American Hearth VFSE Series
American Hearth Slope Glaze 18"/24"/30" Vent-Free Gas Burner with Thermostat Variable Remote – VFSE Series
The American Hearth Slope Glaze VFSE Vent-Free Gas Burner is an intermittent-pilot gas burner system designed for supplemental room heating and realistic gas-log fireplace applications. Available in 18-inch, 24-inch, and 30-inch sizes for either natural gas or propane, the VFSE Series provides adjustable flame output, thermostat-based remote operation, and maximum inputs ranging from 32,000 to 38,000 BTU, depending on model.
The burner can be installed in an approved vent-free application or configured as a vented decorative appliance when installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is designed for use in qualifying solid-fuel-burning masonry fireplaces, UL 127 factory-built fireplaces, or listed ventless firebox enclosures.
Important: Burner Only – Matching Log Set Required
This listing is for the Slope Glaze burner only. A matching-size American Hearth LS log set is required. Select an 18-inch LS log set for an 18-inch burner, a 24-inch LS log set for a 24-inch burner, or a 30-inch LS log set for a 30-inch burner.
18 / 24 / 30 in.Available burner sizes
32,000–38,000 BTUMaximum input by model
NG or LPFactory fuel configurations
Intermittent PilotIgnition system
American Hearth VFSE Slope Glaze Burner at a Glance
| Product Type |
Vent-Free / Vented Decorative Gas Burner |
| Series |
VFSE |
| Available Sizes |
18", 24", 30" |
| Fuel Options |
Natural Gas or Propane |
| Ignition |
Intermittent Pilot |
| Control |
Thermostat Variable Remote Control |
| Maximum Input |
32,000–38,000 BTU, depending on model |
| Minimum Input |
26,000–30,000 BTU, depending on model |
| Application |
Supplemental heating or vented decorative gas-log installation |
| Logs |
Not included; matching-size LS log set required |
Who Is the American Hearth VFSE Burner Best For?
Best For
- Homeowners seeking supplemental gas fireplace heat.
- Qualifying existing solid-fuel-burning masonry fireplaces.
- Qualifying UL 127 factory-built fireplaces.
- Listed ventless firebox enclosures.
- Buyers who want thermostat-controlled flame and heat adjustment.
- Installations requiring natural gas or propane model options.
- Customers pairing the burner with a matching American Hearth LS log set.
Do Not Choose This Burner If
- You need a complete burner-and-log package; the required LS log set is separate.
- Your fireplace or firebox is not approved for the intended installation.
- You intend to burn wood or another solid fuel while this appliance is installed.
- You need to convert a natural-gas model to propane or a propane model to natural gas. The appliance is only for the gas type shown on its rating plate.
- Your installation cannot provide the required combustion and ventilation air.
Key Features and Benefits
Intermittent Pilot Ignition
The VFSE Series uses an intermittent-pilot ignition and control system. The electronic system initiates pilot ignition during the start sequence and provides remote control over appliance operation.
Thermostat Variable Remote Included
The supplied remote system provides manual flame-height adjustment and thermostat-based temperature control for vent-free applications.
Adjustable Flame Height
Flame height can be increased or decreased from the handset, including designated high-fire and low-fire settings for convenient control over flame appearance and heat output.
Temperature and Timer Modes
The VFSE remote system supports daytime temperature mode, nighttime setback temperature mode, and programmable timer operation in addition to manual operation.
Natural Gas or Propane Models
Separate factory-configured natural gas and propane versions are offered in each 18-inch, 24-inch, and 30-inch size.
Vent-Free or Vented Installation Options
The burner can operate as an unvented room heater where permitted or as a vented decorative appliance when installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Realistic Gas-Log Presentation
When paired with the required matching LS log set and properly placed glowing ember material, the burner is designed to produce random yellow flame patterns and a glowing ember effect associated with a traditional wood-fire appearance.
Multiple Heating Outputs
Choose from models ranging from 26,000–32,000 BTU for the 18-inch burner up to 30,000–38,000 BTU for the 30-inch burner.
VFSE Model Comparison
| Model |
Size |
Fuel |
Minimum Input |
Maximum Input |
| VFSE18N |
18" |
Natural Gas |
26,000 BTU |
32,000 BTU |
| VFSE18P |
18" |
Propane |
26,000 BTU |
32,000 BTU |
| VFSE24N |
24" |
Natural Gas |
28,800 BTU |
36,000 BTU |
| VFSE24P |
24" |
Propane |
28,800 BTU |
36,000 BTU |
| VFSE30N |
30" |
Natural Gas |
30,000 BTU |
38,000 BTU |
| VFSE30P |
30" |
Propane |
30,000 BTU |
38,000 BTU |
Fuel and Gas Pressure Specifications
| Specification |
Natural Gas |
Propane Gas |
| Regulator Pressure Setting |
3.5" W.C. |
10.0" W.C. |
| Maximum Inlet Pressure |
10.5" W.C. |
13.0" W.C. |
| Minimum Inlet Pressure |
7.0" W.C. |
11.0" W.C. |
Fuel Selection: Use only the gas type indicated on the appliance rating plate. The manufacturer's manual states that this appliance is not convertible for use with other gases.
