Empire Vail 36" Vent-Free Multi-Sided Gas Fireplace
The Empire Vail 36" multi-sided fireplace opens on two faces as a see-through, or on two faces and one end as a peninsula, so one vent-free gas fire can be seen from more than one side, with no chimney or vent pipe.
Model numbers VFP36SP32EN and VFP36SP32EP are the see-through; VFP36PP32EN and VFP36PP32EP are the peninsula. It comes with a banded brick liner, runs up to 38,000 Btu/hr on a millivolt standing pilot that needs no house power, and takes the LSU24RR multi-sided log set, ordered separately.
The Empire Vail 36" Multi-Sided: A Ventless Fire on Two or Three Sides
Overall it is 39" wide, 37 3/4" high and 24" deep. The see-through frames into a 40" x 38" x 23" opening and the peninsula into 39" x 38" x 23", with 3" of that height for the top standoffs, where combustible framing may rest.
The outer casing sides need 1/2" to combustibles, and the room must be an unconfined space of at least 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu/hr. Black hoods, lava rock, glowing embers and a junction box for the optional blower or light kit come in the box.
Browse more see-through and multi-sided fireplaces, or every model in our vent-free fireplaces collection.
Weighing vent-free against direct vent? Our guide to direct vent vs. vent-free gas fireplaces covers the pros, the cons and where vent-free isn't allowed. For more on two- and three-sided designs, see our see-through fireplace guide.
Features
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Heat: up to 38,000 Btu/hr; minimum 25,000 on natural gas or 30,000 on propane.
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See-through or peninsula: models ending SP are see-through; models ending PP are peninsula.
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Banded brick liner included: with black hoods, lava rock and glowing embers.
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Millivolt standing pilot: 750 mV, with an on/off switch; runs without house power.
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Vent-free: no chimney or vent pipe, with a built-in oxygen depletion sensor.
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Log set: the LSU24RR multi-sided refractory log set is required, ordered separately.
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Optional blower and light: the FBB5 blower with SCV1 speed control, and the LK2 accent light kit with dimmer.
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Finishing options: louvers, arch door sets, an outer frame and a peninsula mantel.
Package Contents
- Vail 36" multi-sided vent-free gas fireplace, see-through or peninsula
- Banded brick liner
- Black hoods
- Lava rock and glowing embers
- Factory-installed junction box
The LSU24RR log set is required and ordered separately (see below).
What to Order With It
The fireplace ships with its banded brick liner, black hoods, lava rock, glowing embers and a factory-installed junction box. It needs a log set before it can run.
Required – Log set:
Optional – Remotes and wall controls:
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Remote, Battery Receiver/Remote, On/Off (FRBC)
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Remote, Battery Receiver/Remote, Thermostat (FRBTC2)
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Remote, Electric Receiver/Battery Remote, On/Off (FREC)
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Remote, Battery Receiver/Remote, TouchScreen, Programmable (FRBTPS)
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Wall Switch, On/Off (FWS1)
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Wall Thermostat, Reed Switch (TMV)
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Wall Thermostat, Wireless (TRW)
Optional – Accessories:
Optional – Extended hood (for thick facing such as stone or brick; not for the open end of a peninsula):
Optional – Louvers for the faces (see-through and peninsula):
Optional – Louvers for the open end (peninsula only):
Optional – Door set (needs the VFY36SBL door frame):
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Door Set, Black, Mission Arch (VFR36SMBL)
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Door Set, Hammered Pewter, Mission Arch (VFR36SMHP)
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Door Set, Black, Arch (VFR36SCBL)
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Door Set, Hammered Pewter, Arch (VFR36SCHP)
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Door Frame, Black, Arch (VFY36SBL)
Optional – Outer frame (see-through models only):
Optional – Peninsula mantel top (peninsula models only):
Optional – Peninsula mantel base (peninsula models only):
Specifications
| Model numbers |
VFP36SP32EN, VFP36SP32EP, VFP36PP32EN, VFP36PP32EP |
| Configuration |
See-through (VFP36SP32EN/EP) or peninsula (VFP36PP32EN/EP) |
| Overall dimensions |
39" W x 37 3/4" H x 24" D (height without standoffs) |
| Framing (rough opening) |
See-through 40" W x 38" H x 23" D; peninsula 39" W x 38" H x 23" D (height includes 3" for the top standoffs; add the base height if raised on a base) |
| Fuel |
Natural gas (N) or propane (P); order the model for your gas, field conversion is not permitted |
| Type |
Vent-free (no chimney or vent); oxygen depletion sensor |
| Input, maximum |
38,000 Btu/hr, natural gas and propane |
| Input, minimum |
25,000 Btu/hr natural gas; 30,000 Btu/hr propane |
| Control |
Millivolt (750 mV) standing pilot with an on/off switch; runs without house power |
| Blower |
Optional (FBB5, with the SCV1 variable speed control) |
| Log set |
Required, ordered separately (LSU24RR) |
| Included |
Banded brick liner, black hoods, lava rock, glowing embers and a factory-installed junction box |
| Gas connection |
3/8" inlet |
| Listing |
ANSI Z21.11.2, unvented room heater |
| Manufactured (mobile) home |
May be installed in an aftermarket, permanently located manufactured home where local codes allow |
| Style |
Traditional |
Installation Requirements
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Clearances: keep at least 1 3/4" from the inside of the fireplace to a perpendicular combustible side wall; the outer casing sides need at least 1/2" to combustibles; keep furniture and other combustibles at least 36" from the front openings.
