Empire Vail 26" Vent-Free Gas Fireplace
The Vail 26 is Empire's compact complete vent-free fireplace — burner, log set, frame, hood, and louvers all in the box. Its Contour burner and hand-painted ceramic fiber logs deliver up to 20,000 BTU of direct room heat with no chimney or flue, and bedroom-rated 10,000 BTU versions are available where code requires them.
- Complete out of the box: Contour burner, ceramic fiber log set, outer frame, hood, and matte black louvers are all included — no burner or log purchase needed.
- Vent-free installation: no chimney or flue; frames into interior walls and rooms where venting isn't practical.
- Two heat ratings: standard 20,000 BTU, or 10,000 BTU versions for bedroom installations.
- Two ignition systems: Millivolt (operates during power outages) or Intermittent Pilot.
- Your fuel, the right SKU: dedicated natural gas and propane models — select the variant matching your home's gas supply.
| Nominal size | 26" |
| Heat output | Up to 20,000 BTU (10,000 BTU bedroom-rated versions available) |
| Burner | Empire Contour burner with hand-painted ceramic fiber log set (included) |
| Venting | Vent-free — no chimney or flue required |
| Ignition | Millivolt or Intermittent Pilot (by variant) |
| Fuel | Natural gas or propane (by variant) |
| Weight | 105 lbs |
| Included | Fireplace, Contour burner, ceramic fiber log set, outer frame, hood, matte black louvers, owner's manual |
Because it draws room air for combustion and vents nothing outdoors, the Vail delivers its heat directly to the room — and because everything needed is in one carton, it's the shortest path in Empire's line from delivery to a working fireplace. The millivolt versions keep heating during power outages, a real advantage for backup heat.
Finish it your way with Empire's optional accessories for this model: decorative liner kits, remote controls, wall switches and thermostats, ember and blower kits, and cabinet or corner mantels — all sold separately.
Is the Vail 26" right for you?
It's the compact, complete Vail — a full fireplace in one box for rooms where a chimney was never an option.
Buy the Vail 26" if:
- You want a complete fireplace — burner and logs included, nothing else to buy to light it
- You're heating a small-to-mid room, den, or (with the 10K version) a bedroom
- You want heat that keeps working in a power outage — choose the Millivolt version
Consider another model if:
- You want an even smaller footprint with the richer Slope Glaze flame — see the Vail 24" Vent-Free Fireplace
- You need more heat and a wider opening — see the Vail Premium 32" Vent-Free Fireplace
Not sure which model fits? Call a specialist at (786) 761-9155 — we'll help you choose honestly.
Frequently asked questions
Is the burner or log set included?
Yes — unlike firebox-only listings, the Vail 26 is a complete fireplace. The Contour burner, ceramic fiber log set, outer frame, hood, and matte black louvers are all in the box.
Which variant do I choose?
Pick three things: your fuel (natural gas or propane — it must match your home's gas supply), your ignition (Millivolt works without electricity; Intermittent Pilot saves gas by not running a standing pilot), and your heat rating (20,000 BTU standard, or the 10K version where a bedroom-rated unit is required).
Does it need a chimney or vent?
No. It's a vent-free fireplace — it uses room air for combustion and requires no chimney, flue, or outside venting. Note that vent-free appliances are not permitted in some jurisdictions; check your local codes before ordering.
Will it work during a power outage?
The Millivolt versions will — the standing pilot system needs no electricity, so the fireplace keeps heating when the power is out. Optional remotes and blowers do require power.
What can I add later?
Empire offers decorative liner kits, remote controls, wall switches and thermostats, an ember kit, a blower, and cabinet or corner mantels for this model, all sold separately.
How is it shipped?
Free and fully insured by freight carrier, with tracking and a scheduled delivery appointment. Plan a clear access route and a flat spot to receive it.
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