Vent Free Gas Stoves

Vent-free gas stoves compared

Sizes are width x height x depth, and inputs are the maximum from each product page. Where a figure isn't listed, the manual on the product page has it, or ask us.

Room size and where they can go

• A vent-free heater needs enough open space for its input. Empire calls for at least 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU/hr of all the gas appliances drawing air from the room: 500 cubic feet for a 10,000 BTU/hr stove, 1,000 for 20,000 and 1,250 for 25,000. Otherwise extra combustion air has to be brought in as the manual describes.
• Vent-free heaters are supplemental heat, not the main heat for the whole house.
• A vent-free heater over 10,000 BTU/hr can't go in a bedroom or bathroom. The 10,000 BTU/hr Empire VFD10CC can go in a bedroom where local code allows. Massachusetts doesn't allow vent-free gas heaters in bedrooms or bathrooms.
• In a residential garage, the Empire stoves need the burner and ignition at least 18" above the floor.
• Vent-free appliances are prohibited in some areas, so check your local code before you buy.

Our guide to direct vent vs. vent-free gas covers where vent-free isn't allowed.

Ignition and blowers

• Millivolt (standing pilot) stoves run without electricity, so they keep heating in a power outage: the Buck Stove Model 34, Model 384 and Townsend II, the Kingsman FVF350, the Breckwell BH32VF and the Empire millivolt models.
• The Empire VFD20CC, VFD20MS, VFD30MS and VFD30CC also come with intermittent pilot ignition, which runs on an AC adapter with a battery backup.
• Blower included: the Buck Stove Model 34 Contemporary, Model 34 Manhattan and Model 384. Optional blowers: CIB3 or CIB4 for the Empire stoves, MA CVF714 for the Townsend II and the F45FK fan kit for the Kingsman FVF350; the Breckwell BH32VF also takes one.

Natural gas or propane

Order the model for your gas. The Empire vent-free stoves can't be converted in the field, and the Buck Stove Model 1127 isn't convertible; the Model 1110 is also made for one gas. The Buck Stove Model 34 and Model 384 come in natural gas or propane versions, and the Kingsman FVF350 takes a natural gas or a propane burner, ordered with the stove.

Mantels, legs and other parts

• Buck Stove Model 34 (Contemporary or Manhattan): it can go into an existing fireplace with the trim kit, stand in one of Buck's mantels, or be framed into a wall as a zero clearance unit. The mantel and trim kit are sold separately.
• Buck Stove Model 384: it stands on legs or an optional pedestal, in a mantel or in a masonry fireplace; the legs, pedestal and mantel are sold separately.
• Kingsman FVF350: the burner, the black door frame and the fiber split oak log set are ordered with the stove.
• Empire Spirit cast iron: the side shelf kit fits the VFD10CC, VFD20CC and VFD30CC.

Vent-free gas stove FAQs

Is a vent-free gas stove safe indoors?

The Empire stoves, the Kingsman FVF350 and the Buck Stove Model 34, 384, 1110 and 1127 have an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pilot that shuts the burner off if the oxygen in the room gets low. Any vent-free stove also needs the room size its manual calls for, and it has to be allowed by your local code.

Can I use a vent-free stove as my main heat?

No. Vent-free heaters are made for supplemental heat, not as the main heat for the whole house.

Can a vent-free stove go in a bedroom?

Only at 10,000 BTU/hr or less, like the Empire VFD10CC, and only where local code allows. Massachusetts doesn't allow it.

Which is the biggest vent-free stove?

The Kingsman FVF350, at up to 40,000 BTU/hr on natural gas. The smallest is the Empire VFD10CC, at 10,000 BTU/hr.

Can a vent-free stove go in a mobile home?

The Buck Stove Model 34 and Model 384 are approved for mobile homes, and the Empire stoves for aftermarket, permanently located manufactured homes where local codes allow.

Still deciding?

• Sealed stoves that vent outside: Direct Vent Gas Stoves
• Every gas stove we carry: Gas Burning Stoves
• Built-in fireplaces that need no vent: Vent Free Fireplaces
• Questions about room size, local codes or which stove fits your space: contact us