Empire Vail 26 Vent-Free Fireplace with Cherry Wood Mantel

The Vail 26 Special Edition arrives as a single, fully coordinated package — firebox, assembled cherry wood mantel, Flint Hill log set, Contour burner, hood, frame, louvers, and glowing embers — ready to become a living room centerpiece without the usual construction ordeal. At 154 lbs all in, it's substantial enough to feel like a proper fireplace, yet the zero-clearance, vent-free design means installation can realistically happen in as little as 30 minutes.

The heart of the system is Empire's Contour burner, rated between 14,000 and 20,000 BTU and equipped with ceramic glazed pellets for a convincingly natural flame presentation. Because this is a vent-free unit operating at 99.9% efficiency, virtually all of that heat stays in your room rather than escaping up a flue — which, notably, this fireplace doesn't need at all. No venting products required, full stop.

Control is handled through a millivolt ignition system with a standing pilot. That standing pilot means the fireplace operates entirely independent of household electricity — a quiet reassurance on the nights when the grid has opinions. The millivolt system is also compatible with optional wall thermostats and remote controls (sold separately), so hands-free operation is available whenever the mood strikes.

The cherry wood mantel measures 45 inches wide and 17 inches deep at the footprint, with the fireplace itself sitting at 30 inches wide and 30.25 inches tall. The matte black metal interior, black unitized louvers, and black exterior trim create a clean, deliberate contrast against the warm cherry finish — intentional rather than incidental. Rock wool insulation keeps the surround safe and the heat directed where it belongs.

A fixed fire screen is included as part of the package. Optional accessories — blowers, brick liners, and alternate frame finishes including hammered pewter — allow further customization after purchase. If cherry isn't the right finish for your space, a white mantel variant is available as a separate model. A natural gas version also exists for those whose utility setup calls for it.

The Vail 26 carries a 5-year limited warranty and is rated for indoor use only. Note: this model cannot be shipped to California. The millivolt system is not pre-paired with a remote; that's an optional add-on for those who want it.

• Complete Special Edition package: firebox, assembled cherry wood mantel, Flint Hill log set, Contour burner, hood, frame, louvers, and glowing embers included
• 20,000 BTU Empire Contour burner with ceramic glazed pellets for a realistic flame presentation
• 99.9% efficient vent-free operation — no flue, liner, chase, or venting products required
• Cherry solid wood mantel, 45" wide × 17" deep footprint, contrasted by matte black interior and black unitized louvers
• Millivolt ignition with standing pilot — functions independently of household electricity
• Remote-capable millivolt system compatible with optional wall thermostats and remote controls (sold separately)
• Zero-clearance installation in as little as 30 minutes
• Rock wool insulation; fixed fire screen included
• Optional accessories: blowers, brick liners, hammered pewter frame finish
• 5-year limited warranty; indoor use only
• Cannot be shipped to California