Empire Vail 26 Vent-Free Gas Fireplace, 20,000 BTU, Zero Clearance

The Empire Vail 26 is a 20,000 BTU vent-free gas fireplace with a verified 99.9% efficiency rating — meaning virtually every BTU produced by the Contour burner stays in the room, not routed up a flue that doesn't exist. Zero-clearance construction means this unit can be built directly into a framed wall cavity without elaborate masonry surrounds or standoff clearances, making it a practical choice for new construction and remodel projects alike.

Ignition is handled by a millivolt standing pilot system, which operates entirely independently of household electricity. If the lights go out, the fireplace doesn't have to. An on/off switch is included, and the millivolt configuration is fully compatible with battery-operated thermostat remotes and simple wall switches — so temperature control can be as hands-off or hands-on as you prefer. The unit also supports a range of optional Empire remote control systems.

Every Vail 26 ships with a complete set of included components: the Flint Hill log set, Contour burner, glowing embers, matte black hood, frame, and louvers. The result is a fireplace that arrives genuinely ready to install, not one that requires a separate accessories order before it looks the part.

Actual dimensions are 30 1/4" tall, 30" wide, and 13 1/8" deep, with framing dimensions of 30 3/8" H x 30 1/4" W x 13 3/4" D. At 66 lbs, it's manageable for a two-person installation. The slim 13-inch depth makes it viable in spaces where a traditional firebox would be an architectural imposition.

For those who want to personalize the finished look, the Vail 26 is compatible with several optional Empire accessories: brick liners, decorative frames in hammered pewter, a blower (model FBB4), and a banded brick ceramic fiber liner (model FPP26E). The blower option in particular is worth noting for rooms where radiant heat alone may not distribute warmth as broadly as desired.

Output is adjustable between 14,000 and 20,000 BTU, giving a reasonable range for dialing in comfort rather than simply running at full tilt. No chimney. No electricity dependency. No external venting. Just a clean, built-in fireplace that integrates into a finished wall and works.

• 20,000 BTU max / 14,000 BTU min output — adjustable for comfort, not just full blast
• 99.9% efficiency rating: vent-free design keeps heat in the room, not the flue
• Zero-clearance built-in construction — fits directly into a standard framed wall cavity
• Millivolt standing pilot ignition operates without household electricity
• Remote-ready: compatible with battery-operated thermostat remotes and wall switches
• Includes Flint Hill log set, Contour burner, glowing embers, matte black hood, frame, and louvers
• Actual dimensions: 30 1/4" H x 30" W x 13 1/8" D | Framing: 30 3/8" H x 30 1/4" W x 13 3/4" D
• Weighs 66 lbs — practical for a two-person installation
• Compatible with optional Empire blower (FBB4) for improved heat distribution
• Accepts optional Empire brick liners, hammered pewter decorative frames, and ceramic fiber liner (FPP26E)
• No chimney, flue, or external venting required