Empire White Mountain Hearth Breckenridge Deluxe Firebox
Empire White Mountain Hearth Breckenridge Deluxe 42" Vent-Free Firebox VFD42FB
The Empire White Mountain Hearth Breckenridge Deluxe VFD42FB is a 42-inch universal vent-free firebox enclosure designed for large built-in fireplace installations without a conventional chimney or flue. Its zero-clearance construction supports flexible framing, while the spacious interior accommodates a properly sized certified vent-free burner and compatible gas log or approved media system selected separately.
Model
VFD42FB
Nominal Size
42"
Product Type
Vent-Free Firebox
Installation
Zero-Clearance
Max Heater Input
40,000 BTU/h
Framing
44 1/2" W × 35 3/4" H
Gas Line
3/8"
Burner / Logs Included
No
Important: Firebox Enclosure Only
The VFD42FB does not create flames or heat by itself. A compatible, properly sized certified vent-free burner and compatible gas log set or other approved media configuration must be selected separately.
Maximum compatible heater input:
The installed listed gas-fired unvented decorative room heater must not exceed 40,000 BTU/h and must also meet its own minimum fireplace-size requirements.
What Is the Empire Breckenridge Deluxe VFD42FB?
The VFD42FB is the structural fireplace enclosure used to build a large-format vent-free gas fireplace installation. It is not the burner or heating appliance.
Its 42-inch nominal size provides a broader fireplace presentation for living rooms, feature walls, remodeling projects, and new construction while maintaining a relatively compact framing depth.
Because the firebox, burner, log presentation, liner, blower, mantel, trim, and accessories can be selected separately, the VFD42FB provides significant design flexibility.
Empire VFD42FB at a Glance
Brand
Empire White Mountain Hearth
Series
Breckenridge Deluxe
Firebox Type
Universal Vent-Free Firebox
Installation Type
Zero-Clearance
Maximum Heater Input
40,000 BTU/h
Optional Fresh Air Kit
VFA2
Why Choose the Breckenridge Deluxe VFD42FB?
Large 42" Presentation
Creates a broad built-in fireplace focal point for larger rooms and feature-wall applications.
Zero-Clearance Construction
Outer casing side and back flanges may be installed at zero clearance to combustible framing where permitted by the manufacturer instructions.
No Conventional Chimney
Designed for use with an approved vent-free gas heater system rather than a conventional chimney or flue.
Custom Interior
Compatible liner choices allow the finished fireplace to shift from traditional brick to more contemporary interior styles.
Optional Heat Circulation
The optional FBB5 blower can provide forced airflow around the firebox.
Mantel & Trim Flexibility
Compatible frames, doors, louvers, hoods, trim, and mantel configurations allow the surrounding design to be customized.
Is the VFD42FB Right for Your Project?
Best For
- Large-format built-in vent-free fireplace projects.
- New construction and appropriate remodeling projects.
- Buyers wanting to select the burner and gas-log presentation separately.
- Projects requiring a zero-clearance firebox.
- Installations using optional decorative liners.
- Projects planning the optional FBB5 blower.
- Projects planning the VFA2 fresh-air kit before wall finishing.
- Designs using compatible White Mountain Hearth mantels and trim.
Choose Another Product If
- You need a complete operating gas fireplace in one package.
- You expect the burner or logs to be included.
- You intend to burn wood.
- Your selected heater exceeds 40,000 BTU/h.
- Your selected heater does not fit the finished internal dimensions.
- Your jurisdiction prohibits the intended vent-free installation.
- Your framing space cannot accommodate the VFD42FB.
What's Included?
Included With the Base Firebox
- Breckenridge Deluxe VFD42FB firebox enclosure
- Standard black hood
- Firebox screen components
- Factory-installed junction box assembly
Exact packaged components can vary by model suffix or configuration.
