Empire Vail 26 Vent-Free Fireplace with White Mantel, 20,000 BTU

The Empire Vail 26 ships as a fully realized fireplace system — not a component you'll spend weekends sourcing accessories for. In the box: the 26-inch vent-free firebox, a crisp white mantel, the Flint Hill ceramic fiber log set, Empire's Contour burner, matte black hood, frame, black unitized louvers, and glowing embers. At 154 pounds and a mantel footprint of approximately 17 inches deep by 45 inches wide, it's substantial without demanding a room redesign.

Because it's fully vent-free, there's no chimney, no flue, and no venting infrastructure to plan around. Empire rates installation at approximately 30 minutes — which, in the world of fireplace projects, is refreshingly close to reality. The millivolt ignition system (standing pilot) means the unit operates independently of household electrical power, a quietly useful detail when the weather that sends you to the fireplace is also the weather that takes out the grid.

Heat output is adjustable between 14,000 and 20,000 BTU/hr, and the Vail 26 is remote-ready from the factory — though the remote itself is an optional add-on, so you can choose the level of convenience that fits your setup. Compatible control options include a wall thermostat, a remote control, or a thermostat remote control, all available separately.

The matte black metal interior gives the firebox a clean, recessive backdrop that lets the Flint Hill log set do its visual work. The Empire Contour burner is designed to produce a realistic flame pattern across the logs, and the glowing embers bed reinforces the effect at the base. The black unitized louvers frame the opening with a finished look that doesn't require additional trim work — though if matte black isn't the right accent for your space, Hammered Pewter trim pieces (hood, frame, trim, and louvers) are available as optional accessories. A Variable Speed Blower (FBB4) and a Banded Brick Liner (FPP26E) round out the accessory options for those who want to push the performance or the aesthetics further.

Overall dimensions are 41 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 30.25 inches in depth. The white mantel suits both transitional and more classically styled interiors, and sibling models in the VFD26FM series are available in cherry finish and liquid propane configurations for households with different fuel or aesthetic requirements.

This is a fireplace that arrives ready to be a fireplace — complete, coherent, and designed to look like it belongs rather than like it was assembled from a wishlist.

• Complete system includes fireplace, white mantel, Flint Hill ceramic fiber log set, Contour burner, matte black hood, frame, louvers, and glowing embers
• Vent-free design — no chimney, flue, or venting infrastructure required
• 14,000–20,000 BTU/hr adjustable heat output
• Millivolt (standing pilot) ignition operates independently of household electricity
• 26-inch firebox width; overall dimensions 41"H x 30"W x 30.25"D
• White mantel footprint approximately 17" deep x 45" wide
• Remote-ready from the factory; compatible with optional wall thermostat, remote, or thermostat remote control
• Empire Contour burner with matte black metal interior and black unitized louvers
• Approximately 30-minute installation time
• Optional accessories include Variable Speed Blower (FBB4), Hammered Pewter trim pieces, and Banded Brick Liner (FPP26E)
• Ships at 154 lbs — substantial construction, all components included