Empire Vail 26 Vent-Free Fireplace, 20,000 BTU, Matte Black

The Vail 26 is a 30-inch-wide, zero-clearance vent-free fireplace built around Empire's Contour Burner System — a detail that matters because the burner geometry is specifically designed to produce a fuller, more natural flame across the ceramic fiber Flint Hill log set. No chimney, no flue, no structural rework required. The rough framing dimensions (30.25" W × 30.37" H × 13.25" D) are deliberately close to standard stud-bay sizing, so installation rarely requires the kind of creative carpentry that makes weekends disappear.

At 99.9% efficiency, the Vail 26 converts nearly all its fuel into usable heat. The burner modulates between 14,000 and 20,000 BTU, giving you a meaningful range between "takes the chill off" and "guests are quietly removing sweaters." Millivolt ignition with a standing pilot means the unit operates entirely without electricity — a practical advantage during outages, and one less thing to wire during installation.

The viewing area measures 26 inches wide by 18.12 inches tall (471 square inches total), framed in a coordinated matte black aesthetic: matte black metal interior, black unitized louvers, matte black hood, and an included matte black frame. The glowing ember bed beneath the ceramic fiber logs adds depth and realism that a bare burner simply can't replicate. For those who prefer a different finish profile, an optional hammered pewter hood (VP2H26HP) and matching hammered pewter metal frame (VPF26HP) are available as drop-in upgrades.

The Vail 26 is remote-ready from the factory and compatible with battery-operated remote controls — so you can adjust the flame from the couch, which is precisely where you'll want to be once this is installed. An optional blower (FBB4) can be added to actively circulate warm air rather than relying on convection alone, and a banded brick ceramic fiber liner (FPP26E) is available for those who want a more traditional firebox interior look.

Mantel compatibility is broad: the VFD26FP series works with Empire's cabinet mantels and corner cabinet mantels in cherry, dark oak, nutmeg, oak, white, and unfinished hardwood finishes — giving you flexibility to match existing millwork or choose a finish that makes the fireplace the room's focal point rather than an afterthought. The unit can also be installed as a standalone built-in without any mantel at all, for a clean architectural look.

At 66 pounds and 13.25 inches deep, the Vail 26 is dense enough to feel substantial but manageable enough for a two-person installation. It is rated for indoor use only.

• Empire Contour Burner System for fuller, more natural flame presentation
• Up to 20,000 BTU output; modulates down to 14,000 BTU for lower heat settings
• 99.9% efficiency rating — vent-free design keeps heat in the room, not the flue
• 471 sq. in. viewing area (26" W × 18.12" H) with ceramic fiber Flint Hill log set and glowing embers
• Zero-clearance, built-in installation with a 30.25" × 30.37" rough framing footprint
• Millivolt ignition with standing pilot — fully functional without electricity
• Remote-ready from the factory; compatible with battery-operated remote controls
• Coordinated matte black finish throughout: interior, louvers, hood, and included frame
• Optional blower (FBB4), hammered pewter hood and frame, and banded brick ceramic fiber liner available
• Compatible with VFD26FP series mantels in cherry, dark oak, nutmeg, oak, white, and unfinished hardwood
• Corner cabinet mantel configurations also supported
• Indoor use only; 66 lbs.