Empire White Mountain Hearth VFSE Slope Glaze Burner
Empire White Mountain Hearth VFSE Slope Glaze Vent-Free Gas Burner with Thermostat Remote – 18", 24" & 30"
The Empire White Mountain Hearth VFSE Slope Glaze Gas Burner is an intermittent-pilot burner system designed for vent-free supplemental zone heating and qualifying vented decorative fireplace installations. Available in 18", 24", and 30" sizes with dedicated Natural Gas or Propane models, the VFSE combines electronic ignition, adjustable flame height, ceramic burner media, and remote control functions.
Series
VFSE Slope Glaze
Available Sizes
18", 24", 30"
Fuel Options
Natural Gas / Propane
Ignition
Intermittent Pilot
BTU Range
26,000–38,000 BTU/hr
Control
Electronic Remote
Vent-Free Safety
ODS Pilot
Log Set Included
No
Important: Burner System Only — Gas Logs Not Included
This product is the VFSE gas burner system. A compatible gas log set must be selected separately for the chosen burner size.
Order the exact fuel model:
VFSE Natural Gas and Propane burners are dedicated to the fuel type shown on their rating plate and cannot be field-converted between Natural Gas and Propane.
Why Choose the Empire VFSE Slope Glaze Burner?
The VFSE is designed for buyers who want electronic ignition and remote-controlled flame adjustment with the additional option of thermostat-based operation when the burner is installed vent-free.
Intermittent Pilot
Electronic intermittent-pilot ignition replaces a simple manual-control burner system.
Remote Flame Control
Increase or decrease flame height and access designated high- and low-fire settings.
Thermostat Modes
Daytime temperature, nighttime setback, and timer functions are available for approved vent-free operation.
Multiple Sizes
Choose from 18", 24", or 30" burners after verifying fireplace dimensions.
Two Fuel Options
Dedicated Natural Gas and Propane models are available in each documented size.
ODS Safety
Vent-free operation incorporates an Oxygen Depletion Sensor pilot safety system.
VFSE Models & BTU Comparison
| Burner Size |
Natural Gas Model |
Propane Model |
Minimum Input |
Maximum Input |
| 18" |
VFSE18N |
VFSE18P |
26,000 BTU/hr |
32,000 BTU/hr |
| 24" |
VFSE24N |
VFSE24P |
28,800 BTU/hr |
36,000 BTU/hr |
| 30" |
VFSE30N |
VFSE30P |
30,000 BTU/hr |
38,000 BTU/hr |
Choose by more than BTU:
Fireplace dimensions, fuel supply, vented or vent-free installation, log compatibility, and control requirements must also be verified.
Which VFSE Size Fits Your Fireplace?
Do not assume an 18", 24", or 30" burner will fit simply because the nominal burner size appears smaller than the fireplace opening.
| Model |
Rear Width |
Depth |
Front Width |
Height |
| VFSE-18 |
17" |
14" |
28" |
17" |
| VFSE-24 |
23" |
14" |
30" |
18" |
| VFSE-30 |
26" |
14" |
34" |
20" |
Measure the usable fireplace opening.
If the fireplace has glass doors, use the opening of the glass-door frame when determining the available front opening. The glass doors must remain open during operation.
Vent-Free vs. Vented VFSE Installation
| Feature |
Vent-Free Installation |
Vented Decorative Installation |
| Primary Use |
Supplemental zone heating |
Decorative fireplace operation |
| Thermostat Function |
Yes |
No |
| Damper |
May be closed when installation requirements permit |
Must remain appropriately open |
| Damper Clamp |
May be used |
Required |
| Combustion / Ventilation Air |
Required |
Proper fireplace venting required |
| Qualified Installation |
Required |
Required |
Vent-Free Supplemental Heating
When installed as an unvented room heater, the VFSE uses air from the room for combustion.
- Adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided.
- Do not install in a confined space unless required air provisions are provided.
- The appliance is intended for supplemental zone heating rather than primary whole-house heat.
- Thermostat operation may be used in the approved vent-free configuration.
- State and local requirements may restrict vent-free operation.
Water vapor is a normal by-product.
The manufacturer states that an unvented room heater produces approximately one ounce (30 ml) of water for every 1,000 BTU of gas input per hour.
Vented Decorative Operation
The VFSE can also be installed as a vented decorative gas appliance when the fireplace and installation meet the manufacturer's requirements.
- The fireplace must provide proper venting.
- The damper must remain appropriately open.
