Empire Comfort Systems VFP36SB2EF See-Through Vent-Free Firebox, 36-Inch

With 918 square inches of combined viewing area — 36 inches wide by 25.33 inches tall on each side — the Empire Comfort Systems VFP36SB2EF is built around the premise that one good-looking fire deserves two rooms. The two-sided see-through configuration opens the firebox from front to back, making it the kind of architectural centerpiece that earns its keep in an open floor plan without demanding a chimney.

This is a vent-free firebox, meaning no flue penetration is required — but it does require a properly sized, certified vent-free burner and log set, ordered separately. It's specifically compatible with Empire's Slope Glaze Vista Burners in 18-inch (VFSUR18), 24-inch (VFSUR24), and 30-inch (VFSUR30) configurations, and accepts Stone River ceramic fiber log sets (LSU18SF through LSU30SF) or Rock Creek refractory log sets (LSU18RR through LSU30RR). Choosing the right burner size for your heat output needs is part of the build — not an afterthought.

The firebox itself is zero-clearance certified and designed for recessed, framed-in installation. Overall dimensions are 39 inches wide by 38 1/8 inches tall by 24 inches deep, with a framing requirement of 40 3/8" W x 38 3/8" H x 20 9/16" D — and a framing depth of 21 inches when accounting for standard 1/2-inch wallboard finishing material. The flush front profile integrates cleanly into surrounding drywall, tile, brick, or stone. And yes, you can brick or tile directly over the unit while still retaining full circulation blower functionality — that's not a minor detail if you're planning a fully custom surround.

The interior is finished with a banded brick ceramic fiber liner that provides the visual warmth of traditional masonry construction without the tonnage. The exterior is matte black throughout. At 136 pounds, installation is a two-person job, but the 5-year limited warranty on both parts and labor means you won't be revisiting it anytime soon.

Optional accessories include Mission Arch Firebox Doors (VBR36TMBL and compatible variants), a Black Reflective Metal Firebox Liner (VBSB36TKR), Arch Firebox Door Frames (VBY36TBL), blower kits, lighting kits, and decorative mantels — giving you a clear path from bare firebox to fully finished installation without hunting for workarounds.

To be direct about what's in the box: this is the firebox only. The burner, log set, and any optional accessories are configured and purchased separately, which gives you meaningful control over the final heat output and aesthetic. If you're planning a custom build, that flexibility is a feature, not a gap.

• 36-inch two-sided see-through design — 918 sq in of viewing area (36" W x 25.33" H per face)
• Vent-free, zero-clearance certified — no flue or chimney penetration required
• Banded brick ceramic fiber interior liner with matte black exterior finish
• Compatible with 18", 24", or 30" Slope Glaze Vista Burners (VFSUR18, VFSUR24, VFSUR30) — sold separately
• Accepts Stone River ceramic fiber and Rock Creek refractory log sets
• Flush front profile for seamless recessed/framed-in installation
• Can be bricked or tiled over while retaining circulation blower functionality
• Overall dimensions: 39" W x 38 1/8" H x 24" D; framing requirement: 40 3/8" W x 38 3/8" H x 20 9/16" D
• Optional accessories available: arch doors, reflective liner, door frames, blower and lighting kits, mantels
• 5-year limited warranty on parts and labor
• Firebox only — burner and log set ordered separately for a fully customized configuration