Superior VRE4242WS 42" Outdoor/Indoor Firebox, White Stacked

Superior VRE4242WS 42" Outdoor/Indoor Firebox, White Stacked

The Superior VRE4242WS is the 42" model in Superior's VRE4200 series of vent-free fireboxes, approved for both outdoor and indoor installs. It has a 28" tall, full-width opening lined with white stacked refractory panels molded from real hand-cut firebrick, a radiant smooth face, stainless steel fire screens and 304 stainless steel on the face and every surface exposed to the weather. It is the firebox only: the fire comes from a vent-free gas log set and burner that you order separately.

Outdoors it takes Superior's Mega-Flame Outdoor logs (24" and 30" on this size) on the stainless MNF24 outdoor burner. Indoors it takes any vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.11.2, rated no more than 40,000 Btu/hr, that fits inside it; Superior's Double-Flame (18" and 24"), Triple-Flame (18" and 24"), Nature-Flame (18", 24" and 30") and Mega-Flame (24" and 30") sets fit and are listed below. Either way there is no chimney or vent pipe to run.

The VRE4242 also comes with herringbone panels (VRE4242WH), and the series comes in 36" (VRE4236WS, VRE4236WH). Options include a brushed stainless hood that lowers the mantel clearance, a drain pan and an outside air kit.

Key Features

• 42" wide, 28" tall opening with a radiant smooth face
• Inside: 41" wide at the front, 29-1/4" at the back and 17-3/8" deep
• Approved for outdoor and indoor installation
• Vent-free: no chimney or vent pipe
• Outdoors, takes Superior Mega-Flame Outdoor log sets and burners; indoors, any ANSI Z21.11.2 vent-free log set up to 40,000 Btu/hr that fits
• White stacked refractory panels molded from hand-cut firebrick
• 304 stainless steel on the face and all surfaces exposed to the weather
• Stainless steel fire screens
• Gas line access on both sides
• Optional brushed stainless hood for lower mantel clearances
• Optional drain pan and outside air kit
• Built to ANSI Z21.91 (indoor) and ANSI Z21.97 (outdoor)
• 20 year limited warranty on the firebox

What's Included

• Firebox with white stacked refractory panels on the back, sides and floor
• Stainless steel fire screens and screen rods
• Installation and operation manual

What to Order With It

Required outdoors – Mega-Flame Outdoor logs, ordered separately (pick one set):

• Mega-Flame Outdoor Giant Timbers Logs, 24", Concrete, two boxes (LMF24GTA/B)
• Mega-Flame Outdoor Mossy Oak Logs, 24", Concrete, two boxes (LMF24MOA/B)
• Mega-Flame Outdoor Giant Timbers Logs, 30", Concrete, two boxes (LMF30GTA/B)
• Mega-Flame Outdoor Mossy Oak Logs, 30", Concrete, two boxes (LMF30MOA/B)

Required outdoors – Mega-Flame Outdoor burner (pick one):

• Mega-Flame Outdoor MNF24 Stainless Burner, Millivolt (MNF24ONM/OPM)
• Mega-Flame Outdoor MNF24 Stainless Burner, Electronic with Remote (MNF24ONE/OPE)

Required indoors – Vent-free logs, ordered separately (pick one set):

• Double-Flame Crescent Hill Logs, 18", Concrete (LVD18CH)
• Double-Flame Crescent Hill HD Logs, 18", High Definition (LVD18CHHD)
• Double-Flame Golden Oak Logs, 18", Ceramic Fiber (LVD18GO-B)
• Double-Flame Crescent Hill Logs, 24", Concrete (LVD24CH)
• Double-Flame Crescent Hill HD Logs, 24", High Definition (LVD24CHHD)
• Double-Flame Golden Oak Logs, 24", Ceramic Fiber (LVD24GO-B)
• Triple-Flame Rugged Stack Logs, 18", Concrete (LTF18RS)
• Triple-Flame Wild Timber Logs, 18", Concrete (LTF18WT)
• Triple-Flame Rugged Stack Logs, 24", Concrete (LTF24RS)
• Triple-Flame Wild Timber Logs, 24", Concrete (LTF24WT)
• Nature-Flame Granite Ridge Logs, Concrete, 18", 24" or 30" (LNF18GR, LNF24GR, LNF30GR)
• Nature-Flame Silverstone Timber Logs, High Definition, 18", 24" or 30" (LNF18ST, LNF24ST, LNF30ST)
• Mega-Flame Mossy Oak Logs, 24", Concrete, two boxes (LMF24MOA/B)
• Mega-Flame Mossy Oak Logs, 30", Concrete, two boxes (LMF30MOA/B)
• Mega-Flame Giant Timbers Logs, 30", Concrete, two boxes (LMF30GTA/B)

