Napoleon vs Empire Comfort Systems: Which Brand Is Right for You?

Two brands dominate the conversation when homeowners and builders start comparing gas fireplaces: Napoleon and Empire Comfort Systems. Both are carried at Fire Pit Surplus. Both earn their place in the category.

Napoleon has been building fireplaces in Canada since 1976, with a focus on premium design and innovation. Empire has been manufacturing gas heating products in the United States since 1932, with a focus on dependable performance and broad venting options.

This Napoleon vs Empire Comfort Systems comparison covers pricing, product lines, build quality, heat output, installation, reviews, and warranty. By the end, you will know exactly which brand fits your space and budget. 

Quick Takeaways

• Founded decades apart: Napoleon launched in 1976 in Canada. Empire has been operating since 1932 in the United States.
• Catalog depth: Empire carries roughly 52 models on FPS across multiple venting types. Napoleon offers about 9 curated models spanning gas and electric.
• Napoleon's edge: The only brand here with a full electric fireplace lineup. Cast-iron gas stoves with PHAZERAMIC ceramic burner technology.
• Empire's edge: Broader venting flexibility across Empire Comfort Systems B-vent, direct vent, and vent-free fireplace. Higher BTU ceilings on large models. Entry-level gas options starting under $900.
• Price ranges: Napoleon $922 to $4,429. Empire $897 to $6,845.
• Warranty: Napoleon offers a President's Limited Lifetime Warranty on gas models. Empire provides lifetime parts on the combustion chamber with a 5-year labor warranty. 

Brand Background and Market Positioning

Napoleon

Napoleon (Wolf Steel Ltd.) was founded in 1976 in Ontario, Canada. The brand built its name on award-winning design and forward-thinking technology.

The target customer is a homeowner seeking a high-design fireplace, and equally a designer, builder, or contractor who needs a premium product for a residential install.

Napoleon fireplace comparison models appear most often in home renovation projects and new construction builds where aesthetics carry as much weight as heating performance.

Napoleon's PHAZERAMIC ceramic burner technology gives its gas stoves a realistic flame quality that remains a defining feature across the lineup. 

Empire Comfort Systems

Empire Comfort Systems has been manufacturing gas heating products in the United States since 1932. That track record spans nearly a century of vent-free, direct-vent, and B-vent gas fireplaces for residential and commercial use.

Empire positions itself as a mid-market brand focused on reliability, efficiency, and long-term performance. The target customer is a mainstream homeowner seeking dependable gas heat, or a builder who needs configuration options across a range of project types.

Empire's standout advantage is venting flexibility. No competing fireplace brand comparison in this category matches its range of vent-free, direct-vent, and B-vent configurations within a single product family.

Product Lines Overview

Napoleon Product Lines

Napoleon's lineup is curated and focused on two distinct categories: electric linear fireplaces and direct-vent cast-iron gas stoves.

Napoleon Fireplace Series Overview

Napoleon is the only brand here with a full electric fireplace line. For buyers who want plug-and-play installation with no gas line and no venting work, Napoleon's electric series is the definitive choice between these two brands. 

Empire Comfort Systems Product Lines

Empire's lineup is significantly broader. Approximately 52 models across seven major series cover every standard residential gas fireplace configuration.

Empire Fireplace Series Overview

Empire has no electric fireplace models. Every product in the lineup requires a gas supply and a venting solution.

That focus becomes a strength for buyers who need maximum configuration flexibility. Empire covers vent-free, direct-vent, and B-vent setups within a single brand family.

Product vs Product Head-to-Head

Brand reputations only tell part of the story. These two comparisons put specific models side by side so you can see exactly how Napoleon and Empire Comfort Systems stack up at the product level. 

Best for Mid-Size Rooms: Napoleon Arlington vs Empire Tahoe Luxury 36 

Both are direct-vent gas fireplaces in a comparable price range, aimed at buyers heating a medium-size living space.

Napoleon Arlington vs Empire Tahoe Luxury 36

The Tahoe Luxury 36 delivers nearly double the BTU output and a dramatically larger viewing area at only $420 more. For buyers prioritizing raw heating capacity and visual impact in a mid-size room, the Empire model is the stronger value at this price point.

The Arlington earns its place in compact spaces where cast-iron construction and a smaller footprint matter more than sheer firepower. Its 45-degree venting also gives installers flexibility in tight wall configurations where a standard horizontal run is not possible.