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Ceiling: at least 42" from the top of the hood to the ceiling.
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Top framing: combustible framing may rest on the top standoffs. On peninsula models, the manual recommends no more than 250 lb of construction material on the top standoff spacers.
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Mantel: the supplied hood or an optional Empire hood must be installed; a combustible mantel must meet the mantel chart in the installation manual.
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Room size: the room must be an unconfined space of at least 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu/hr of input (adjoining rooms count only if there is no door between them), or extra combustion air must be provided as the manual describes. Vent-free heaters are meant for supplemental heat. Check local codes before you buy; some areas restrict vent-free appliances.
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Bedrooms and bathrooms: an unvented heater over 10,000 Btu/hr may not go in a bedroom or bathroom, so this fireplace cannot. Massachusetts prohibits unvented gas heaters in bedrooms and bathrooms.
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Floor: on carpet, tile or any combustible floor other than wood, set the fireplace on a metal or wood panel the full width and depth of the unit.
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Power: none needed to run; the junction box on the lower right side needs a 120V supply for the optional blower or light kit.
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Installation: must be installed by a qualified installer per the installation manual and local codes. In Massachusetts the installation must be made by a licensed plumber or gas fitter.
Make It Yours: Louvers, Doors and Mantel
Mission or arch louvers in black or hammered pewter fit the faces, and 22" black louvers fit the open end of a peninsula. Arch and mission arch door sets in black or hammered pewter mount on the VFY36SBL door frame, and a steel outer frame with a hammered pewter bottom trim kit finishes a see-through.
Peninsula models take a peninsula mantel top and base in cherry, dark oak, oak, white or unfinished hardwood. The EK2 large ember kit and platinum embers (PE20) dress the fire, and the LK2 light kit has its own dimmer.
Bring the Vail 36" Multi-Sided Home with Dreamwood Living
The Vail 36" suits an open floor plan or a room divider where the fire should show from two or three sides, without a chimney or vent pipe.
Reach out to our team and we will help you choose see-through or peninsula and plan the louvers, doors and mantel.
FAQs
Which Vail is right for me?
The Vail 36" multi-sided is the see-through and peninsula Vail, with a banded brick liner included. Every Vail is a complete vent-free gas fireplace, with no chimney or vent pipe. The Vail 24" (slope-glaze burner) and Vail 26" (contour burner) come with their logs, in 20,000 Btu/hr models or 10,000 Btu/hr models for a bedroom where codes allow, and build into a wall or a flat or corner cabinet mantel; the 26" also comes as a fireplace and mantel combo. The Vail Premium 32" and 36" are larger, up to 32,000 and 36,000 Btu/hr, with a slope-glaze burner and a choice of log set. The Vail 36" multi-sided, up to 38,000 Btu/hr, comes as a see-through or a peninsula.
See-through or peninsula: what is the difference?
The see-through (VFP36SP32EN/EP) opens on two faces. The peninsula (VFP36PP32EN/EP) opens on two faces and one end, and takes the peninsula mantel top and base and the 22" end louvers.
Can it go in a bedroom?
No. An unvented heater over 10,000 Btu/hr may not go in a bedroom or bathroom. Massachusetts prohibits unvented gas heaters in bedrooms and bathrooms.
How big a room does it need?
An unconfined space of at least 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu/hr of input: 1,900 cubic feet at 38,000 Btu/hr. Adjoining rooms count only if there is no door between them; otherwise extra combustion air must be provided as the manual describes. Check local codes before you buy, since some areas restrict vent-free appliances; our direct vent vs. vent-free guide covers where vent-free isn't allowed.
Does it need electricity?
No. The millivolt valve runs without house power; the junction box on the lower right needs a 120V supply only for the optional blower or light kit.
Can I switch it between natural gas and propane?
No. Order the model for your gas; field conversion is not permitted.
Documents & Downloads
Warranty
Empire limited warranty for Vail vent-free fireplaces, from the warranty section of the installation manual:
- Combustion chamber and heat exchanger: limited lifetime parts, with 5 years of limited labor
- All other components, except remote controls, thermostats, accessories and replacement parts: 5 years parts and labor
- Remote controls, thermostats, accessories and parts: 1 year parts
The warranty applies to the original purchaser. Full terms, including what is not covered, are in the warranty section of the installation manual.
