Empire Vail 26 Vent-Free Fireplace, 10,000 BTU, Matte Black

At 99.9% efficiency, the Empire Vail 26 Vent-Free Fireplace doesn't waste heat — a fact worth appreciating every time you glance at your energy bill. Its 10,000 BTU output is deliberately sized for bedroom installations where local codes permit, making it one of the few fireplace options that can legally and safely go where you actually want to unwind.

The heart of the unit is Empire's Contour Burner System, paired with a Flint Hill ceramic fiber log set that holds heat and renders convincing flame patterns. Behind those logs, a matte black metal interior finish and fixed fire screen frame the 26-inch wide, 18.12-inch tall viewing area — 471 square inches of fire, to be precise. The black unitized louvers and included black exterior trim kit give the front face a cohesive, finished appearance straight out of the box.

Installation goes in at 30.25 inches wide, 30.37 inches tall, and 13.25 inches deep for rough framing — dimensions that work cleanly in most standard stud-bay configurations. Because it's vent-free, there's no venting chase to frame or liner to run: the fireplace manages combustion entirely on its own at that 99.9% efficiency rating.

Ignition is handled by an Intermittent Pilot (IP) system operated via an on/off switch, powered by an included AC/DC power adaptor (120VAC) with battery backup — so the fire keeps lighting even when the power doesn't. IP ignition also means the unit is compatible with the full range of Empire remote control accessories sold separately, if you'd rather manage things from the sofa.

The Vail 26 ships with logs, the Contour Burner, black frame, hood, louvers, and power adaptor included. Optional upgrades available separately include a Hammered Pewter hood (VP2H26HP), a Hammered Pewter metal frame (VPF26HP), a blower (FBB4), a Banded Brick Ceramic Fiber Liner (FPP26E), and various remote control options — so there's a clear path to customizing the look and function after the initial installation. It can be built in directly or set behind a standard or custom mantel surround.

The Vail 26 at 10,000 BTU is a specific configuration within the Vail 26 line, purpose-built for applications where the higher-output 20,000 BTU models aren't code-compliant. If the room is a bedroom and the code allows a vent-free appliance, this is the model to specify.

• 10,000 BTU output — bedroom-rated where permitted by local codes
• 99.9% efficiency: virtually all heat stays in the room
• Empire Contour Burner System with Flint Hill ceramic fiber log set
• 471 sq in viewing area (26"W × 18.12"H)
• Vent-free operation — no chimney, flue, or venting required
• Intermittent Pilot (IP) ignition with on/off switch
• AC/DC power adaptor (120VAC) with battery backup included
• Compatible with Empire remote control accessories (sold separately)
• Matte black metal interior finish with fixed fire screen
• Black unitized louvers and black exterior trim kit included
• Rough framing: 30.25"W × 30.37"H × 13.25"D
• Optional blower (FBB4), Banded Brick liner, and Hammered Pewter trim available
• Installs as built-in or with standard and custom mantels