Superior VRE4550 50" Outdoor Vent-Free Gas Fireplace With White Refractory Panels
The Superior VRE4550 is the 50" model in Superior's VRE4500 Custom Series of outdoor vent-free fireboxes, built for large outdoor spaces: a 30" tall, full-width opening lined with white refractory panels that run to the front edge, a stainless steel face, stainless steel mesh fire screens and hood, and a fully insulated body. Choose white stacked (VRE4550WS) or white herringbone (VRE4550WH) panels in the options above. It is the firebox only. The fire comes from an outdoor vent-free gas log set that you order separately.
It takes an outdoor vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.97, rated no more than 40,000 Btu/hr, that fits inside it. Superior's Mega-Flame Outdoor 24", 30" and 36" sets fit this size; they and their stainless burners are listed below. There is no chimney or vent pipe to run.
The VRE4500 also comes in 36" and 42" (VRE4536, VRE4542). It goes outdoors in an open spot or a partly enclosed one, such as a covered patio, that meets Superior's rules; see Installation Requirements.
Key Features
- 50" wide, 30" tall opening; inside, 50" wide at the front, 34-3/8" at the back and 21-3/4" deep
- Outdoor vent-free: no chimney or vent pipe
- Takes ANSI Z21.97 outdoor vent-free log sets up to 40,000 Btu/hr, ordered separately
- White refractory panels in a stacked or herringbone pattern, running to the front edge
- Stainless steel face and stainless steel construction for outdoor use
- Stainless steel mesh fire screens and stainless hood included
- Fully insulated firebox for colder climates
- Gas line knockouts on both sides
- Built to ANSI Z21.91 as a ventless firebox enclosure
- 20 year limited warranty on the firebox
What's Included
- Firebox with white stacked or white herringbone refractory panels, as ordered (the floor panel comes in place; the side and rear panels go in on site)
- Stainless steel hood, required whenever the fire is on
- Stainless steel mesh fire screens and rods
- Installation and operation manual
What to Order With It
Required – Mega-Flame Outdoor logs, ordered separately (pick one set):
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Mega-Flame Outdoor Giant Timbers Logs, 24", Concrete, two boxes (LMF24GTA/B)
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Mega-Flame Outdoor Mossy Oak Logs, 24", Concrete, two boxes (LMF24MOA/B)
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Mega-Flame Outdoor Giant Timbers Logs, 30", Concrete, two boxes (LMF30GTA/B)
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Mega-Flame Outdoor Mossy Oak Logs, 30", Concrete, two boxes (LMF30MOA/B)
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Mega-Flame Outdoor Giant Timbers Logs, 36", Concrete, two boxes (LMF36GTA/B)
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Mega-Flame Outdoor Mossy Oak Logs, 36", Concrete, two boxes (LMF36MOA/B)
Required – Mega-Flame Outdoor burner (pick one: 24" and 30" logs take the MNF24 outdoor burner, 36" logs the MNF30):
Specifications
| Model |
VRE4550WS (white stacked) or VRE4550WH (white herringbone) |
| Order number |
F0482 (VRE4550WS), F0484 (VRE4550WH) |
| Type |
Outdoor vent-free firebox (ventless firebox enclosure) for an outdoor vent-free gas log set |
| Heat input |
Set by the log set; 40,000 Btu/hr maximum |
| Opening |
50" W x 30" H |
| Inside the firebox |
50" wide at the front, 34-3/8" at the back, 21-3/4" deep, 30" high |
| Outside size |
59-1/4" W x 54-3/4" H x 32-3/8" D |
| Framed opening |
59-3/4" W x 55" H x 30-1/8" D |
| Liner |
White refractory panels, stacked or herringbone, on the back, sides and floor, running to the front edge |
| Face |
Stainless steel |
| Hood |
Stainless steel, included and required |
| Screens |
Stainless steel mesh |
| Insulation |
Fully insulated firebox |
| Gas line |
1/2" black iron pipe, through the left or right side |
| Venting |
None (vent-free) |
| Listing |
ANSI Z21.91 ventless firebox enclosure (PFS report F09-130); outdoors with a log set listed to ANSI Z21.97 |
| Approved locations |
Outdoors: walls on all sides with no roof, or under a roof with no more than two side walls, or under a roof with three side walls if at least 30% of the perimeter is permanently open |
| Warranty |
20 year limited (see Warranty below) |
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.
