Superior VRE6036 36" Ventless Outdoor Firebox

Superior VRE6036 36" Ventless Outdoor Firebox

The Superior VRE6036 is the 36" model in Superior's VRE6000 Signature Series of outdoor vent-free masonry fireboxes: a 30" tall opening with the brick running right to the face, 304 stainless steel on the face and every surface exposed to the weather, stainless steel mesh fire screens and hood, and a fully insulated body. It ships as the box only. The interior is a Mosaic Masonry liner of kiln-fired firebrick with mortared joints and an ash lip, in Ivory, Midnight, Slate Grey or Warm Red, full or split brick, stacked or herringbone; one is required and ordered separately.

Add an outdoor vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.97, rated no more than 40,000 Btu/hr, that fits inside: 36" wide at the front, 22-1/2" at the back, 19" deep and 30" high. Superior's own Mega-Flame Outdoor sets need at least 22-3/4" at the back, 1/4" more than this size has, so they go in the 42" and 50" models. There is no chimney or vent pipe to run.

The VRE6000 also comes in 42" and 50" (VRE6042, VRE6050). 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.

Play video: Superior VRE6000 Outdoor Vent-Free Masonry Firebox

Key Features

• 36" wide, 30" tall opening with the brick running to the face; inside, 36" wide at the front, 22-1/2" at the back and 19" 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
• Mosaic Masonry liner of kiln-fired firebrick with mortared joints and an integrated ash lip (one required, ordered separately)
• Liner in Ivory, Midnight, Slate Grey or Warm Red; full or split brick; stacked or herringbone
• 304 stainless steel on the face and all surfaces exposed to the weather
• 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

• Insulated stainless steel firebox (the brick liner is ordered separately)
• 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 – Mosaic Masonry brick liner, ordered separately (pick one):

• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Ivory Full Stacked (MOSAIC36IVFS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Midnight Full Stacked (MOSAIC36MIFS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Slate Grey Full Stacked (MOSAIC36SGFS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Warm Red Full Stacked (MOSAIC36WRFS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Ivory Full Herringbone (MOSAIC36IVFH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Midnight Full Herringbone (MOSAIC36MIFH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Slate Grey Full Herringbone (MOSAIC36SGFH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Warm Red Full Herringbone (MOSAIC36WRFH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Ivory Split Stacked (MOSAIC36IVSS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Midnight Split Stacked (MOSAIC36MISS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Slate Grey Split Stacked (MOSAIC36SGSS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Warm Red Split Stacked (MOSAIC36WRSS)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Ivory Split Herringbone (MOSAIC36IVSH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Midnight Split Herringbone (MOSAIC36MISH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Slate Grey Split Herringbone (MOSAIC36SGSH)
• Mosaic Masonry Brick Liner, Warm Red Split Herringbone (MOSAIC36WRSH)

Required – Outdoor vent-free log set, ordered separately:

• An outdoor vent-free log set and burner listed to ANSI Z21.97, rated 40,000 Btu/hr or less, that fits inside this firebox (36" wide at the front, 22-1/2" at the back, 19" deep and 30" high)

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. Brick colors vary somewhat from samples and photos, since the firebrick is a natural material.

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. 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

• 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.
• Liner: one Mosaic Masonry liner is required. Put it in after the firebox is in its final place: the hearth panel first, then the leading bricks, the side walls into the slots in the hearth, and the rear wall last, held with the supplied retaining brackets. Grouting the joints is recommended (the grout comes with the liner); let it cure 72 hours before running the fire. Brick is heavy, so lift it with help.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Floor: the firebox can sit directly on the floor. On carpet, 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.
• Gas: use 1/2" black iron pipe only, through the gas line access on either side. Tap out the knockout in the side firebrick 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.
• Water: don't use the firebox if it has been under water.
• Drafts: don't let fans blow into the firebox; drafts change the flame and can cause soot.
• Altitude: above 4,500 feet, the log set's pilot may go out.
• 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 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 the brick?
No. The VRE6036 ships without its interior, and one Mosaic Masonry liner is required. Choose Ivory, Midnight, Slate Grey or Warm Red brick, full or split, in a stacked or herringbone pattern; all sixteen are listed above. The liner comes with its grout.

Does it come with logs?
No. It needs an outdoor vent-free log set listed to ANSI Z21.97, rated 40,000 Btu/hr or less, that fits inside (36" wide at the front, 22-1/2" at the back, 19" deep and 30" high). Superior's Mega-Flame Outdoor sets need at least 22-3/4" at the back, so they fit the VRE6042 and VRE6050 but not this size.

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 masonry firebox indoors, Superior's VRT6000 comes in the same sizes (VRT6036).

How much heat will it give?
That depends on the log set. The firebox allows up to 40,000 Btu/hr. There is no blower, so the heat comes off the fire and the brick.

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 VRE6036 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