- The damper clamp must be installed to prevent accidental closure.
- Thermostat operation must not be used in the vented configuration.
- The manufacturer specifies an FRIP non-thermostat remote for vented VFSE applications.
Thermostat functions are for vent-free use only.
Compatible Fireplace Types
The manufacturer identifies VFSE installation in qualifying:
- Solid-fuel-burning masonry fireplaces
- UL 127 factory-built fireplaces
- Listed ventless firebox enclosures
Factory-built fireplace restriction:
Do not install the VFSE in a factory-built fireplace whose instructions state that the fireplace has not been tested or should not be used with unvented gas logs.
Clearance Requirements
Side Wall
At least 6" from the side of the fireplace opening to a combustible wall.
Ceiling
At least 41" above the fireplace opening for the documented 18", 24", and 30" VFSE installations.
Floor
The supplied manual lists a minimum floor clearance to combustibles of 0" when installed at floor level.
Mantel projection, hood requirements, and noncombustible facing dimensions vary by installation. Use the manufacturer's clearance diagrams rather than a generalized fireplace rule.
Natural Gas & Propane Pressure Specifications
| Specification |
Natural Gas |
Propane |
| Regulator Pressure Setting |
3.5" W.C. |
10.0" W.C. |
| Minimum Inlet Pressure |
7.0" W.C. |
11.0" W.C. |
| Maximum Inlet Pressure |
10.5" W.C. |
13.0" W.C. |
Gas-supply installation matters:
Gas-line sizing, supply pressure, appliance connection, shutoff provisions, and pressure testing must follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable requirements.
Natural Gas vs. Propane: Select the Correct Model
No field fuel conversion:
Do not order the wrong fuel type with the expectation of converting the burner later.
VFSE Remote Control Functions
The VFSE electronic remote system provides more functionality than a basic on/off burner control.
Manual Flame Control
Increase or decrease flame height and access designated low- and high-fire settings.
Daytime Temperature
Vent-free thermostat mode compares room temperature with the selected temperature.
Night Setback
Provides a separate nighttime temperature operating mode for approved vent-free use.
Timer Mode
Programmable timer operation is available through the applicable VFSE remote system.
Thermostat modes are vent-free only.
Oxygen Depletion Sensor Safety System
The VFSE incorporates an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) pilot safety system for vent-free operation.
The ODS is designed to shut the heater down if adequate fresh air is not available.
Do not rely on the ODS instead of proper ventilation.
If the appliance repeatedly shuts down, provide fresh air and have the installation inspected if the condition continues.
What's Included?
VFSE Burner System
- Gas log grate/burner assembly
- Remote control kit
- Glowing ember material / rock wool
- Decorative lava rock
- Anchoring hardware
- Damper clamp
Not Included
- Decorative gas log set
- Gas-supply piping and installation components not included with the packaged burner
- Fireplace or firebox
Log-set compatibility must be verified separately.
Follow the applicable Empire log-set manual for correct log selection and positioning.
Expected Flame Appearance
After approximately 10 to 15 minutes of normal full-rate operation, the manufacturer describes the expected presentation as sets of yellow flames with flame height moving up and down by design.
Correct flame appearance depends on:
- Proper ceramic burner media
- Correct glowing-ember placement
- Correct compatible gas-log placement
- Correct gas pressure
- Clean burner ports and air intake
- Proper installation and fireplace airflow
Glass Fireplace Door Requirement
Fireplace glass doors must remain open during operation.
Operating the VFSE with the doors closed can contribute to pilot outages and severe sooting.
The required fireplace screen must also be in place according to the manufacturer's operating instructions.
Existing Wood-Burning Fireplace Preparation
Before VFSE installation in an existing solid-fuel-burning fireplace, the chimney flue and firebox must be cleaned by a qualified chimney cleaner.
- Remove soot.
- Remove creosote.
- Remove ashes.
- Remove loose paint.
- Verify fireplace dimensions and clearances afterward.
The burner assembly must also be secured properly to the fireplace or firebox floor so movement cannot shift the compatible gas logs.
Initial Break-In
Temporary smoke or odors can occur during initial operation as manufacturing oils, films, and bonding agents burn off.
Initial operation:
The manufacturer recommends approximately 2 to 3 hours at the highest burner setting with maximum room ventilation provided by opening windows or doors.
Cleaning & Annual Maintenance
Empire recommends annual inspection and cleaning by a dealer or qualified service technician.
- Inspect and clean burner air-intake openings.
