Empire Breckenridge 36" Vent-Free Zero Clearance Firebox, Louvered

At 39.5 inches wide and rated to a maximum of 40,000 BTU/H, the Empire Breckenridge VFD36FB0L is a substantial piece of infrastructure — the kind of firebox that earns its footprint. Zero-clearance certified, it can be framed directly into a combustible wall cavity (framing dimensions: 38 1/8" H x 40" W x 19 3/8" D) without the buffer of a traditional masonry surround, which opens up installation possibilities that a conventional fireplace simply cannot match.

The firebox opening measures 24 1/4" H x 36" W x 16 1/2" D — a generous viewing area backed by a matte black interior finish that draws the eye to the flame rather than the hardware. The traditional brick ceramic fiber liner, included as standard, adds thermal depth and a classic hearth aesthetic without requiring you to source it separately. For those who want a different look, optional liner upgrades — Porcelain Reflective, Stainless Steel, Aged Brick, and Banded Brick — are available to tailor the interior finish to your space.

Vent-free design means no chimney, no flue, no liner, and no core-drilling through exterior walls. The heat stays in the room — all of it, by design. This unit is compatible with both natural gas and propane, and accepts any certified vent-free burner. Empire recommends pairing the 36-inch firebox with a 24-inch burner and a corresponding log set, both sold separately. Verify minimum fireplace dimensions against your chosen log set before installation — the specs are all here to make that straightforward.

The louvered circulating front isn't decorative window dressing. The matte black slat louvers and matching hood work together to circulate warm air out into the room more efficiently than a radiant-only firebox. An optional blower kit (FBB5) can be added for even more active heat distribution if your room layout calls for it.

Weighing in at 96 pounds and covered by a 5-year limited warranty, this firebox is built to anchor a room for the long term. Optional decorative frame kits, mantel cabinets, and trim kits are available separately, giving you flexibility to finish the surround in whatever style suits the space — from clean and contemporary to more traditional millwork.

Installation is the most expensive part of any fireplace project, and a zero-clearance unit that arrives with its liner, screen, louvers, and hood already included means fewer line items on the finish-out invoice. The burner and log set are the meaningful variables left to choose — everything else is accounted for.

• Zero-clearance certified — installs directly into combustible wall framing
• 36-inch wide firebox opening (24 1/4" H x 36" W x 16 1/2" D)
• Rated up to 40,000 BTU/H; compatible with natural gas and propane
• Accepts any certified vent-free burner — 24-inch burner recommended for this size
• Louvered circulating front with matte black slat louvers and matching hood
• Traditional brick ceramic fiber liner included as standard
• Curtain fire screen included
• Matte black interior finish throughout
• Optional liner upgrades: Porcelain Reflective, Stainless Steel, Aged Brick, Banded Brick
• Optional blower kit (FBB5) available for enhanced heat circulation
• Compatible with optional decorative frame kits, mantel cabinets, and trim kits
• Overall dimensions: 37 5/8" H x 39.5" W x 19 13/16" D
• 5-year limited warranty