When you configure a Kingsman gas fireplace you make two decisions that are difficult to reverse: the fuel it burns, and how it lights. Both are set at the factory. Changing either afterwards means a conversion kit and a licensed technician.
This guide explains what each option actually does, what it costs, and which one suits your home — so you can configure with confidence rather than guessing at a dropdown.
Natural gas or propane
This one isn't a preference. It's whatever your home already runs on.
- A gas meter on an exterior wall, with a utility line running to the house — natural gas.
- A tank on the property, above ground or buried, refilled by a delivery truck — propane.
The two fuels burn at different pressures, so the appliance is built for one or the other. Kingsman sells conversion kits — roughly $105 for a millivolt unit, $124 for IPI, $228 for ProFlame 2 at list — but the conversion must be performed by a licensed technician, which turns a $105 part into a service call. Getting it right at the order stage costs nothing.
If you're building new and have neither, that's a conversation with your builder before you choose a fireplace at all.
The three ignition systems
Every Kingsman gas fireplace uses one of three. They differ in how the pilot works, what happens in a power cut, and how much control you get.
| System | How the pilot works | Typical upcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Millivolt | Standing pilot, always lit | — (baseline) |
| IPI | Electronic, lights on demand | about $350–$380 |
| ProFlame 2 | Electronic, plus full remote control | higher again |
Millivolt — the simple, dependable one
A millivolt system keeps a small pilot flame burning continuously. That pilot generates just enough electrical current, through a thermopile, to open the gas valve when you flip the switch. No mains power is involved anywhere in the process, and there are no batteries to remember.
Choose it if: you want the fewest components that can fail, or you're keeping the budget tight.
The trade-off: the pilot burns gas year-round, including through summer. It's a small amount, but it is continuous. Some owners shut the pilot off in warm months and relight it in autumn.
IPI — no standing pilot
Intermittent Pilot Ignition lights the pilot electronically only when you call for fire, then shuts it off completely afterwards. Nothing burns while the fireplace is off.
Choose it if: you dislike the idea of a flame burning unattended for months, or you want to eliminate the standing-pilot gas draw.
On power cuts: IPI systems run on battery backup when mains power is lost, so you keep heat and flame during an outage. The practical catch is location — the batteries sit inside the unit, and reaching them means getting behind the firebox. Kingsman's wall-mount battery holder kit (WMBH, about $252 at list) relocates them to an accessible spot with a 16-foot harness. Worth specifying upfront if the fireplace is going into a finished wall.
ProFlame 2 — IPI with the controls
ProFlame 2 is IPI ignition packaged with a handheld remote that does considerably more than turn the fire on. It gives you thermostat control, modulating flame height, and fan speed adjustment from the sofa.
Choose it if: you want to set a room temperature and let the fireplace manage itself, or you want to dial the flame down for ambience without shutting it off.
Worth knowing: if you like the control but not the price, a millivolt unit can be paired with a separate remote. A thermostat-only remote lists around $439; a modulating remote with fan control runs closer to $1,000. Depending on the model, buying ProFlame 2 outright may cost less than millivolt plus the top remote.
The short version
— Simplest system, nothing to maintain — Millivolt.
— No standing pilot, no year-round gas draw — IPI.
— Thermostat and flame control from your chair — ProFlame 2.
All three operate during a power outage — millivolt on its own pilot current, IPI and ProFlame 2 on battery backup.
What this affects on your quote
Ignition is one of the larger single line items in a fireplace configuration, and it's often where two quotes diverge. Our guide to reading a gas fireplace quote breaks down every component so you can see where the money goes — including remotes, which are frequently specified at a higher level than the buyer asked for.
One thing to watch: an IPI or ProFlame 2 unit may need a nearby electrical receptacle. If your installer hasn't mentioned it, ask. It's inexpensive during rough-in and expensive afterwards — see what to expect from installation.
Configuring your fireplace
Every Kingsman model we carry offers natural gas and propane, and most offer at least two ignition options. You can compare configurations directly on each product page:
- Gas fireplace inserts — IDV24, IDV26, IDV34 and IDV44, for retrofitting an existing masonry opening
- Direct vent built-ins — for a new framed installation
- Linear gas fireplaces — the wide, contemporary format
- See-through models — visible from two rooms
Still narrowing down a model? Start with how to choose the right Kingsman gas fireplace, or size it first with our room-by-room sizing guide.
Not sure which configuration fits your home? Tell us your fuel type and how you'd like to control the fireplace, and we'll tell you which ignition to choose — it takes about two minutes.
Call 877-879-9191 → Shop Kingsman Gas Fireplaces →Upcharge, accessory and conversion-kit figures are Kingsman United States list prices effective March 1, 2026, and vary by model. Availability of ignition options differs between models — check the configuration selector on the product page. Specialists available Monday to Friday 8AM–5PM ET and Saturday 10AM–5PM ET.