- Inspect burner ports.
- Inspect the ODS pilot.
- Inspect the control area.
- Verify the flame pattern.
- Verify compatible log placement.
- Check smooth main-burner ignition.
- Check the ceramic media level.
Cleaning precaution:
Turn the heater off and allow it to cool before cleaning. Do not use cleaning fluid on the logs or heater components.
Important Safety Requirements
- Installation and service must be performed by qualified personnel.
- Provide adequate combustion and ventilation air for vent-free operation.
- Keep the appliance area free of combustible materials, gasoline, and flammable vapors or liquids.
- Do not allow fans to blow directly into the fireplace.
- Keep the required fireplace screen in place.
- Keep fireplace glass doors open during operation.
- Do not place clothing or other combustible materials on or near the appliance.
- Carefully supervise children around the operating fireplace.
- Do not use the appliance if any part has been under water.
- Do not modify the burner or controls.
- Use only the gas type specified for the selected VFSE model.
- Do not use an unapproved blower insert, heat exchanger insert, or accessory.
Complete Empire VFSE Specifications
| Brand |
Empire White Mountain Hearth |
| Series |
Slope Glaze |
| Model Family |
VFSE |
| Product Type |
Gas Burner System |
| Product Configuration |
Burner Only — Decorative Gas Logs Selected Separately |
| Available Sizes |
18", 24", 30" |
| Fuel Types |
Dedicated Natural Gas or Propane Models |
| Field Convertible |
No |
| Ignition Type |
Intermittent Pilot |
| Control |
Electronic Remote Control |
| Thermostat Control |
Vent-Free Applications Only |
| 18" Natural Gas Model |
VFSE18N |
| 18" Propane Model |
VFSE18P |
| 18" Input |
26,000–32,000 BTU/hr |
| 24" Natural Gas Model |
VFSE24N |
| 24" Propane Model |
VFSE24P |
| 24" Input |
28,800–36,000 BTU/hr |
| 30" Natural Gas Model |
VFSE30N |
| 30" Propane Model |
VFSE30P |
| 30" Input |
30,000–38,000 BTU/hr |
| Natural Gas Regulator Setting |
3.5" W.C. |
| Natural Gas Inlet Pressure |
7.0" W.C. Minimum / 10.5" W.C. Maximum |
| Propane Regulator Setting |
10.0" W.C. |
| Propane Inlet Pressure |
11.0" W.C. Minimum / 13.0" W.C. Maximum |
| Vent-Free Heating Application |
Supplemental Zone Heating |
| Vented Application |
Qualifying Decorative Fireplace Installation |
| Vented Damper Requirement |
Damper Open with Damper Clamp Installed |
| ODS Pilot |
Yes |
| Glass Door Position |
Open During Operation |
| Qualified Installation |
Required |
| Recommended Service |
Annual Inspection and Cleaning |
Warranty Information
Covered Appliance Components
The supplied manufacturer information provides a Limited Five-Year Parts & Labor Warranty for covered components other than remote controls, thermostats, accessories, and replacement parts, subject to Empire's stated warranty conditions.
Remote Controls & Accessories
Remote controls, thermostats, accessories, and replacement parts are covered by a Limited One-Year Parts Warranty, subject to the manufacturer's warranty terms.
Warranty eligibility:
The appliance must be installed by a qualified installer and operated and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Flame Authority Expert Recommendation
Choose the Empire White Mountain Hearth VFSE Slope Glaze Burner when you want an intermittent-pilot burner with remote-controlled flame adjustment and thermostat-based control for an approved vent-free installation.
The most important ordering decisions are the burner size, Natural Gas or Propane model, fireplace dimensions, installation mode, compatible log set, and control requirements.
If the system will operate vented, remember that thermostat operation is not permitted for the VFSE configuration described in the manufacturer manual; the damper must remain open, the damper clamp is required, and the manufacturer specifies an FRIP non-thermostat remote.
Official Manufacturer Manual
Empire VFSE Slope Glaze FAQs
Is the Empire VFSE Slope Glaze burner vent-free or vented?
The VFSE is designed for vent-free supplemental heating and can also be installed as a qualifying vented decorative appliance when all manufacturer requirements are met.
Does the Empire VFSE include gas logs?
No. This is a burner-only product. A compatible gas log set must be selected separately.
What VFSE sizes are available?
The VFSE intermittent-pilot burner family is available in 18", 24", and 30" sizes.
How many BTUs does the VFSE18 produce?
