Gas fireplace remote control systems are not all the same. The three dominant systems — SIT Proflame, Skytech, and Mertik Maxitrol — each use different technology, offer different features, and are compatible with different fireplaces. Choosing the right system (or understanding the one you already have) matters for both initial installation and replacement.

This guide provides a detailed comparison of all three systems, covering how they work, what features they offer, which fireplaces they're compatible with, and which one is right for your situation.

SIT Proflame Systems

SIT (an Italian controls manufacturer) produces the Proflame line of integrated fireplace control systems. Proflame is an OEM system — it comes factory-installed in fireplaces from specific brands and is designed to work as a tightly integrated unit with SIT gas valves.

How SIT Proflame Works

Unlike basic remote systems that simply switch the gas valve on and off, Proflame is a complete fireplace management system. The receiver module connects directly to the SIT gas valve and controls:

• Pilot ignition and monitoring
• Main burner on/off
• Flame height adjustment (on compatible valves with stepper motor regulators)
• Blower on/off and speed control
• Accent light dimming (on supported models)

The system uses radio frequency (RF) communication between the handheld transmitter and the receiver module, so there's no line-of-sight requirement.

Proflame Generations

• Proflame 1 (PF1) — The original system. Basic on/off with flame height control. Uses a simple transmitter with a few buttons. Still found in many installed fireplaces.
• Proflame 2 (PF2) — Updated version with improved communication protocol, better range, and a more feature-rich transmitter with LCD display showing room temperature and set temperature.
• Proflame GTMF — A simplified version without flame height modulation. Provides on/off and thermostat control but no variable flame height.

Which Fireplaces Use SIT Proflame?

Proflame is the standard OEM remote system for:

• Heat N Glo (most models since the mid-2000s)
• Heatilator (most models since the mid-2000s)
• Quadra-Fire (gas models)
• Some Majestic models

These brands are all part of Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT), which has a partnership with SIT for integrated controls.

Proflame Pros

• Tight integration with the gas valve — flame height control, advanced diagnostics
• Thermostat mode maintains a set room temperature automatically
• LCD display shows room temperature, set temperature, and system status
• Designed specifically for the fireplaces it ships with — guaranteed compatibility

Proflame Cons

• Not interchangeable with other remote brands — you must use Proflame transmitters with Proflame receivers
• More expensive than basic aftermarket remotes
• Cannot be used as an aftermarket upgrade for non-Proflame fireplaces
• Replacement parts can be harder to find than Skytech components

Skytech Systems

Skytech is the most popular aftermarket gas fireplace remote brand. They offer a wide range of systems from basic on/off to full thermostatic control with timers, and they're designed to work with virtually any millivolt gas fireplace.

How Skytech Works

Skytech systems are add-on devices. The receiver module connects to the thermostat (TH) terminals on your millivolt gas valve, acting as an intelligent switch between the thermopile power and the main valve operator. When the transmitter sends a signal, the receiver closes the circuit, and the gas valve opens.

Skytech systems do NOT control flame height (since that requires integration with the gas valve's regulator mechanism). They control on/off and, in some models, can cycle the fireplace on and off to maintain a set temperature.

Skytech Product Lines

• 1001 Series — Basic on/off control. The simplest and most affordable option. Handheld transmitter with one button.
• 3301 Series — On/off with thermostat control. The receiver turns the fireplace on when room temperature drops below the set point and off when it's reached.
• 5301 Series — Thermostat with timer. Adds a countdown timer that will turn the fireplace off after a set period.
• 5310 Series — Thermostat with programmable timer. The most full-featured Skytech system, with daily programmable on/off schedules.
• CON Series — Simple on/off with no thermostat. Designed as a direct replacement for a wall switch.

Which Fireplaces Work with Skytech?

Skytech is compatible with virtually any millivolt gas fireplace that has TH (thermostat) terminals on the gas valve. This includes fireplaces from:

• Empire / White Mountain Hearth
• Superior / Lennox
• Monessen
• FMI
• Napoleon (millivolt models)
• Heat N Glo / Heatilator (millivolt models without Proflame)
• Older fireplaces from any brand that use millivolt valves

Skytech systems are NOT compatible with electronic ignition (IPI/DSI) fireplaces or with integrated systems like Proflame or Mertik.

Skytech Pros

• Universal compatibility with millivolt fireplaces — the most versatile option
• Wide range of price points from basic ($40-60) to feature-rich ($100-200)
• Widely available — easy to find replacement transmitters or receivers
• Simple installation — two wires from receiver to gas valve terminals
• Battery-powered receiver — no need for an electrical outlet near the fireplace

Skytech Cons

• No flame height control — on/off only
• Thermostatic cycling (turning the entire fireplace on/off) is less elegant than modulating flame height
• Not compatible with electronic ignition fireplaces
• Battery consumption in the receiver — requires periodic battery changes

Mertik Maxitrol Systems

Mertik Maxitrol is a European manufacturer of gas controls. Their remote control systems are tightly integrated with their GV60 gas valve series and are the standard OEM system for several fireplace brands.

How Mertik Maxitrol Works

Similar to SIT Proflame, the Mertik system is an integrated control solution. The receiver communicates with the Mertik gas valve to control ignition, flame height, and safety functions. The system uses a motorized regulator inside the valve to adjust flame height — you can set the flame to any level from low to high using the remote.

Mertik System Types

• G6R-R4A / G6R-R4AM — Standard receiver modules that pair with Mertik gas valves. Supports on/off, flame height adjustment, and thermostat mode.
• G6R-T4A — Timer receiver with programmable on/off schedules.
• B6R-H8T — Handheld transmitter compatible with G6R receivers. Features on/off buttons, flame up/down, thermostat, and timer controls.

Which Fireplaces Use Mertik Maxitrol?

Mertik Maxitrol is the standard OEM remote system for:

• Napoleon (most gas fireplace models)
• Continental (Napoleon's sister brand)
• Wolf Steel (Napoleon's manufacturing parent company)
• Some Kingsman models

Mertik Maxitrol Pros

• Full flame height modulation via motorized valve regulator
• Thermostat mode maintains set temperature by adjusting flame height (more efficient than on/off cycling)
• Integrated safety features — flame monitoring, ignition retry, lockout protection
• Reliable and well-proven system design

Mertik Maxitrol Cons

• Only works with Mertik gas valves — not interchangeable with SIT or Honeywell valves
• Limited aftermarket availability — harder to find third-party replacements
• More expensive than basic Skytech systems
• Pairing and programming can be less intuitive than other systems

Comparison Summary

Which System Should You Choose?

If You're Replacing an Existing Remote

In most cases, replace with the same system type your fireplace came with:

• Heat N Glo / Heatilator / Quadra-Fire: Replace with a SIT Proflame transmitter or receiver matching your current generation (PF1, PF2, or GTMF).
• Napoleon / Continental: Replace with a compatible Mertik Maxitrol transmitter or receiver.
• Empire, Superior, or other millivolt brands: Replace with a Skytech system of the same feature level, or upgrade to a more capable Skytech model.

If You're Adding a Remote to a Fireplace Without One

If your millivolt fireplace currently uses only a wall switch and you want to add remote control, Skytech is almost always the best choice. It works with any millivolt gas valve and is simple to install — just connect two wires from the receiver to the thermostat terminals on the gas valve.

Shop Remote Control Systems

Browse our full selection of gas fireplace remote control systems including SIT Proflame, Skytech, and Mertik Maxitrol transmitters, receivers, and complete kits. Need help figuring out which system your fireplace uses? Contact our team with your fireplace brand and model number — we'll identify the right remote for you.