Minimum Fireplace Dimensions
The fireplace or firebox must provide sufficient space for the selected burner. The manufacturer's manual specifies the following minimum dimensions for VFSE models.
| Model |
A |
B |
C |
D |
| VFSE-18 |
17" |
14" |
28" |
17" |
| VFSE-24 |
23" |
14" |
30" |
18" |
| VFSE-30 |
26" |
14" |
34" |
20" |
Refer to the manufacturer's installation diagram in the supplied manual for the exact location and interpretation of dimensions A, B, C, and D before selecting a burner size.
Clearance and Installation Requirements
Proper fireplace sizing, clearances, gas supply, combustion air, log placement, and burner installation are essential for safe operation. Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or gas supplier.
- The sides of the fireplace opening must be at least 6 inches from a combustible wall.
- For the 18-inch, 24-inch, and 30-inch VFSE models, the ceiling must be at least 41 inches from the fireplace opening.
- Without a fireplace hood, noncombustible material must extend at least 12 inches above the fireplace opening.
- With an approved fireplace hood, noncombustible material must extend at least 8 inches above the fireplace opening.
- If installed at floor level, the manufacturer's stated minimum floor clearance to combustibles is 0 inches.
- Glass fireplace doors must remain open during operation.
- A fireplace screen must be in place during burner operation.
- Left and right clearances are determined while facing the front of the heater.
Always verify the complete clearance diagram and installation requirements in the manufacturer's manual. Fireplace construction, mantel configuration, local codes, and the intended vent-free or vented application can change the requirements for a specific installation.
Vent-Free Installation
When installed as an unvented room heater, the VFSE burner uses combustion air from the room in which it is installed. Adequate combustion and ventilation air must therefore be provided.
The manufacturer's manual defines a confined space as an area with less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU per hour of the combined input rating of appliances drawing combustion air from that space. If the space is confined or the home is of unusually tight construction, additional combustion and ventilation air must be provided in accordance with applicable codes.
The burner is equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor pilot safety system designed to shut down the heater when adequate fresh air is not available. Do not tamper with the pilot safety system.
Vented Decorative Installation
The VFSE burner may also be configured as a vented decorative appliance when installed in an appropriate solid-fuel-burning fireplace with a working flue and noncombustible construction.
- The chimney flue and firebox must be cleaned before installation in a solid-fuel-burning fireplace.
- The fireplace damper must remain open as required for the vented installation.
- The supplied damper clamp must be installed for a vented application to prevent the damper from accidentally closing.
- Solid fuels must not be burned in a fireplace where the gas-log appliance is installed.
Remote-Control Limitation for Vented Operation
The manufacturer's manual states that thermostats are for vent-free applications only. For a vented VFSE application, a non-thermostat remote must be used.
Remote Control Operation
The VFSE Series uses an electronic remote-control system that provides convenient control over ignition, flame height, temperature, and programmed operating periods.
Manual Mode
Allows direct flame-height adjustment from the handset.
Daytime Temperature Mode
Measures room temperature and automatically adjusts flame height toward the selected daytime temperature.
Nighttime Setback Mode
Provides a separate nighttime temperature setting when the appliance is operating in standby with the pilot ignited.
Timer Mode
Supports two programmable ON/OFF operating periods.
Remote System Power
- Handset: 1 × 9V battery
- Receiver: 4 × 1.5V AA batteries
- An approved AC mains adapter may be used in place of receiver batteries.
Flame Appearance and Ember Placement
After approximately 10 to 15 minutes of normal operation at full rate, the manufacturer's manual describes the intended flame appearance as random sets of yellow flames. Flame height naturally varies during operation.
Glowing ember material may be placed over the designated burner area to create a slow glow and gold-yellow flame appearance. Excess ember material can adversely affect the flame, so only the amount specified in the manufacturer's instructions should be used.
- Do not place lava rock on the burner, logs, or glowing ember material.
- Lava rock is intended only for the fireplace floor in front of the burner pan.
- Do not place glowing ember material over the large rear burner ports.
- Do not place glowing ember material around the pilot assembly.
- Avoid drafts or fans blowing directly into the fireplace because altered flame patterns can cause improper combustion and sooting.