Required Separately
- Properly sized certified vent-free burner
- Compatible gas log set or approved media system
- Correct gas supply and connections
- Installation materials required for the completed project
Not Included Unless Specifically Selected
Heating Components
- Vent-free burner
- Gas log set
- Remote control
Air & Electrical Accessories
- FBB5 blower
- SCV-1 blower control
- VFA2 fresh-air kit
Decorative Accessories
- Decorative liner
- Frame
- Doors
- Louvers
- Extended hood
- Mantel
Compatible Vent-Free Heater Requirements
The VFD42FB is intended to house a properly sized listed gas-fired unvented decorative room heater that satisfies the applicable installation requirements.
Maximum Input
The installed heater must not exceed 40,000 BTU/h.
Minimum Fireplace Size
The finished VFD42FB interior must satisfy all minimum width, rear width, depth, and height requirements specified for the selected heater.
Do not select a burner by nominal size alone.
A burner marketed as 18", 24", or 30" can have fireplace requirements larger than its nominal burner dimension.
VFD42FB Framing Dimensions
| Framing Height |
35 3/4" |
| Framing Width |
44 1/2" |
| Framing Depth |
18 3/4" |
| Recommended Framing Material |
2 × 4 Lumber or Heavier as Specified by Manufacturer |
| Header Position |
At Least 3/4" Above the Firebox |
Use the current owner's manual for final framing.
Manufacturer brochure dimensions may be approximate and specifications are subject to change.
Outer Firebox Dimensions
| Outer Height |
35" |
| Outer Width |
44" |
| Outer Depth |
19" |
Inner Firebox Dimensions
Interior dimensions are especially important because adding a brick liner reduces usable burner space.
| Dimension |
Without Brick |
With Brick |
| Width |
40" |
38 5/16" |
| Height |
33 3/16" |
32" |
| Depth |
16 1/2" |
15 3/4" |
| Rear Width |
35 7/8" |
35 7/8" |
| Rear Height |
24" |
24" |
Liner selection affects burner compatibility.
Always compare the selected heater's minimum fireplace dimensions against the final firebox configuration—with the actual liner installed if one will be used.
What Does Zero-Clearance Mean?
The VFD42FB is designed as a zero-clearance firebox, but the term should not be interpreted to mean that every combustible material can touch every part of the finished installation.
Outer Side Flanges
May be installed at zero clearance to combustible framing where specified by the manufacturer.
Outer Back
The outer back casing also follows the manufacturer's zero-clearance installation provisions.
Finished Opening
Separate sidewall, front, hood, mantel, ceiling, and finishing-material clearances still apply.
Installation & Clearance Requirements
| Area |
Minimum / Requirement |
| Perpendicular Combustible Sidewall |
6" from the inside of the firebox |
| Front Clearance |
36" minimum in front of the firebox |
| Ceiling Above Hood |
42" minimum above the top of the hood |
| Hood |
Standard supplied hood or approved optional hood required before operation |
Use Empire's full clearance diagrams.
Mantel projection, combustible finishing, noncombustible facing, and other installation details depend on the actual project configuration.
Hood & Facing Requirements
The supplied black hood—or an approved optional hood—must be installed before operating the completed fireplace.
Standard Facing
Use the supplied or compatible approved hood according to Empire's installation instructions.
Facing Over 1" Thick
Empire offers an extended hood that projects approximately 2" farther into the room for installations using thicker noncombustible facing.
Gas Line Planning
The VFD42FB is designed to accept a 3/8-inch gas line for the separately selected vent-free heater system.
- Gas-access openings are provided on both sides of the firebox.
- Plan the gas line before finishing the fireplace enclosure.
- Gas piping must be installed by a qualified service person.
- The gas supply must match the separately selected burner.
- Follow all applicable fuel-gas and building requirements.
Reflective and stainless-steel liner configurations:
The manufacturer's instructions specify that the gas line must enter through the bottom of the firebox for applicable stainless-steel or reflective liner installations.
Optional FBB5 Blower
The VFD42FB supports the optional FBB5 single-speed blower for forced airflow around the firebox.
FBB5 Blower
Optional blower designed for compatible Breckenridge Deluxe firebox installations.
SCV-1 Control
Optional wall-mounted variable-speed control available for use with the FBB5.
The blower includes a heat-activated fan control that starts as the firebox warms and shuts off as the firebox cools.
