Superior Fireplaces: Brand Buying Guide

Choosing the right fireplace brand matters, whether you’re building, remodeling, or simply adding warmth to your home. Superior Fireplaces has built its reputation through years of innovation and a strong focus on customer satisfaction. In this guide, we’ll cover Superior’s history, what makes their fireplaces stand out, and the options you can choose from.

The History of Superior Fireplaces

Superior Fireplaces has nearly a century of experience in the fireplace industry. The brand's roots date back to the 1930s, when it established itself as a quality manufacturer of U.S.-made fireplaces throughout the mid to late 20th century. After thriving as an independent company during the 1980s and 1990s, Superior was acquired by Lennox Industries in the late 1990s as part of Lennox Hearth Products.

In 2012, Lennox Hearth Products and Fireplace Manufacturers Inc. merged to create Innovative Hearth Products (IHP), giving Superior a fresh start. As a result, Superior moved its manufacturing to Russellville, Alabama, where they now make a variety of builder and premium models in many sizes and price ranges.

Why Choose Superior Fireplaces

There are four main reasons why you should consider choosing a Superior fireplace:

• First, Superior’s product range is one of the most extensive in the industry. Whether you need a compact linear gas fireplace for a modern apartment or a traditional wood burning unit for a mountain cabin, Superior has engineered a solution for your space.
• Second, Superior fireplaces are made in the USA. By choosing them, you support American manufacturing and get products built to high-quality standards. You’ll also have access to a U.S.-based tech support team if you need help.
• Third, Superior offers both builder grade and premium models, giving you flexibility based on your budget and feature preferences. Builder models provide excellent value without sacrificing core functionality, while premium models include advanced features like multi-function remotes, variable speed blowers, and customizable lighting systems. This tiered approach means you can find a Superior fireplace that fits your needs without paying for features you won't use or compromising on the ones you will.
• Finally, Superior provides a 20-year warranty on their fireplaces, fireboxes, and ceramic glass. This shows their confidence in quality and gives you peace of mind that your fireplace will last for many years.

Types of Fireplaces Offered by Superior

Superiors offers a variety of heating solutions, but its three main types are wood-burning fireplaces, direct-vent gas fireplaces, and ventless gas fireplaces.

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Superior wood-burning fireplaces offer both radiant open-hearth models and heat-circulating designs for better room heating in colder climates. Sizes range from 36 to 42 inches with insulated fireboxes suitable for exterior wall installation. The interior features full refractory brick liners in stacked or herringbone patterns, mesh fire screens, and heavy-duty log grates. Optional upgrades include glass doors, variable-speed blowers, and outside-air kits. These fireplaces require chimney systems for proper installation. Popular models include the WRT/WCT2000 and WRT4500.

Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces

Superior direct-vent gas fireplaces use a sealed venting system that pulls fresh air from outside for combustion and safely exhausts it outdoors through a coaxial pipe. This maintains indoor air quality, improves efficiency, and allows flexible installation on interior or exterior walls. Sizes range from 33 to 55 inches with flexible top or rear venting. Choose traditional log styles or modern linear designs with crushed glass, delivering up to 42,000 BTUs. Features include electronic ignition, optional remotes, blowers, and customizable interior liners. Popular models include the DRT3000 and DRT3500 series, as well as the DRL3500 and DRL4000 linear series.

Ventless Gas Fireplaces

Superior ventless gas fireplaces require no chimney or outside venting. They use room air for combustion and release heat directly into the space, achieving up to 99.9% efficiency. This makes them ideal for remodels or rooms where adding venting isn't practical. Available in traditional log styles and modern linear designs, sizes range from 32 to 45 inches with heating output around 21,000 to 23,000 BTUs. Features include electronic ignition, realistic log or glass media, remote controls, and optional blowers. The VRL Linear Ventless series is particularly popular. For safety, ventless units include an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS). Always check local building codes for restrictions and avoid installation in small or tightly sealed rooms.

Popular Superior Fireplace Models

All Superior fireplaces share certain quality features that set the brand apart. Every gas model includes electronic ignition with battery backup, ensuring your fireplace operates even during power outages. They finish each unit with a durable powder coat that resists wear and maintains its appearance for years. Superior backs all their fireplaces with a 20-year limited warranty on the fireplace body, firebox, and ceramic glass.

Superior DRL Linear Direct Vent

The DRL series features a clean face design with an expansive viewing area. The linear format offers a contemporary look, creating a striking focal point in living rooms, master bedrooms, and even commercial spaces.

• Available in 35-inch, 45-inch, and 55-inch linear sizes
• HeatFlo kit option on 45-inch and 55-inch models reduces wall temperature above the fireplace
• Floor lighting with six settings for customizable ambiance
• Optional porcelain liner for enhanced appearance
• Platinum crushed glass media standard with optional colors available
• Factory-installed blower with six speeds for precise heat distribution
• Multi-function remote controls thermostat, flame, blower, and lighting
• Sealed direct vent system for optimal indoor air quality

Superior WRT and WCT Wood Fireplaces - Open Burning

The WRT and WCT wood fireplaces bring the classic appeal of a traditional masonry fireplace. Both series feature a "big box" design that creates generous viewing areas and accommodates real wood logs. The WRT series focuses on radiant heat with a smooth face design, while the WCT series adds circulating technology through rolled louver designs that actively move warm air into your space. Both series offer unique "dual fuel" capability, meaning you can retrofit the firebox with gas logs later if wood burning no longer fits your lifestyle.

