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Empire Comfort Systems

Built on nearly a century of American manufacturing, Empire Comfort Systems (White Mountain Hearth) delivers dependable gas heating solutions designed for real homes and real use. Every Empire Comfort Systems fireplace is engineered in the USA with a focus on safety, efficiency, and long-term performance. 

From sleek linear designs to traditional built-ins, the collection includes vent-free, direct vent, and B-vent models to suit a wide range of installations. Whether you need supplemental zone heating or a full-room focal point, Empire’s gas innovation makes it easy to choose the right fireplace for your layout. It’s a proven lineup built for comfort, reliability, and everyday living.

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Why Homeowners Trust Empire Comfort Systems Fireplaces

American Made Since 1932: Empire Comfort Systems (White Mountain Hearth) has been family-owned for over 90 years, proudly manufacturing gas fireplaces and heaters in Belleville, IL. Their long-standing commitment to quality is reflected in every unit.

Versatile Venting Options: Whether you're outfitting a condo or a large home, Empire offers vent-free, direct vent, and B-vent models to fit your layout and fuel hookup. These options give homeowners flexibility without sacrificing performance.

Pro-Level Controls: Many Empire fireplaces support wall thermostats, remote operation, and smart-home integration, letting you control heat and flame with convenience. That's ideal for both residential comfort and modern automation.

Trusted by Homeowners: According to recent reports, the North American hearth market is growing at ~7% annually, and Empire Comfort Systems reviews consistently highlight strong heat output, durability, and lifelike flames that elevate any living space.

Top Fireplaces by Empire Comfort Systems For Sale

Looking for the right fireplace to match your layout, style, and heat needs? Here are three top Empire Comfort Systems models built to perform in a range of residential and commercial spaces, from cozy dens to open-plan luxury rooms.

Best Empire Fireplace for High-Impact Living Rooms

Empire Rushmore 50 Clean Face Direct Vent Gas Fireplace

Empire Rushmore 50 Clean Face Direct Vent Gas Fireplace – DVCT50CBP

The Rushmore 50 delivers a bold statement with its wide viewing area and powerful BTU output. Designed for clean-faced installation, it blends seamlessly into upscale interiors while offering efficient, zoned heating.

  • Bold flame presence with high BTU output
  • Clean face design ideal for luxury interiors
  • Remote-ready and smart ignition options

Best Empire Vent-Free Fireplace for Small to Mid Rooms

Empire Vail Premium 36 Vent-Free Fireplace

Empire Vail Premium 36 Vent-Free Fireplace – VFPA36

This empire ventless fireplace is ideal for zone heating in smaller living spaces or bedrooms. With its glowing ceramic logs and lifelike ember bed, the Vail 36 adds warmth and ambiance, no chimney required.

  • Efficient zone heating with no flue needed
  • Ceramic logs with glowing embers for realism
  • Thermostat, remote, or wall control options

Best Empire Linear Fireplace for Modern Spaces

Empire Boulevard 60 Linear Vent-Free Gas Fireplace

Empire Boulevard 60 Linear Vent-Free Gas Fireplace – VFLB60FP

With a sleek, minimalist profile, the Boulevard 60 is a favorite for contemporary homes and upscale lounges. It offers wide-format fire visuals, interchangeable media options, and advanced remote functionality.

  • Long, sleek fire for commercial or residential installs
  • Optional decorative glass and interior panels
  • Multi-remote control compatibility

How to Choose the Right Empire Fireplace for Your Space

Choosing the right Empire Comfort Systems fireplace comes down to how and where you'll use it. Here's how to narrow your options based on venting, design, controls, and space requirements.

1. Choose Your Fireplace Type

  • Direct Vent Fireplace – Ideal for sealed combustion and energy efficiency in tight homes
  • Vent-Free Fireplace – Quick install with no chimney or flue required
  • B-Vent Fireplace – Traditional option using natural atmospheric draft

2. Pick the Look

  • Linear Fireplaces – The Boulevard series offers a clean, modern profile
  • Traditional Units – Tahoe and Vail series provide a classic hearth style
  • See-Through Models – Select Rushmore or Boulevard for dual-room viewing

3. Select the Controls

  • Wall Thermostat Ready – Maintain consistent room temperature
  • Remote Compatible – Supports handheld or smart remote systems
  • Millivolt or IPI Ignition – Choose manual or programmable start-up

4. Match Your Space

  • Models range from compact 24" to expansive 72" widths
  • Choose wall-mounted or built-in configurations
  • Options available for residential, condo, or commercial use

Ideal Spaces to Install Your Empire Fireplace

Empire Comfort Systems Gas Heaters are built to fit a wide range of installs, from compact condos to custom homes. Here are three go-to models for specific project types:

For Urban Living Rooms:

The Vail Premium 32 vent-free fireplace delivers comfort without construction. It's ideal for apartments or remodels where running a vent isn't practical, but you still want strong, zoned heat.

For Large, Open Concept Homes:

The Rushmore 50 is made for big spaces that need bold performance. Its clean-face design and powerful output make it a natural centerpiece in high-ceiling great rooms or open-plan living areas.

For Contemporary Remodels:

The Boulevard 60 Linear makes a striking impression in modern homes, offices, or commercial settings. Its long flame, customizable media, and frameless look bring upscale ambiance to any wall.

Empire Comfort Systems Reviews from Real Owners

Empire Comfort Systems fireplaces are known for delivering dependable heat, smart controls, and lifelike ambiance, and real buyers are noticing. Whether it's a Rushmore direct vent or a Vail vent-free Fireplace model, owners appreciate the blend of form and function.

