Electric fireplace modification

[FParks]

Newbie here, guys. This is not a typical question i'm sure, but tell me what you think.

Looking to buy a compact electric fireplace, but the ones I like best in my price range seem to often times NOT have a dual setting for the heater. In other words, 1500W only. Others are smarter than this and give the owner the choice of 750/1500W.  Adjustibility is a must, so that the damn thing doesn't put out intense heat for a minute or two, then reach the thermostat set point and shut off, then back on and off repeatedly. Just give me a steady lower heat level for longer periods and don't suck so much current from the non-dedicated circuit when on.

Here's the plan: buy the nice little oak finish fp that I like from Home Depot for $200 and get into the heater insert, wire in a variable control normally used for a rangetop burner coil so as to be able to reduce current to the element. I see new controls on eBay for less than $20 that should work, I would think.

Anything I'm missing or need to know? Comments are appreciated.

Fred

link to the fireplace here assuming this forum doesn't prohibit outside links:

http://www.homedepot.com/Featured-Products-Fireplace-Heaters/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhiZbn32/R-100633067/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

[RegUS_PatOff]

you could just use a 10A Diode or similar ...

usually, those cheap 220v Foreign converters that say "only for heating" are just diodes... that should work..