Empire Vail 36-Inch Vent-Free Gas Fireplace, Zero Clearance, Matte Black

At 99.9% thermal efficiency, the Empire Vail 36 is about as close to capturing every BTU from your fuel supply as physics will currently allow. All 36,000 of those BTUs go directly into your living space — not up a chimney, because there isn't one. This is a fully vent-free installation, meaning no flue, no chase, and no expensive venting runs through finished walls.

The zero-clearance design opens up installation flexibility that a traditional fireplace simply cannot offer. Rough framing dimensions are 39.5 inches wide by 38.25 inches high by 17.87 inches deep — a footprint that fits cleanly into a standard framed opening. The front viewing area measures 36 inches wide by 24.87 inches tall, offering 675 square inches of flame view. That is a generous, wide-format window into a fire that actually looks like one.

That convincing appearance comes from Empire's Contour Burner System with Slope Glaze Burner technology, which uses ceramic glazed pellets to produce a natural, flickering flame character. It is the kind of fire that makes people stop mid-sentence to watch it. A log set is required to complete the look and is sold separately — compatible options include the 5-piece Ceramic Fiber Log Set (LS30EF) and the 30-inch 6-piece Sassafras Refractory Log Set (LS30RS). Optional brick liners are also available if you want to dress the firebox interior further.

Ignition is handled by an intermittent pilot electronic system — no standing pilot burning around the clock, just clean on-demand startup. Safety is covered by an integrated oxygen depletion sensor, a standard and important feature on any vent-free appliance, which monitors room oxygen levels and shuts the unit down if they drop below a safe threshold.

Out of the box, the unit ships with an outer frame, hood, louvers, and an arched screen front, all in a cohesive matte black finish. At 111 pounds, it is a substantial piece of equipment, which is fitting for something built to be the thermal centerpiece of a room. Remote control accessories are compatible if you prefer to manage things from the couch — as one should.

Backed by a 5-year limited warranty and manufactured in the United States, the Empire Vail 36 is a long-term installation built for dependable, efficient heating season after season.

• 36,000 BTU output at 99.9% efficiency — virtually all heat stays in the room
• Fully vent-free: no flue, chimney, or venting runs required
• Zero-clearance installation with rough framing at 39.5" W x 38.25" H x 17.87" D
• 675 square inches of viewing area (36" W x 24.87" H)
• Empire Contour Burner System with Slope Glaze Burner for natural flame appearance
• Ceramic glazed pellets produce realistic, flickering flame character
• Intermittent pilot electronic ignition — no standing pilot
• Integrated oxygen depletion sensor for safe vent-free operation
• Matte black finish; includes outer frame, hood, louvers, and arched screen front
• Compatible with LS30EF Ceramic Fiber and LS30RS Sassafras Refractory log sets (sold separately)
• Optional brick liners and remote control accessories available
• Manufactured in the United States
• 5-year limited warranty