Key Takeaways
- Empire offers heating solutions for almost every home: From direct vent and ventless gas fireplaces to wood stoves and inserts, Empire Comfort Systems provides American-made options for new builds, remodels, and existing masonry fireplaces.
- Different Empire series fit different venting and design needs: Boulevard delivers a modern linear look, Tahoe offers flexible traditional styling, Vail focuses on ultra-efficient ventless heating, and Rushmore is the flagship for high BTU output and TruFlame Technology.
- Start with vent type, then choose the Empire series that matches your goals: Decide whether your project calls for direct vent, ventless, wood-burning, or an insert upgrade, then use the Empire comparison charts to pick the best balance of efficiency, heat output, and style for your space.
Article Contents
When it comes to heating your house, nothing quite compares to a fireplace or stove from Empire. For nearly a century, this American manufacturer has been setting the standard for gas and wood heating solutions. If you’re in the market for a fireplace, stove, or insert to warm your home, move Empire to the top of your list.
The History of Empire Comfort Systems
Empire Comfort Systems began as a small sheet metal shop in Illinois in 1911. In 1932, they formed the Empire Stove Company to produce products that would take advantage of the growing availability of natural gas. So far, they have expanded to several different brands, including Empire Heating Solutions, Empire Stove, and White Mountain.
They even created the first vent-free heater with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor, a safety feature that is now standard across the industry. Today, they produce a wide range of products, including gas and wood fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. Choosing Empire means choosing a product backed by 100 years of proven expertise.
Why Choose Empire Stoves and Fireplaces
To start, you are getting a product made in the USA and backed by a strong warranty. Empire products are designed to last. Also, their TruFlame Technology creates flame patterns so realistic you'd swear you were looking at real fire. Many of their vent-free fireplaces achieve up to 99.9% heating efficiency.
They have a large assortment of products with features like electronic intermittent pilot ignition systems, multi-function thermostatic remote controls, and variable LED lighting make your fireplace easier to use and more enjoyable. You should choose an Empire stove or fireplace if you’re looking to save money on your energy bills while getting a top-notch, stylist heating source for your home.
Types of Heating Solutions Offered by Empire
Empire's product lineup is designed to meet a range of heating needs, installation requirements, and style preferences.
Empire Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces
Empire’s direct-vent gas fireplaces pull in air from outside and send the used air back outside, so they do not use any of your home's warm air. This makes them very efficient and keeps your indoor air clean. You can install these fireplaces through an outside wall almost anywhere in your house, making them a good choice for new homes or remodeling. Empire has many direct-vent and vent free models, from classic to modern styles, and you can choose between natural gas or propane.
Empire Gas Ventless (Vent-Free) Fireplaces
Empire’s ventless gas fireplaces are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to add a fireplace to your home. They do not need any vents, so you can put them almost anywhere. Being ventless means, they can achieve close to 99.9% efficiency. Each one has a built-in sensor that checks the air for safety. Be sure to check your local rules before buying, since some places do not allow ventless fireplaces.
Empire Gas Stoves
Want a fireplace but do not feel like dealing with the installation process? A gas stove by Empire could be what you’re looking for. Empire makes gas stoves in both direct-vent and ventless configurations. Empire gas stoves are a great solution for when you need a little extra heat in a room.
Empire Gas Inserts
Empire gas inserts provide an affordable, easy-to-use option for upgrading older masonry fireplaces to produce reliable, efficient, low-maintenance heat. Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, Empire gas inserts provide you with precise temperature control and allow you to burn clean-burning gas. They are available in multiple sizes and can be either direct-vent or ventless.
Empire Wood Fireplaces
These are built-in fireplaces that get installed directly into wood-framed cavities in your walls. You get large ceramic glass windows that let you watch the fire dance, paired with combustion systems engineered for serious heat output. Empire's wood fireplaces come from the same manufacturer that makes Osburn products, a name that wood-burning enthusiasts respect for quality and performance.
Empire Wood Stoves
For homeowners who want real wood heat, Empire wood stoves deliver durability and ease of use. Built with 5/16-inch-thick steel exteriors and refractory firebrick linings, these stoves are made to last and provide warmth and comfort. They’re easy to control and clean and can be places almost anywhere.
EPA-certified stoves can heat large areas or serve as a primary heat source in smaller homes. Whether you're cutting your own firewood or just want a dependable backup fuel source, Empire stoves are a solid choice and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Empire Wood Inserts
Have an old fireplace that looks nice but does not heat well? Empire wood inserts can be put into your old fireplace to give steady heat while keeping its original charm. These inserts fit right into your current fireplace and have a fan that blows warm air into the room instead of letting it escape up the chimney. Empire offers different styles and finishes to match your fireplace, and most meet EPA standards.
