use the fireplace, which means it doesn’t stay on all the time. You can control the flame with a remote control, wall switch, or even a thermostat, and many systems run on batteries, so they work even without power.
Pros:
Most convenient: Easy to use with remote, switch, or thermostat.
Energy-efficient: Pilot light doesn’t stay on, so it saves gas.
Safe: No continuous flame, and many systems have built-in safety features.
Cons:
More expensive than other options.
Some systems require a power source, though many are battery-operated.
Quick Summary of Pros and Cons:
| Control Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Match-Lit | Inexpensive, simple to use | No safety features, requires manual lighting |
| Manual Safety Pilot | Safer with automatic gas shutoff, no matches needed | Still requires manual operation |
| Modified Safety Pilot | Remote or switch control, safe | More expensive, setup required |
| Millivolt Valve | Remote, wall switch, timer, or thermostat control | More expensive, pilot always stays on |
| Electronic Valve | Remote or switch control, energy-efficient | Most expensive, some require power source |
I hope this helps you decide which control option is right for your gas logs!