Electrical planning:
Applicable electrical wiring should be completed by a qualified electrician in accordance with applicable electrical codes.
Factory-Installed Junction Box
The base firebox includes a factory-installed junction box assembly for compatible electrical accessories.
If the optional blower will be used, plan wiring before the surrounding fireplace finish is completed.
Optional VFA2 Fresh Air Kit
The optional VFA2 Fresh Air Kit is designed for compatible Breckenridge Deluxe fireboxes, including the VFD42FB series.
Install the fresh-air kit before finishing the wall.
The VFA2 must be installed before or during initial firebox installation and before wallboard or other surrounding finish materials are installed.
Certain stainless-steel and reflective liner configurations have additional restrictions. Confirm the exact firebox suffix and liner combination before ordering.
Decorative Liner Options
Empire documentation identifies compatible Breckenridge liner styles including:
Traditional Brick
Banded Brick
Stacked Limestone
Aged Brick
Herringbone Brick
Refractory Brick
Black Porcelain
Deluxe-specific options:
The supplied content identifies Refractory Brick and Black Porcelain as Deluxe firebox options. Availability can vary by exact configuration and production period.
Frames, Trim, Doors & Louvers
The Breckenridge Deluxe can be customized with compatible:
- Three-piece outer frames
- Decorative trim
- Decorative doors
- Decorative frames
- Louvers
- Hood finishes
Current style, finish, and compatibility options can vary by accessory and production period.
Compatible Mantel Options
The supplied White Mountain Hearth mantel documentation lists the following cabinet mantel configurations for the VFD42FB:
EMBF-4S
Standard cabinet mantel configuration listed for VFD42FB.
EMBC-4S
Corner cabinet mantel configuration listed for VFD42FB.
Mantel clearances still apply.
Follow both the firebox instructions and the instructions supplied with the selected mantel.
Can the VFD42FB Be Installed on Combustible Flooring?
The firebox can be installed on an appropriate flat, hard combustible or noncombustible surface when all manufacturer requirements are satisfied.
Carpet, tile, or combustible flooring other than wood:
Use the metal or wood panel required by the manufacturer, extending the full width and depth of the firebox.
Important Buyer Clarifications
Not a Complete Fireplace
The VFD42FB is the enclosure. The burner and gas-log/media system are separate.
40,000 BTU Is a Maximum
The firebox does not produce 40,000 BTU/h. That is the maximum permitted heater input.
Not 99.9% Efficient
Empire's 99.9% efficiency statement applies to applicable vent-free burners, not to the empty VFD42FB firebox.
Vent-Free Rules Vary
Confirm applicable state and local regulations before ordering or installing the completed system.
Accessories Need Planning
Some accessories—especially VFA2—must be planned before the wall is finished.
Professional Work Required
Gas and applicable electrical work must be completed by qualified professionals.
Safety & Maintenance
- Provide adequate combustion and ventilation air for the installed vent-free heater.
- Do not obstruct combustion or ventilation openings.
- Keep the front of the firebox clear of combustible materials and furnishings.
- The required firebox screen must be in place during operation.
- Children and adults should be aware that accessible surfaces may become hot.
- Young children should be carefully supervised near the operating fireplace.
- The completed appliance should be inspected before use and at least annually by qualified service personnel.
- Keep the burner, logs, control compartment, and circulating-air passages clean.
- Follow both the VFD42FB firebox instructions and the separate instructions for the selected burner and log system.
