What is this thing in my fireplace? (pictures)

[Tocramed]

I could take that metal trim piece out and move the thermometer back a bit further, it just won't look as "nice". Having a IR thermometer would be good too, I will look into that. If I take the metal trim off and move some insulation, I should be able to get a shot at the flue collar.

I just wish I knew where the smell is coming from. Maybe it will burn off yet, but we have a good number of hot fires so far.

What is the max and ideal temps the collar should be at?

 

[jatoxico]

You can go quite high but 750ish is about my limit. From what I understand you won't get any red glowing until you in the 850-900 range.

 

[Tocramed]

Thanks. I will try to find out what the temp is on the collar and keep it under $750.