Popular Empire Fireplace and Stove Models and Series
Empire Boulevard Direct Vent & Ventless (Vent-Free) Fireplaces
The Empire Boulevard line is all about offering stylish fireplace designs. The clean, modern designs of these fireplaces will add a unique style to your home. The Boulevard offers two types of installations, direct vent and ventless, also called vent-free, and has many of the same characteristics as other Empire products.
- They have ceramic glass fronts that provide a completely unobstructed view of the flames.
- Electronic intermittent pilot ignition systems ensure reliable startups every time.
- Variable multicolor LED lighting options let you customize the color and style of the flames.
- Barrier screens made of fine mesh provide a safe barrier while allowing for a clear view of the flames.
- Boulevard Fireplaces are installed into wood framed spaces and are partially recessed.
Empire Tahoe Fireplaces
The Tahoe line blends classic aesthetic with modern functionality. There are five types of Tahoe fireplaces (Deluxe, Premiere, Luxury, Contemporary, Multi-sided). Here are some common characteristics of them:
- The Slope Glaze Vista Burner creates rich, realistic flame patterns that dance beautifully across the logs.
- Handcrafted ceramic fiber logs resemble real logs.
- Large tempered glass viewing windows give you an unobstructed view of the flames and logs.
- You can customize the interior with different liner styles, including aged brick, stacked limestone, or sleek black porcelain.
- You can choose between a millivolt ignition or an intermittent pilot system.
- Some models achieve up to 83% efficiency, which means more heat stays in your home.
Empire Vail Ventless Fireplaces
The Empire Vail ventless series combines up to 99.9% efficiency with realistic flames through its contour burner system, using ceramic-glazed pellets. Features of these fireplaces include:
- Integrated oxygen-depletion sensors continuously monitor air quality and automatically shut down the unit if needed for safety.
- These fireplaces are certified for zero-clearance installation, which means you can place them almost anywhere in your home.
- You can choose ceramic fiber log sets or refractory logs, depending on your preferred look.
- Multiple interior liner styles are available to match your décor and personal taste.
- Control options range from simple millivolt systems to remote-ready electronic ignition for modern convenience.
- Decorative doors, frames, and mantel options are available in solid oak or poplar to create a custom finished look.
Empire Rushmore Fireplaces
The Rushmore series showcases Empire's flagship performance with TruFlame Technology—a ceramic catalyst system creating realistic flames while maximizing efficiency. Standout features include:
- Dual independent burners give you separate control of the front and rear flames with a 70% turn-down range for incredible versatility.
- The clean-face design features a large ceramic glass front that eliminates grills for an unobstructed view of the fire.
- The multi-function remote lets you control six different flame height settings from the comfort of your couch.
- Six-step accent lighting dimming allows you to adjust the mood lighting to your preference.
- An optional six-speed blower is available to circulate heat more effectively throughout your space.
- BTU outputs can reach up to 65,000 in larger models, delivering serious heating power.
Empire Gas Direct Vent and Ventless (Vent-Free) Stoves
Empire gas stoves combine a freestanding style with gas convenience, available in both direct-vent and ventless models. Features include cast iron construction, multiple style options, remote controls, and thermostatic operation for easy supplemental heating.
Empire Wood Stoves
Empire wood stoves, made by the same company as Osburn, meet EPA emissions standards and deliver strong heat output with long burn times. Large fireboxes, air-wash systems for clear glass, and durable construction make them suitable for primary or supplemental heating.
| Empire Fireplace Series Quick Decision Guide | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Boulevard Fireplaces | Tahoe Fireplaces | Vail Fireplaces | Rushmore Fireplaces | Stoves (Gas & Wood) | Inserts (Gas & Wood) |
| Venting Type | Direct Vent or Ventless | Direct Vent | Ventless | Direct Vent | Direct Vent or Ventless | Uses existing chimney (direct vent or ventless) |
| Design Type | Contemporary, linear | Traditional to contemporary | Mostly traditional | Traditional to contemporary | Traditional | Traditional |
| Efficiency | Up to 99% | Up to 85% | Up to 99% | Up to 85% | Varies based on fuel type | Varies based on fuel type |
| Max BTU Output | Up to 52,500 BTU | Up to 40,000 BTU | Up to 40,000 BTU | Up to 56,500 BTU | Varies based on fuel type (up to 110,000 BTU) | Varies based on fuel type (up to 100,000 BTU) |
| Key Technology | LED lighting, linear design | Slope Glaze Vista Burner | Contour Burner System | TruFlame Technology, dual burners | Gas: cast iron / Wood: steel & firebrick | Secondary combustion, blowers |
| Price Point | Mid to high | Mid | Mid | High | Low to high | Low to high |
| Best For | Modern homes, architectural statements | Versatile applications, multiple budgets | Maximum efficiency, flexible install | Premium performance, maximum heat | Freestanding flexibility | Transforms old fireplaces efficiently |
Which Empire Heating Solution is Right for Your Home
What Type of Heating Solution Do You Need
Start with your installation needs. Upgrading an existing fireplace? Go with a gas or wood insert. Adding a fireplace to a new location? Built-ins or freestanding stoves work best.