Complete Empire VFD42FB Specifications
| Manufacturer |
Empire Comfort Systems / White Mountain Hearth |
| Product Family |
Breckenridge |
| Series |
Deluxe |
| Model |
VFD42FB |
| Nominal Size |
42" |
| Product Type |
Universal Vent-Free Firebox |
| Vent Type |
Vent-Free |
| Installation Type |
Zero-Clearance |
| Maximum Heater Input |
40,000 BTU/h |
| Framing Height |
35 3/4" |
| Framing Width |
44 1/2" |
| Framing Depth |
18 3/4" |
| Outer Height |
35" |
| Outer Width |
44" |
| Outer Depth |
19" |
| Inner Width Without Brick |
40" |
| Inner Height Without Brick |
33 3/16" |
| Inner Depth Without Brick |
16 1/2" |
| Inner Rear Width Without Brick |
35 7/8" |
| Inner Rear Height Without Brick |
24" |
| Inner Width With Brick |
38 5/16" |
| Inner Height With Brick |
32" |
| Inner Depth With Brick |
15 3/4" |
| Inner Rear Width With Brick |
35 7/8" |
| Inner Rear Height With Brick |
24" |
| Gas Line Provision |
3/8" |
| Burner Included |
No |
| Log Set Included |
No |
| Standard Hood |
Black Hood Included |
| Hood Required for Operation |
Yes |
| Optional Blower |
FBB5 |
| Optional Blower Control |
SCV-1 |
| Optional Fresh Air Kit |
VFA2 |
| Decorative Liners |
Optional; Compatibility Varies |
| Decorative Frames / Doors / Louvers |
Optional |
| Compatible Mantels Listed |
EMBF-4S, EMBC-4S |
Warranty Information
Combustion Chamber & Heat Exchanger
Limited Lifetime Parts Warranty with Five-Year Limited Labor Warranty, subject to manufacturer terms.
Other Covered Components
Limited Five-Year Parts & Labor Warranty, excluding remote controls, thermostats, accessories, and replacement parts.
Accessories & Replacement Parts
Limited One-Year Parts Warranty, subject to complete manufacturer terms.
Warranty applies to the original purchaser and requires qualified installation plus operation and maintenance according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Flame Authority Expert Recommendation
Choose the Empire White Mountain Hearth Breckenridge Deluxe VFD42FB when you want a large 42" built-in vent-free fireplace enclosure and prefer to select the burner, log presentation, liner, blower, mantel, and decorative trim independently.
The most important compatibility check is the finished internal firebox size. If a brick or other liner is installed, the usable dimensions decrease, so evaluate the selected burner against the final configuration—not just the nominal 42" firebox size.
Before ordering, verify the framing dimensions, heater BTU input, heater minimum fireplace size, liner choice, gas access, sidewall/front/ceiling clearances, hood configuration, blower wiring, fresh-air planning, mantel selection, and applicable local vent-free regulations.
Official Manufacturer Resources
Breckenridge Vent-Free Firebox Product Brochure
Manufacturer overview of Breckenridge fireboxes, design options, liners, accessories, and available configurations.
Empire Mantels Brochure
Manufacturer information for compatible mantel models, dimensions, and planning.
Full Cabinet Mantel Assembly Instructions
Manufacturer assembly reference for applicable cabinet-mantel installations.
Deluxe Vent-Free Firebox Installation Instructions & Owner's Manual
Primary manufacturer resource for framing, clearances, gas access, hood requirements, installation, safety, accessories, and warranty information.
VFA2 Fresh Air Kit Installation Instructions
Manufacturer planning and installation requirements for the optional fresh-air system.
Junction Box Installation Instructions
Manufacturer electrical-preparation reference for compatible accessories.
Breckenridge Firebox Sizing Guide
Manufacturer sizing reference for Breckenridge firebox planning and comparison.
VFD42FB Architectural Drawing
Model-specific architectural drawing and dimensional planning reference.
Empire VFD42FB FAQs
Is the Empire Breckenridge Deluxe VFD42FB a complete fireplace?
No. The VFD42FB is a 42" vent-free firebox enclosure. A compatible certified vent-free burner and gas log set or approved media configuration are required separately.
Does the VFD42FB include a burner or gas logs?
No. Burner and log components should not be assumed to be included with the base firebox unless a specific package explicitly states otherwise.
What are the VFD42FB framing dimensions?
The supplied dimensions are 35 3/4" H × 44 1/2" W × 18 3/4" D.
What are the VFD42FB interior dimensions without brick?
Approximately 40" wide × 33 3/16" high × 16 1/2" deep, with a 35 7/8" rear width and 24" rear height.
What are the VFD42FB interior dimensions with brick?
Approximately 38 5/16" wide × 32" high × 15 3/4" deep, with a 35 7/8" rear width and 24" rear height.