The 18" VFSE operates from 26,000 to 32,000 BTU/hr.
How many BTUs does the VFSE24 produce?
The 24" VFSE operates from 28,800 to 36,000 BTU/hr.
How many BTUs does the VFSE30 produce?
The 30" VFSE operates from 30,000 to 38,000 BTU/hr.
Is the VFSE available in both Natural Gas and Propane?
Yes. Separate Natural Gas and Propane models are available for each documented burner size.
Can I convert a Natural Gas VFSE to Propane?
No. The burner is not field-convertible. Order the correct fuel model from the start.
What fireplace size is required for VFSE18?
The documented minimums are 17" rear width × 14" depth × 28" front width × 17" height.
What fireplace size is required for VFSE24?
The documented minimums are 23" rear width × 14" depth × 30" front width × 18" height.
What fireplace size is required for VFSE30?
The documented minimums are 26" rear width × 14" depth × 34" front width × 20" height.
Can I use the thermostat remote in a vented VFSE installation?
No. Thermostat operation is for vent-free applications only. Empire specifies an FRIP non-thermostat remote for vented VFSE operation.
Does the fireplace damper need to remain open during vented operation?
Yes. The damper must remain appropriately open and the damper clamp must be installed to prevent accidental closure.
Can the VFSE be installed in an existing wood-burning fireplace?
Yes, when the fireplace qualifies under Empire's construction, sizing, clearance, cleaning, and installation requirements.
Can fireplace glass doors stay closed while VFSE is operating?
No. Fireplace glass doors must remain open during operation.
Does a vent-free VFSE require combustion and ventilation air?
Yes. Vent-free operation uses room air for combustion, so adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided.
Can the VFSE heat an entire house?
No. The manufacturer identifies vent-free room heaters as supplemental zone-heating appliances, not primary whole-house heaters.
Does the VFSE have an Oxygen Depletion Sensor?
Yes. The VFSE uses an ODS pilot safety system designed to shut the appliance down if adequate fresh air is unavailable.
How much water vapor can vent-free operation produce?
The manufacturer states that an unvented room heater produces approximately one ounce (30 ml) of water for every 1,000 BTU of gas input per hour.
Does the VFSE require professional installation?
Yes. Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or gas supplier.
How often should the VFSE be serviced?
Empire recommends annual inspection and cleaning by a dealer or qualified service technician.
Why can the VFSE smell during first use?
Temporary odors or smoke may occur while manufacturing oils, films, and bonding agents burn off. Empire recommends approximately 2 to 3 hours at the highest setting with maximum room ventilation during the initial break-in.
Where can I find the VFSE installation manual?
Use the manufacturer manual linked in the Official Manufacturer Manual section of this page before installation, operation, maintenance, or servicing.
Before You Order
Confirm Before Purchase
- You specifically need the Empire VFSE Slope Glaze burner family.
- You have selected 18", 24", or 30".
- You have confirmed Natural Gas or Propane.
- You understand the fuel type cannot be field-converted.
- Your fireplace meets the exact minimum dimensions.
- You can meet the required sidewall, ceiling, mantel, and combustible clearances.
- Your fireplace type permits the intended installation.
- You have confirmed vent-free or vented operation.
- You can provide adequate combustion and ventilation air for vent-free use.
- You understand thermostat modes are vent-free only.
- You understand vented operation requires the damper to remain open.
- You understand a damper clamp is required for vented operation.
- You will keep fireplace glass doors open during operation.
- You have selected a compatible gas log set separately.
- You will use qualified personnel for installation and service.
Do Not Assume
- That gas logs are included.
- That any nominally matching log set is compatible.
- That a larger fireplace automatically meets all VFSE dimensions.
- That Natural Gas and Propane models are interchangeable.
- That thermostat operation can be used when vented.
- That vent-free operation is permitted everywhere.
- That the ODS removes the need for combustion air.
- That the damper can be closed during vented operation.
- That glass fireplace doors can remain closed.
- That the VFSE is intended as primary whole-house heat.
- That a factory-built fireplace automatically allows unvented gas logs.
- That annual inspection can be skipped because the burner appears to operate normally.
Final planning check:
Use the manufacturer installation manual to verify the exact VFSE model, burner size, fuel type, BTU range, gas pressure, fireplace dimensions, clearances, compatible log set, remote configuration, vented or vent-free installation, combustion-air requirements, damper position, glass-door requirements, and local installation rules before purchase or installation.
