I had my first non-break in burn in the new Hearthstone Heritage the other night. This stove is absolutely easy to operate. Within an hour I had it up to 400 degrees on the center top stone and can cut the air back to almost closed. Then sit back and enjoy the secondary combustion. I haven't seen a wisp of smoke from the chimney when shes up to temp. In a word I love it. A big thanks to all the folks here who share their knowledge, because of you this newbie has had a great experience as a first time wood burner.