Required indoors – Burner for the logs (pick one: Double-Flame logs take the VD1824 burner; Triple-Flame 18" logs take the 18" burner and 24" logs the 24" burner; Nature-Flame 18" logs take the 18" burner, and 24" and 30" logs the 24" burner; Mega-Flame 24" and 30" logs take the MNF24 burner):

• Double-Flame 18"/24" Burner, Millivolt (VD1824NR/PR)
• Double-Flame 18"/24" Burner, Manual (VD1824NM/PM)
• Triple-Flame 18" Burner, Millivolt (TF18NR/PR)
• Triple-Flame 18" Burner, Variable with Remote (TF18NV/PV)
• Triple-Flame 18" Burner, Electronic with Remote (TF18NE/PE)
• Triple-Flame 24" Burner, Millivolt (TF2430NR/PR)
• Triple-Flame 24" Burner, Variable with Remote (TF2430NV/PV)
• Triple-Flame 24" Burner, Electronic with Remote (TF2430NE/PE)
• Nature-Flame Burner with Ember Bed, 18" or 24", Millivolt or Electronic (NF18/NF24)
• Mega-Flame MNF24 Burner, Millivolt (MNF24INM/IPM)
• Mega-Flame MNF24 Burner, Variable with Remote (MNF24INV/IPV)
• Mega-Flame MNF24 Burner, Electronic with Remote (MNF24INE/IPE)

Optional – Hood, drain pan and outside air:

• Outdoor Hood Kit, Brushed Stainless (HOOD42ODSL)
• Drain Pan (DPSS42)
• Outside Air Kit With Duct (OAK-UVFRC)

Specifications

The firebox doesn't make heat on its own. The Btu rating, ignition and remote all come from the log set and burner you choose, and indoors the room size rules under Installation Requirements depend on that input.

Dimensions and Framing

Firebox dimensions

Inside the firebox (for sizing logs)

Framing

Measure the framed depth to the finished surface of the back wall. Frame with 2x4 or heavier lumber, set the framing so the face ends up flush with the finished wall, and fasten the firebox to the studs with nails or wood screws through the nailing flanges. Leave 1/2" of air space at the sides and back; the nailing flanges and the standoff spacers can touch the framing.