What's Included
- American Hearth VFSE Slope Glaze burner assembly in the selected size and fuel configuration
- VFSE remote-control system
- Damper clamp
- Decorative rock / lava rock as identified in the manufacturer's parts documentation
- Glowing ember material appropriate to the selected burner size
- Installation Instructions & Owner's Manual
Not Included: Required LS Log Set
The matching-size American Hearth LS log set is required but is not part of this burner-only listing.
Safety and Operating Considerations
The VFSE is a gas-fired heating appliance and must be installed, operated, and serviced exactly as directed by the manufacturer.
- Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or gas supplier.
- The appliance requires adequate combustion and ventilation air when operated vent-free.
- Do not operate the appliance with glass fireplace doors closed.
- Keep furniture, draperies, clothing, and other combustible materials away from the appliance.
- Children and adults should be alerted to high surface temperatures.
- Young children should be carefully supervised while in the same room as the appliance.
- Do not allow fans to blow directly into the fireplace.
- Do not install an unvented heater with an input above 10,000 BTU per hour in a bedroom or bathroom. All VFSE models on this page exceed 10,000 BTU per hour.
- Annual inspection and cleaning by a qualified service technician are recommended.
Canada: The manufacturer's manual states that this unit cannot be installed as an unvented appliance in Canada. Canadian installations are limited to the vented application and must comply with the requirements stated in the manual.
Maintenance
Annual inspection and cleaning by a dealer or qualified service technician are recommended to help prevent malfunction and sooting.
- Turn off the heater and allow it to cool before cleaning.
- Clean logs with a soft-bristle brush or vacuum brush attachment.
- Remove dust and loose particles from burner areas and controls.
- Inspect and clean burner air-intake openings.
- Inspect burner ports and the ODS pilot.
- Verify correct log placement and flame pattern.
- Verify smooth and responsive main-burner ignition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the American Hearth VFSE Slope Glaze burner include the logs?
No. This is a burner-only product and requires a matching-size American Hearth LS log set.
Which log set do I need for the American Hearth VFSE burner?
Use an LS log set that matches the burner size: 18-inch logs with VFSE18, 24-inch logs with VFSE24, and 30-inch logs with VFSE30.
Is the VFSE burner available for natural gas and propane?
Yes. Separate natural-gas and propane models are available; only use the fuel type shown on the appliance rating plate because the unit is not field-convertible to another gas.
How much heat does the American Hearth VFSE burner produce?
Output ranges from 26,000–32,000 BTU for 18-inch models, 28,800–36,000 BTU for 24-inch models, and 30,000–38,000 BTU for 30-inch models.
Does the American Hearth VFSE burner include a remote control?
Yes. VFSE models include a variable remote-control system with flame-height, temperature, and timer functions for approved vent-free operation.
Can the VFSE burner be installed in an existing wood-burning fireplace?
Yes, when the fireplace qualifies under the manufacturer's installation requirements. Do not burn wood or other solid fuels while the gas-log appliance is installed.
Can the VFSE burner be operated as a vented gas log set?
Yes. It can be installed as a vented decorative appliance when the fireplace and damper are configured according to the manual; thermostat operation is for vent-free applications only.
Does a vent-free VFSE burner need combustion air?
Yes. Vent-free operation uses room air for combustion, so adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided according to the manufacturer and applicable codes.
Can the American Hearth VFSE burner be installed in a bedroom?
No. The manufacturer's manual prohibits unvented room heaters above 10,000 BTU per hour in bedrooms, and every VFSE model listed here exceeds that input.
Can the VFSE burner be installed in a bathroom?
No. The VFSE models exceed the manufacturer's maximum input permitted for an unvented bathroom installation.
Can the VFSE burner be installed vent-free in Canada?
No. The manufacturer's manual states that Canadian installations must use the unit as a vented application.
Should the fireplace glass doors remain open while the burner is operating?
Yes. The manufacturer's instructions require glass doors to remain open during operation.
Does the VFSE burner require professional installation?
Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or gas supplier in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable codes.
Is the American Hearth VFSE Slope Glaze Burner Right for You?
The American Hearth Slope Glaze VFSE Vent-Free Gas Burner is well suited to buyers who want an adjustable gas-log burner for supplemental heating with intermittent-pilot ignition and thermostat remote operation. The 18-inch, 24-inch, and 30-inch models make it possible to select a burner that fits the available fireplace space and desired BTU range, while separate natural-gas and propane versions accommodate different fuel supplies.
Choose this burner only after confirming your fireplace dimensions, fuel type, clearance requirements, combustion-air requirements, and matching LS log-set size. For vented installations, follow the separate damper and remote-control requirements in the manufacturer's instructions.
