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

The Vail 26 Special Edition arrives as a fully assembled system — white mantel included — so the gap between "delivery" and "first fire" is measured in minutes rather than contractor visits. Empire rates installation at approximately 30 minutes, and because this unit requires no venting whatsoever, there's no chimney, no liner, and no wall penetration standing between you and a finished fireplace.

Heat output is adjustable between 14,000 and 20,000 BTU/hr via the millivolt standing pilot valve, giving you meaningful flexibility depending on the room. The Empire Contour burner is paired with the Flint Hill log set and a bed of glowing embers for a realistic flame presentation inside a matte black metal interior. The 26-inch wide by 18-1/8-inch tall viewing area provides a generous window into the firebox without requiring a full masonry footprint.

The package is thoroughly complete out of the box: the fireplace itself, the assembled white mantel, the Flint Hill log set, the Contour burner, a matte black hood, black unitized louvers, a frame, glowing embers, and a fixed fire screen are all included. The actual footprint is 30.25 inches long by 30 inches wide by 41 inches tall, and the framing rough-in is 30-1/4" W x 30-3/8" H x 13-1/4" D if you're building this into a wall or alcove.

The unit ships in liquid propane configuration (minimum inlet pressure 11" WC, maximum 13" WC). Factory conversion to natural gas is available through the companion VFD26FM30WN model — field conversion between fuel types is not permitted on this unit, so confirm your fuel source before ordering.

The Vail 26 is remote-ready out of the box (remote sold separately), and a variable-speed blower can be added post-purchase via the FBB4 blower with the FBBX wire harness extension. Optional finishing accessories include a Ceramic Fiber Brick Liner (FPP26E), Ember Bed Kit (EK1), and outer frame and bottom trim kits in a pewter finish for those who want to dress the surround beyond the standard configuration. The 5-year limited warranty covers the unit, and at 154 lbs the assembled package ships with appropriate freight arrangements.

The white mantel finish is a clean, versatile choice that works equally well in a traditional room or a more transitional interior — it neither commits to a rustic aesthetic nor fights against one. If you need a different finish direction, the fireplace-only models in the VFD26 series pair with mantels of your own choosing.

• Up to 20,000 BTU/hr output, adjustable down to 14,000 BTU/hr via millivolt standing pilot control
• No venting required — no chimney, liner, or wall penetration needed for installation
• Approximately 30-minute installation time
• Complete package includes assembled white mantel, Flint Hill log set, Contour burner, matte black hood, black unitized louvers, frame, glowing embers, and fixed fire screen
• Empire Contour burner with Flint Hill log set and glowing ember bed for realistic flame appearance
• 26" W x 18-1/8" H actual viewing area inside a matte black metal interior
• Overall dimensions: 30.25" L x 30" W x 41" H; framing rough-in: 30-1/4" W x 30-3/8" H x 13-1/4" D
• Remote-ready (remote sold separately); compatible with wall thermostats and thermostat remote controls
• Optional variable-speed blower upgrade available (FBB4 + FBBX harness extension, sold separately)
• Optional Ceramic Fiber Brick Liner (FPP26E) and Ember Bed Kit (EK1) available
• Liquid propane configuration; inlet pressure range 11"–13" WC
• Factory fuel conversion only — field conversion between LP and natural gas not permitted
• 5-year limited warranty