Best Premium Statement Piece: Napoleon Bayfield vs Empire Rushmore 40

This pair represents each brand's top-of-line offering. Both are direct-vent best gas fireplaces designed to anchor a room.

Napoleon Bayfield (GDS25) vs Empire Rushmore 40

The Rushmore 40 produces nearly double the BTU output with a wide panoramic viewing window, but it costs $2,400 more than the Bayfield. The Bayfield is the right choice for buyers who want a premium, traditional-looking gas stove without crossing into the $6,000-plus tier.

For a large-format fireplace designed to anchor a spacious great room, the Rushmore justifies the premium. The flame scale, viewing width, and heat output are in a different category.

Prices, Value and What You Get

Put these two brands side by side on price and the ranges overlap significantly in the middle. The gap opens at the entry and premium ends.

Napoleon vs Empire Comfort Systems: Pricing Tiers

Accessories are sold separately for both brands. Blowers, remotes, decorative surrounds, and log sets are add-ons for Napoleon and Empire Comfort Systems alike. Budget for those when calculating total cost.

Unit pricing excludes installation. A gas fireplace installation requires venting components, a gas line connection, and local permits. That cost applies equally to both brands.

Design, Craftsmanship and Material Quality

Napoleon's gas stoves use cast-iron construction paired with European ceramic glass. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well and gives these units a heavier, more traditional character.

The PHAZERAMIC ceramic burner technology gives Napoleon gas models a layered, realistic flame. Electric models use steel and aluminum frames with high-grade glass fronts.

Empire Comfort Systems builds all fireplace models in heavy-duty steel with copper, brass, and stainless steel burner components. No cast-iron products exist in the Empire lineup.

The construction is sturdy and consistent across the range. Empire's aesthetic prioritizes clean installation and reliable performance over decorative detailing.

Weight comparison: The Napoleon Arlington runs approximately 70 to 100 lbs. The Empire Tahoe Luxury 36 comes in at approximately 156 lbs, and the Rushmore 40 reaches around 310 lbs due to its larger steel firebox and dual-burner system.

Napoleon's electric lines (Entice, Alluravision) add a design dimension Empire cannot match. For a contemporary frameless look with plug-and-play installation and no gas connection, Napoleon fireplace models is the definitive choice.

Heat Output, Burner Performance and Efficiency

The heat output gap between these two brands is real, and it matters for buyers choosing based on room size.

Napoleon's gas fireplace models produce between 20,000 BTU on the Arlington and approximately 35,000 BTU on the Knightsbridge. 

The Grandville vent-free series reaches up to 30,000 BTU. These numbers are well-suited for small to mid-size rooms.

Empire reaches significantly higher on its larger models. The Rushmore 40 produces 47,500 BTU. 

The Boulevard 60-inch linear tops out near 54,000 BTU. 

For buyers heating a large open-plan space, Empire's BTU ceiling is meaningfully higher.

A few specifics worth knowing:

• Direct-vent models from both brands meet EPA guidelines for emissions and efficiency.
• Vent-free models from both brands are not EPA-certified by design. This applies equally to Napoleon's Grandville series and Empire's Boulevard, Vail, and Breckenridge lines.
• One consistent complaint on Napoleon's Arlington: without the optional blower installed, some buyers find the heat output underwhelming despite the 20,000 BTU rating. Budget for the blower kit if heating performance is a priority.

Ease of Setup, Installation and Everyday Use

All gas models from both brands require professional installation. That means a licensed technician for the gas line connection, venting work, and any required permits.

The exception is Napoleon's electric lineup. The Entice, Alluravision, and Allure series are plug-and-play. They need only an electrical outlet and a wall opening.

For buyers who want to avoid the full installation overhead of a gas appliance, Napoleon's electric series is the clear path forward. Empire has no equivalent.

A few practical differences worth knowing:

• Napoleon's Arlington uses 45-degree venting, giving installers flexibility in tight wall configurations where a straight horizontal run is not possible.
• Empire's three venting types (vent-free, direct vent, B-vent) give contractors and builders maximum configuration choices within a single brand family. This is particularly useful for multi-unit projects and homes with existing B-vent infrastructure.
• Napoleon offers Wi-Fi and smart control options on select models. A handful of buyers have reported glitches with Napoleon's app-connected controls.
• Empire's control systems are simpler: thermostat and basic remote. They tend to be more straightforward to operate day to day.