WRT and WCT Features:

• Fully insulated firebox for increased performance in colder climates
• White stacked refractory panels create a classic look
• Heavy-duty log grate for larger wood loads
• Mesh fire screens included for spark protection
• Optional glass doors available in black trim for improved safety
• Adjustable outside air damper controls combustion airflow
• Uses IHP 8DM or 8HT chimney system

Superior DRT Traditional Gas Fireplaces

When you want gas convenience but prefer traditional styling, the DRT series delivers. These units feature classic arched or rectangular designs that complement traditional architecture and interior design schemes. The realistic ceramic fiber log sets create convincing flames that capture much of the wood's visual appeal without the maintenance demands. Superior offers DRT models in 40-inch and 45-inch sizes, both providing substantial heat output in the 17,000 to 22,000 BTU range for excellent zone heating performance.

• Hidden gas controls for a clean finished appearance
• Exclusive tall flame burner design creates a dramatic effect
• Flush hearth floor design sits level with your floor
• Six flame settings for precise heat and ambiance control
• Ceramic glass maximizes heat transfer with a protective screen included
• Premium split oak ceramic fiber log set with heavy-duty grate
• Interior liner options: three-piece black reflective porcelain or ceramic fiber
• Full-function remote for flame adjustment
• Dedicated power vent models available in natural gas only
• Optional blower kits enhance heat distribution

Superior VRL Linear Ventless

The VRL series shares the sleek, modern aesthetic of the DRL line but eliminates the need for venting. These units install with remarkable ease, whether you choose a wall-mounted or recessed configuration. The expansive, clean-face viewing area showcases your fire beautifully in contemporary settings, achieving an impressive 99.9% efficiency rating because no heat escapes through venting.

• Ventless design requires no chimney or venting installation
• Clean face design with expansive viewing area
• Multi-color LED lighting for customizable ambiance beyond the flames
• Remote control adjusts both flame height and lighting effects
• Optional decorative glass media and driftwood log sets available
• Wall-mounted or recessed installation options
• CSA certified for safety and performance
• Integrated Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) provides automatic shutoff

Which Superior Fireplace is Right for Your Space

What Type of Heating Solution Do I Need

Start by honestly assessing your heating objectives. Are you looking for primary heat in a specific room or whole-home heating supplementation? Your answer significantly narrows your options.

• Wood-burning fireplaces deliver the highest BTU outputs and work well during power outages. The tradeoff involves regular maintenance, fuel storage needs, and the physical effort of handling firewood. You'll also need a chimney for installation.
• Gas direct vent fireplaces provide heat while maintaining indoor air quality. Blower-based models distribute warmth effectively throughout open floor plans. Direct vent units work well as primary heat sources for rooms up to about 1,500 square feet, depending on climate and insulation quality.
• Ventless gas fireplaces offer the highest efficiency ratings at 99.9% and require no chimney or venting. They heat spaces impressively well, given their compact size. However, local code restrictions may limit where you can use them, and they work best as supplemental heat sources in already heated homes with adequate ventilation.

Which Superior Fireplace Model Should I Choose

Choosing between Superior's DRL, WRT/WCT, DRT, and VRL series depends on balancing aesthetics, performance needs, and other considerations unique to your home.

• Select the DRL Linear Direct Vent series when you want a unit that excels in contemporary homes with clean architectural lines. The expansive viewing area and customizable lighting make the DRL series perfect for great rooms, master suites, or anywhere you want a dramatic modern focal point. The HeatFlo option on larger models makes them especially suitable for media walls where you're mounting expensive electronics above the fireplace.
• Choose WRT or WCT wood burning models when you want a real fire look and feel. The WRT radiant models suit homes where the fireplace serves as a cozy gathering place. WCT circulating models work better when you need to actively distribute heat through a larger space.
• The DRT Traditional Gas series bridges convenience and classical styling. These units suit homes with traditional architecture. Their realistic log sets and classic proportions complement formal living rooms, dens, and traditionally decorated family rooms. The excellent heating performance makes them practical choices for zone heating.
• Pick the VRL Linear Ventless series when installation simplicity outweighs all other factors. These units install quickly in spaces where adding venting would be prohibitively expensive or architecturally challenging. The modern aesthetic works well in lofts, condos, or contemporary homes.

Shop Superior Fireplaces at HVACDirect.com

Whether you prioritize the authentic experience of wood burning, the convenience and efficiency of direct vent gas, or the installation simplicity of ventless technology, Superior engineers a fireplace for your specific need. HVACDirect.com provides expert guidance, competitive pricing, and fast shipping on all Superior fireplaces. Your perfect fireplace awaits.