"Customers say Empire delivers consistent heat and a truly natural flame appearance."

"The ceramic log sets are so realistic, we constantly get compliments."

"Remote setup was easy, and the flame control lets us dial in the perfect look every time."

Empire gas fireplace reviews consistently highlight both the craftsmanship and usability of these units, making them a popular choice across home and commercial installs.

Empire Fireplace FAQs: Venting, Controls, Delivery & More

What's the difference between vent-free and direct vent Empire fireplaces?

Vent-free models don't require a chimney or flue, making them easy to install and highly efficient. Direct vent units use sealed combustion to pull outside air and expel exhaust, offering cleaner indoor air and better performance in insulated homes.

Do Empire fireplaces work with remotes or wall thermostats?

Yes. Most Empire fireplaces are compatible with multi-function remotes, wall thermostats, or both. Models like the Boulevard and Rushmore also support smart ignition options, letting you adjust flame settings, fan speed, and temperature with ease.

How long does delivery take?

Empire fireplaces typically ship within 1–2 weeks, depending on model availability. Custom finishes, special configurations, or high-volume orders may take longer. All units ship via insured freight and include tracking and delivery coordination.

Which Empire fireplace is best for a modern renovation?

The Boulevard linear series is a favorite for modern spaces. It features clean face designs, sleek rectangular builds, and optional decorative glass or liners. With vent-free and direct vent options, it's versatile for upscale remodels or new construction.

Are Empire fireplaces safe for everyday use in homes?

Yes. Empire Comfort Systems fireplaces are safety-certified for residential use. Direct vent and vent-free models include oxygen depletion sensors, sealed combustion (if applicable), and reliable ignition systems tested to meet industry standards.

Why Buy Empire Fireplaces from Fire Pit Surplus

When you invest in an Empire Comfort Systems fireplace, you want more than just a great product, you want expert guidance, real support, and a smooth experience from start to finish. That's exactly what we deliver.

  • Price Match Guarantee – Get the best deal on any Empire fireplace, guaranteed
  • Fast, Free Shipping – Every order ships via insured freight at no added cost
  • Expert Help – Speak directly with fireplace pros who know installation and ignition systems
  • Authorized Dealer – Full access to manufacturer warranties and support
  • Financing Available – Pay over time with convenient monthly plans

Discover Why Empire Comfort Systems Belongs in Your Home

Whether you're outfitting a mountain cabin, city condo, or luxury lounge, Empire Comfort Systems (White Mountain Hearth) offers dependable heat with timeless design.

With vent-free and direct vent models, smart control options, and American-made craftsmanship, every Empire gas fireplace is built to perform beautifully, season after season.

Empire Cast Iron Stove

Empire Comfort Systems manufactures a number of cast iron stoves, including Vent-free Spirit Stoves and Direct-vent Spirit Stoves. The Vent-free Spirit Stoves use precision-port technology, which allows them to produce their entrancing flames.

Their ceramic fiber log set is hand-painted and looks just like the real thing when combined with their glowing embers. Installation is quick and easy thanks to the vent-free design. A 10,000 BTU model is available for customers who want a cast iron stove directly in their bedroom. Perfect for those chilly winter evenings.

Their Direct-vent Spirit Stoves use their trademark Slope Glaze Burner System and have a larger ember bed than you’ll find on their other stoves, but they include the same hand-painted ceramic fiber log set. They come in 20,000 BTU and 30,000 BTU options.

Empire Heaters

Empire Comfort Systems and their subsidiary company Empire Heating Systems has a number of wall furnaces and console heaters that are incredibly efficient, especially compared to their competitors. They have both vent-free, direct-vent, and vented models, depending on your needs.

They’re excellent replacements for inefficient oil or wood stoves and can be installed on the wall or on the floor, depending on your preference. Depending on the size of your home, they can be used as your primary heat source.

Their vent-free room heaters come in both infrared and blue flame models, both of which are 99.9% efficient. All of these models come with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that cause the heaters to turn off automatically if the oxygen levels in your home drop too low.

Empire Fireplaces

Empire Comfort Systems has three brands of fireplaces — American Hearth, White Mountain Hearth, and Plaza, the luxury brand. These high-quality fireplaces vary in terms of design, but they’re all extremely high quality. There is a massive variety of models to choose from, and most models are available in either a gas or a propane option.

Whether you’re looking for a fireplace with a traditional look, a linear fireplace that’s more modern looking, or even a see-through fireplace that can be viewed from either side, Empire Comfort Systems has a model that will fit your needs.

Who makes White Mountain Hearth?

Empire Comfort Systems makes all White Mountain Hearth products, including electric fireplaces, stoves, outdoor fireplaces and fireboxes, log sets, and more.

Where are Empire fireplaces made?

Empire Comfort Systems fireplaces are made in the United States at the company’s two manufacturing facilities located in Belleville, Illinois, which is near St. Louis, Missouri.

Who owns Empire Comfort Systems?

Empire Comfort Systems is owned by the Bauer family starting in 1932. It is currently owned and operated by Nick Bauer and Jane Bauer, the fourth generation of the family to own Empire Comfort Systems.

Where are Empire wall furnaces made?

Empire Comfort Systems wall furnaces are made at their two manufacturing facilities in Belleville, Illinois, USA.

Where are Empire Gas fireplaces made?

Empire Comfort Systems gas fireplaces are made in Belleville, Illinois in the United States.