Installation Requirements

• Log sets: outdoors, use Superior's Mega-Flame Outdoor logs and burner. Indoors, use a vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.11.2, rated no more than 40,000 Btu/hr, that fits the firebox. Never burn wood, and don't add extra logs or ornaments such as pine cones, vermiculite or rock wool.
• Room air (indoors): a vent-free log set uses the air in the room. The space must hold at least 50 cubic feet for every 1,000 Btu/hr of all the gas appliances in it, counting adjoining rooms without doors. A 40,000 Btu/hr log set alone needs 2,000 cubic feet. A smaller space needs ventilation openings to another room or to the outdoors, as set out in NFPA 54.
• Where it can't go: not in a bedroom or bathroom unless the log set is rated 10,000 Btu/hr or less (every Superior set listed here is larger), not in a recreational vehicle, and not in high-traffic, windy or drafty spots. It can go in a permanently located manufactured home where local codes allow.
• Clearances indoors: keep a side wall at least 16" from the side of the firebox and the ceiling at least 42" above the top of the opening. A combustible mantel leg, bookshelf or other projection beside the firebox needs about 1" from its side for every 7/8" it sticks out (3-1/2" out needs 4"; the chart is in the manual). Keep curtains, furniture and other flammable objects at least 36" from the front and 42" from the top.
• Clearances outdoors: 1/2" at the sides and back (the nailing flanges can touch the framing), 0" to the floor and 72" to a ceiling. An adjacent wall can be 6" from one side only; leave at least 4 feet on the other side.
• Mantel: with the optional hood, a combustible mantel 2" deep can be 9" above the top of the opening, and each extra inch of depth adds an inch of height, up to 12" deep at 19". Without the hood, add 4": 2" deep at 13" up to 12" deep at 23".
• Facing: only non-combustible materials such as brick, tile or stone can overlap the face, set with non-combustible mortar or adhesive and never covering an opening. Drywall and other combustible board can butt against the sides and top but not overlap the face, except at the bottom, up to 2" below the opening. The wall from the top of the face up to the top spacers must be non-combustible. Nothing can sit in the opening.
• Floor: the firebox can sit directly on a wood floor. Don't set it directly on carpet or vinyl; on carpet or any combustible floor other than wood, put a metal or wood panel under the full width and depth of the enclosure. It must be level, or the log set won't burn properly.
• Drainage (outdoors): rain and condensation can collect in the bottom of the firebox, so the builder must provide a way to drain water from under it, or use the optional drain pan (the framing gets 3/4" taller, and you need room below for a drain line). Treat the enclosure's sides and back as an exterior wall.
• Gas: the gas line can come in from either side or the back. Tap out the recessed knockout in the refractory with a chisel, without excessive force, which can crack the panel, and connect the gas as the log set's manual shows.
• Outside air: the optional OAK-UVFRC kit has an air gate, 4" duct and termination hood, lets you adjust how much outside air reaches the fire, and mounts on the right side. One kit is all the firebox needs.
• Hood and screens: run the fire with the screens closed, and use only Superior's hood for this firebox.
• Moisture and walls (indoors): vent-free log sets add moisture to the air, and a room without enough ventilation can grow mildew. The warm air rising off the firebox can discolor nearby walls, especially vinyl or cloth coverings or where there is smoke, candles or cleaning fluids in the air.
• Drafts: don't let fans, including ceiling fans, blow into the firebox; drafts change the flame and can cause soot.
• Refractory: like any concrete liner, the panels can develop fine cracks from the heat. They don't affect the fire or the log set.
• Massachusetts: installation and repair must be done by a licensed plumber or gas fitter, following 527 CMR 30. The flexible gas connector can't be longer than 36", the shutoff must be a T-handle valve, the firebox can't go in a bedroom or bathroom, and a working smoke detector is required in the area where it is installed.
• Installation: must be installed by a qualified service person following the manual, the log set's manual and local codes (NFPA 54 where there are none). Superior calls for an inspection by a qualified service person before first use and once a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it go indoors and outdoors?
Yes. Outdoors it takes Superior's Mega-Flame Outdoor logs (the 24" or 30" set) on the MNF24 outdoor burner. Indoors it takes any vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.11.2, up to 40,000 Btu/hr, that fits inside, and the room has to be big enough or ventilated for that log set.

Does it come with logs?
No. Order a log set and a matching burner, both listed above. Outdoors, the 24" and 30" Mega-Flame Outdoor sets both run on the MNF24 outdoor burner. Indoors, Double-Flame logs take the VD1824 burner; Triple-Flame 18" logs take the 18" burner and 24" logs the 24" burner; Nature-Flame 18" logs take the 18" burner, and 24" and 30" logs the 24" burner; Mega-Flame 24" and 30" logs take the MNF24 burner. Superior's 30" Triple-Flame sets need 30" at the back and its 36" Mega-Flame sets 47" at the front, so they aren't listed for this size.

Stacked or herringbone?
Both are white refractory panels molded from hand-cut firebrick. The VRE4242WS has a stacked brick pattern and the VRE4242WH a herringbone pattern; the size and the log sets that fit are the same.

Does it need a chimney?
No. It is vent-free: the log set burns the air around it and there is no vent pipe to run. Indoors, the room has to be big enough or ventilated for the log set's input.

What about rain?
Outdoors, plan for drainage under the firebox or use the drain pan, and treat the enclosure around it as an exterior wall. The face and every weather-exposed surface are 304 stainless steel.

How much heat will it give?
That depends on the log set. Superior's Mega-Flame Outdoor sets run from 29,000 to 40,000 Btu/hr on natural gas or propane, and the firebox allows up to 40,000 Btu/hr indoors or out. There is no blower.

Can I put a mantel above it?
Yes. With the optional hood, a combustible mantel 2" deep can sit 9" above the top of the opening, up to 12" deep at 19". Without the hood, the same mantels need 4" more. Our guide to fireplace heat management explains ways to keep the wall above cooler.

Warranty

Superior's 20 Year Limited Warranty covers the VRE4242WS against defects in materials and workmanship:

• Firebox body: 20 years
• Parts not listed: 90 days
• Labor: paid at IHP rates for the covered part's warranty period, up to five years

Trim and paint are not covered. The warranty is for the original owner of a fireplace installed in the US or Canada. Full terms are in the warranty certificate.

Documents and Downloads

• Installation and Operation Manual
• Specification Sheet
• Smart Sheet
• Brochure
• Vent-Free Gas Log Brochure
• Warranty Certificate