Next, consider venting. Can you vent through an exterior wall? Direct vent gas fireplaces are super-efficient. If venting's tricky, ventless (vent-free) might be your answer (check local codes first).
Define your heating goals:
- Primary heating: Go big - larger fireplaces, substantial stoves, or wood-burning units with high BTU outputs
- Supplemental warmth: Choose smaller BTU output, prioritize looks and features
- Mainly ambiance: Heat's just a bonus here
Finally, pick your fuel. Gas is convenient and push-button easy. Wood gives you authentic crackling fires and backup heat when the power's out, but needs regular maintenance and fuel supply. If you have easy access to firewood and enjoy tending a fire, wood's a great choice. Want simplicity and reliability? Stick with gas.
Which Empire Product Should I Choose
Now let's compare the major fireplace series head-to-head to help you decide.
Boulevard vs. Tahoe
The big difference is shape. Boulevard fireplaces are wide and horizontal, running along your wall like a piece of modern art. They're designed for contemporary homes and are available in both direct-vent and ventless models. Tahoe fireplaces look like traditional fireplaces. Tahoe offers way more variety, too, with five different styles (Deluxe, Premium, Luxury, Contemporary, Multi-Sided) so you can pick the exact look and features you want. Both are highly energy efficient.
Vail vs. Rushmore
Vail doesn't need venting as they are vent-free. You can literally put it anywhere in your house, and it hits 99.9% efficiency. Rushmore needs venting through an exterior wall, but what you get for that extra work is Empire's top technology. The TruFlame system and dual burners let you control the fire in ways Vail can't match. Rushmore also pumps out way more heat (up to 65,000 BTUs). Pick Vail if you can't vent or want maximum efficiency with easy install. Pick Rushmore if you can handle venting and want the best flames and most heat Empire makes.
Tahoe vs. Rushmore
Both need venting. The difference lies in performance and price. Tahoe delivers solid 83% efficiency and good heat at a reasonable price. Rushmore costs more but gives you that TruFlame system and dual burners that Tahoe doesn't have. If budget matters or you just want a good direct vent fireplace, Tahoe's plenty. If you want Empire's flagship with maximum BTUs and the coolest flame control, choose on Rushmore.
Boulevard vs. Vail
Both offer ventless options, but they have completely different looks. Boulevard offers more of a sleek linear design for modern homes. Vail looks more like a traditional fireplace. If you're going ventless and your home is contemporary, Boulevard makes sense. If you want ventless but prefer a more classic fireplace look, Vail's your pick. Boulevard also offers direct-vent versions if you want that modern look with venting.
| Empire Fireplace Series Quick Decision Guide | |
|---|---|
| If You Want... | Choose This Series |
| Modern linear look | Boulevard |
| Most configuration options | Tahoe |
| No venting required | Vail or Boulevard |
| Highest efficiency | Vail |
| Most heat output | Rushmore |
| Best flame control | Rushmore |
| Traditional look with modern tech | Tahoe |
| Best value direct vent | Tahoe |
| Premium flagship model | Rushmore |
| Easiest installation | Vail |
Shop Empire Stoves, Inserts, and Fireplaces on HVACDirect.com
HVACDirect.com offers a wide range of Empire fireplaces and stoves at wholesale pricing. You can find all of the brands mentioned above for sale. By buying from HVACDirect.com, you benefit from competitive prices, a comprehensive selection with detailed specifications, and expert support from selection through installation, all backed by online warranty protection.
Empire Comfort Systems brings nearly a century of American manufacturing, industry-changing innovation, and lasting quality. Transform your space with authentic warmth and experience the difference of American craftsmanship. Shop Empire stoves and fireplaces at HVACDirect.com.
