Empire Vail 24" Vent-Free Fireplace, Matte Black Frame

The Empire Vail VFP24FP70LN is a 24-inch vent-free natural gas fireplace rated at 20,000 BTU, built around an Intermittent Pilot (IP) ignition system that lights cleanly and consistently without a standing pilot burning around the clock. At 51 lbs and with framing dimensions of 26¾" H × 23¼" W × 11¼" D, it's a genuinely manageable install — no chimney required, no major structural commitment, just heat where you want it.

The matte black frame and matching matte black louvers aren't an afterthought. They're a deliberate finish choice that reads as modern without being trendy — the kind of look that works equally well in a clean contemporary room or a more traditional space, especially once you've added one of the compatible ceramic fiber liners. Both the Aged Brick and Traditional liner styles are confirmed compatible with this model, and either one adds convincing depth to the firebox interior without you having to take anyone's word for it.

Because vent-free technology recirculates heat into the room rather than sending it up a flue, the Vail puts its 20,000 BTUs to work efficiently. No heat loss through a chimney means the warmth you're paying for actually stays in the room — a practical advantage that tends to become very obvious the first time a heating bill arrives in February.

The Vail is also a genuinely extensible product. Empire's accessory ecosystem — shared with the White Mountain Hearth brand under the same manufacturer umbrella — means this fireplace can grow with your room. Variable speed blowers help circulate heat more effectively. Optional remote controls (compatible with Empire's remote accessories) let you adjust the fire without getting up from the sofa, which is, frankly, the correct way to manage a fireplace. Additional louver options, metal frames, and both Standard Cabinet and Corner Mantels in multiple finishes are available separately, giving you real flexibility to tailor the final installation to your space rather than designing your space around the fireplace.

At $2,009.00, the VFP24FP70LN is a well-specified, professionally finished heating appliance with a clear upgrade path — not a stripped-down base unit dressed up with aspirational copy. The specs are what they are, and in this case, they're solid.

• 20,000 BTU natural gas output, vent-free design retains heat in the room
• 24" firebox with framing dimensions 26¾" H × 23¼" W × 11¼" D
• Intermittent Pilot (IP) ignition — no standing pilot, on-demand starts
• Matte black frame and matching matte black louvers included
• Compatible ceramic fiber liners: Aged Brick and Traditional styles
• Optional variable speed blowers available for improved heat circulation
• Compatible with Empire remote control accessories for hands-free operation
• Expandable with optional louvers, metal frames, and mantel cabinet options
• Standard Cabinet and Corner Mantels available in multiple finishes
• No chimney or venting required — installation flexibility without major construction
• Item weight: 51 lbs
• Part of the Empire / White Mountain Hearth accessory ecosystem