Empire Vail 26 Vent-Free Gas Fireplace with Cherry Mantel

The Empire Vail 26 Special Edition ships as a genuinely complete system — assembled cherry mantel, Flint Hill ceramic fiber log set, Contour burner, matte black hood, unitized black louvers, frame, and glowing embers all arrive together. At 154 lbs and 30.25 inches tall by 30 inches wide, this is a substantial unit, and the cherry mantel footprint of 45 inches wide by 17 inches deep gives it a commanding presence without requiring a dedicated hearth room to earn it.

Because this is a vent-free design, there is no flue, no liner, and no venting chase required. Zero-clearance installation means it can be set directly into a framed opening — framing dimensions are 30.375 inches high by 30.25 inches wide by 13.25 inches deep — making it a realistic option for rooms that were never designed around a fireplace. The heat output ranges from 14,000 to 20,000 BTU/hr, controlled through a millivolt standing pilot ignition system that operates independently of household electricity.

The Contour burner works beneath the Flint Hill ceramic fiber logs, which are engineered to mimic the irregular surface and warm glow of a seasoned wood fire. The matte black metal interior and black unitized louvers keep the visual framing clean and traditional without competing with the logs for attention. The cherry mantel finish adds warmth to the surround itself — a detail that matters when the unit is the focal point of a living space rather than tucked behind a hearth screen.

Control flexibility is built in from the start. The Vail 26 is remote-ready and compatible with wall thermostats, standard remote controls, and thermostat remote control systems — though the remote itself is sold separately. For those who want to add airflow, the optional Variable Speed Blower (FBB4) is a compatible accessory. Hammered pewter trim pieces and banded brick liner options are also available for those who want to customize the aesthetic beyond the standard package.

The Natural Gas millivolt variant (this SKU) shares its platform with white mantel, liquid propane, and combination variants in the same Vail 26 Special Edition series — so if cherry isn't the right finish for your space, or if your gas supply runs on propane, sibling configurations are available. All variants carry a 5-year limited warranty.

This is a fireplace that arrives ready to work. The assembly has been done; the design decisions have been made thoughtfully. What's left is the installation and the first lighting of the pilot.

• Complete package: cherry mantel (pre-assembled), Flint Hill ceramic fiber log set, Contour burner, hood, frame, louvers, and glowing embers all included
• 20,000 BTU/hr max output, adjustable down to 14,000 BTU/hr
• Vent-free design — no flue, liner, or venting chase required
• Zero-clearance installation; framing opening: 30.375"H x 30.25"W x 13.25"D
• Millivolt standing pilot ignition — functions without household electricity
• Remote-ready; compatible with wall thermostats, remote controls, and thermostat remote systems (remote sold separately)
• Empire Contour burner with Flint Hill ceramic fiber logs and glowing embers
• Matte black metal interior with black unitized louvers
• Cherry mantel footprint: 45" wide x 17" deep
• Optional Variable Speed Blower (FBB4) and hammered pewter trim pieces available separately
• 5-year limited warranty
• Unit weight: 154 lbs