Yes, it is cold outside....but not inside. Our stove top temperature just topped out at 700 degrees! That is considered maximum for our stove so no worries. I had put 2 splits in the stove around 4:00 am and then went back to bed. When I got up the stove top was at 525. I started getting a little cool later so put 4 splits in (I usually burn 3 in the daytime) when the stove top reached 400. Those 4 splits (all ash) really did their thing! I have to admit, that heat feels great! Yes, the flames are dancing very nicely too. Great show!