Warranty and Support

Napoleon provides a President's Limited Lifetime Warranty on its gas fireplace models. Key components, the firebox, heat exchanger, and main combustion parts, are covered for the life of the original purchaser.

Coverage on electronics and control systems is shorter and more detailed in the product manual. The warranty applies to the original purchaser only and is non-transferable.

Empire Comfort Systems offers a lifetime parts warranty on the combustion chamber and heat exchanger, combined with a 5-year parts-and-labor warranty on all other components.

Remotes, thermostats, and accessories carry a 1-year warranty. Like Napoleon, coverage applies to the original purchaser only and is non-transferable.

Both warranties provide lifetime protection on the components that matter most. The practical difference is in labor coverage: Empire's 5-year labor warranty is an explicit published term. Napoleon's labor coverage terms vary by model and are detailed in the product documentation.

Napoleon gives buyers a direct phone line to corporate technical support: 1-866-820-8686, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5 ET.

Empire routes all service and warranty questions through the dealer. For buyers who want direct manufacturer access when something goes wrong, Napoleon has the clearer path.

How to Decide: Napoleon vs Empire Comfort Systems

The Napoleon vs Empire fireplaces decision comes down to what you are optimizing for. Here is the clearest framework. 

Choose Napoleon if:

• You want cast-iron construction with a traditional gas stove aesthetic.
• You want a premium electric fireplace with no venting requirements.
• Design innovation and modern smart-home features matter alongside heat output.
• You prefer direct access to manufacturer support rather than going through a dealer. 

Choose Empire Comfort Systems if:

• You need a vent-free, direct-vent, and B-vent gas fireplace lineup within a single brand family.
• Higher BTU output is a priority. Empire's larger models reach heat levels Napoleon's current gas lineup does not.
• You are a builder seeking configuration flexibility across multiple project types.
• You want an entry-level gas fireplace priced under $1,000. 

Napoleon vs Empire Comfort Systems: Best Choice by Priority

Frequently Asked Questions About Napoleon vs Empire Comfort Systems

Which brand is better for a small room, Napoleon or Empire Comfort Systems?

The Napoleon Arlington at 20,000 BTU suits compact rooms with cast-iron quality. For a budget-focused small-room option, Empire's Breckenridge vent-free at under $900 provides reliable heat at a significantly lower price.

Do Napoleon and Empire Comfort Systems fireplaces require professional installation?

All gas models from both brands require professional installation by a licensed technician. Napoleon's electric series (Entice, Alluravision, Allure) is plug-and-play and needs no gas line, venting work, or permits.

Which brand has a better warranty, Napoleon or Empire Comfort Systems?

Both cover the combustion chamber with lifetime parts. Napoleon's President's Limited Lifetime Warranty covers original purchasers on key components for life. Empire adds an explicit 5-year labor warranty. The warranties are comparable at the core.

Can I use Napoleon or Empire Comfort Systems fireplaces without a chimney?

Yes. Both brands include direct-vent models that vent through an exterior wall and vent-free models that require no external venting. Napoleon's electric series requires no venting of any kind.

Which brand offers more fireplace styles and options?

Empire offers significantly more with roughly 52 FPS models spanning vent-free, direct-vent, B-vent, and outdoor configurations. Napoleon's curated lineup of about 9 models leads on electric fireplaces and premium gas design.

Are Napoleon and Empire Comfort Systems fireplaces available with financing?

Yes. Fire Pit Surplus offers interest-free installment financing via Bread Pay and PayPal Pay Later on both Napoleon and Empire Comfort Systems fireplaces. Financing is available at checkout.

Final Thoughts

Both brands are proven, reliable fireplace options carried by Fire Pit Surplus for good reason.

Napoleon brings premium cast-iron construction, innovative design, and a full electric fireplace lineup. It suits buyers who want a fireplace that performs well and looks distinctive.

Empire Comfort Systems brings nearly a century of American gas heating expertise, a deeper catalog, higher BTU potential on large models, and entry-level options that make the category more accessible.

Explore the Napoleon and Empire Comfort Systems collections on Fire Pit Surplus. Financing is available on both. Questions about which model fits your space? Call us at 888-671-4611.