Dimensions and Framing
Firebox dimensions
| Opening width |
50" |
| Opening height |
30" |
| Overall width |
59-1/4" |
| Overall height |
54-3/4" |
| Width at the back |
38-3/8" |
| Depth, including the face |
32-3/8" |
| Base to the bottom of the opening |
7-7/8" |
Inside the firebox (for sizing logs)
| Front width |
50" |
| Rear width |
34-3/8" |
| Depth |
21-3/4" |
| Height |
30" |
Framing
| Opening width |
59-3/4" |
| Opening height |
55" |
| Depth to the finished back wall of the enclosure |
30-1/8" |
| Corner installation, across the front from wall to wall |
100" |
| Corner installation, along each wall from the corner |
71" |
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. Framing can touch the firebox and its standoff spacers. In a corner, keep 1-1/2" between the framing and the sides and back of the firebox (not needed at the nailing flanges).
Installation Requirements
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Outdoor space: the firebox must be outdoors with walls on all sides but no roof; under a roof with no more than two side walls, parallel as in a breezeway or at right angles; or under a roof with three side walls if at least 30% of the perimeter is permanently open.
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Log set: use only an outdoor vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.97, rated no more than 40,000 Btu/hr, that fits the firebox. The logs must not touch or reach past the screen. Don't burn wood, and don't add extra logs or ornaments such as pine cones, vermiculite or rockwool embers.
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Hood and screens: the supplied stainless hood must be in place whenever the fire is on, and the mantel clearances are measured from it. Don't modify it or swap in a hood that comes with a log set. Keep the screens closed while it runs.
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Side walls and ceiling: 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 the side of the firebox for every 7/8" it sticks out (3-1/2" out needs 4"; the chart is in the manual).
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Mantel: measured from the top of the hood opening to the underside of the shelf, a combustible mantel up to 1-1/2" deep can be 12" up, one 6-3/4" deep 16" up and one 12" deep 20" up. These replace any mantel clearances that come with the log set. The wall board above the firebox can be combustible, and non-combustible material can stick out from the wall above the hood.
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Front and surroundings: keep furniture and other flammable objects at least 36" from the front and 42" from the top of the firebox, and keep it out of high-traffic, windy or drafty spots.
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Facing: drywall, plywood and other combustible board can butt against the sides and top of the firebox but must never overlap the front face. Brick, tile and other non-combustible materials can overlap the face, set with non-combustible mortar or adhesive, as long as they don't cover any openings.
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Floor: the firebox can sit directly on the floor. On carpet, vinyl tile or any combustible floor other than wood, put a metal or wood panel under its full width and depth. It must be level, or the log set won't burn properly.
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Gas: use 1/2" black iron pipe only, through the gas line access on either side. Tap out the knockout in the side refractory with a 1/2" dowel, remove the gas line cover plate and pull the insulation out of the conduit sleeve, run the pipe in, then repack the insulation and seal the gap with refractory or furnace cement. Leak-test every joint with soapy water, never a flame.
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Refractory: set the side and rear panels after the firebox is in its final place. They are heavy, so lift them with help.
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Water: don't use the firebox if it has been under water.
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Drafts: don't let fans blow into the firebox; drafts change the flame and can cause soot.
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Altitude: above 4,500 feet, the log set's pilot may go out.
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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.
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Installation: must be installed by a qualified service person following the installation 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
Does it come with logs?
No. Order a Mega-Flame Outdoor log set and a matching stainless burner, both listed above: 24" and 30" logs take the MNF24 outdoor burner, 36" logs the MNF30. Every Mega-Flame Outdoor size fits, up to the 36" sets. Any outdoor vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.97, rated 40,000 Btu/hr or less, that fits inside (50" wide at the front, 34-3/8" at the back, 21-3/4" deep and 30" high) can also be used.
Stacked or herringbone?
Both are white refractory panels. The VRE4550WS has a stacked brick pattern and the VRE4550WH 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 outdoor air around it, so there is no vent pipe to run.
Where can it go?
Outdoors, in the open or under a roof, as long as the space meets the enclosure rules under Installation Requirements. For a vent-free firebox indoors, Superior's VRT4500 comes in the same sizes (VRT4550).
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, the most this firebox allows. There is no blower, so the heat comes off the fire and the firebox.
Can I put a mantel above it?
Yes. Measured from the top of the hood opening, a combustible mantel up to 1-1/2" deep can sit 12" up, a 6-3/4" mantel 16" up and a 12" mantel 20" up. Our guide to fireplace heat management explains ways to keep the wall above cooler.
Warranty
Superior's 20 Year Limited Warranty covers the VRE4550 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