What is the maximum heater input for the VFD42FB?
The installed vent-free heater must not exceed 40,000 BTU/h.
Does the VFD42FB itself produce 40,000 BTU/h?
No. The VFD42FB is an enclosure. The 40,000 BTU/h figure is the maximum permitted input of the separately installed heater.
Is the VFD42FB itself 99.9% efficient?
No. Empire's 99.9% efficiency statement applies to applicable vent-free burners, not to the empty VFD42FB enclosure.
Does the VFD42FB require a chimney?
No conventional chimney or flue is used when the firebox is paired with an approved vent-free heater system.
Is the VFD42FB a zero-clearance firebox?
Yes, at the manufacturer-specified outer casing side and back flanges. Other clearance requirements around the opening, hood, ceiling, mantel, and combustible finishing materials still apply.
How much sidewall clearance is required?
Maintain at least 6" from the inside of the firebox to a perpendicular combustible sidewall.
How much clearance is required in front of the firebox?
Maintain at least 36" in front of the firebox.
How much ceiling clearance is required?
The ceiling should be at least 42" above the top of the hood according to the supplied clearance information.
Does the hood have to be installed?
Yes. The supplied black hood or an approved optional hood must be installed before operating the completed fireplace.
When should an extended hood be used?
Use the appropriate extended hood when the noncombustible facing material is more than 1" thick.
What size gas line does the VFD42FB accept?
The firebox is designed to accept a 3/8" gas line.
Can I add a blower?
Yes. Empire lists the optional FBB5 single-speed blower for compatible Deluxe installations.
Is a variable-speed blower control available?
Yes. The SCV-1 wall-mounted variable-speed control is available for use with the FBB5 blower.
Can the VFD42FB use the VFA2 Fresh Air Kit?
Yes, in compatible configurations. Verify restrictions for the exact liner and firebox suffix before ordering.
Can the VFA2 fresh-air kit be added after the wall is finished?
No. The supplied instructions require it to be installed before or during initial firebox installation and before surrounding wallboard or finish materials are installed.
Which mantel models are listed for the VFD42FB?
The supplied mantel documentation lists EMBF-4S and EMBC-4S configurations for the VFD42FB.
Can the VFD42FB be installed directly on combustible flooring?
It may be installed on an appropriate flat hard combustible or noncombustible surface. When installed over carpet, tile, or combustible material other than wood flooring, use the full-width and full-depth panel specified by the manufacturer.
Does the fireplace screen need to remain in place?
Yes. The supplied content states that the firebox screen must be in place during operation.
Can I burn wood in the VFD42FB?
No. The VFD42FB is intended for an approved vent-free gas-heater installation, not wood-burning operation.
Does the VFD42FB require professional installation?
Installation and service must follow the manufacturer instructions and applicable codes. Gas piping must be completed by a qualified service person, and applicable electrical work should be completed by a qualified electrician.
What should I verify before ordering?
Confirm framing space, final liner choice, compatible burner size, heater BTU input, heater minimum fireplace dimensions, gas supply, hood, mantel, blower, fresh-air planning, clearances, and local vent-free requirements.
Before You Order
Confirm Before Purchase
- You specifically need the Empire VFD42FB.
- You want a 42" Breckenridge Deluxe vent-free firebox.
- You understand this is the firebox enclosure only.
- Your selected heater does not exceed 40,000 BTU/h.
- Your selected heater fits the final internal dimensions.
- Your framing can accommodate 35 3/4" H × 44 1/2" W × 18 3/4" D.
- You have chosen the liner before final burner compatibility checks.
- You can meet all sidewall, front, hood, ceiling, mantel, and finish clearances.
- You have planned the 3/8" gas access.
- You have selected the correct hood for the facing thickness.
- You have planned electrical wiring if using the FBB5 blower.
- You have planned the VFA2 before closing the wall if using fresh air.
- You have confirmed applicable local vent-free regulations.
Do Not Assume
- That the burner and logs are included.
- That the firebox itself produces heat.
- That the firebox itself is 99.9% efficient.
- That any heater under 40,000 BTU/h automatically fits.
- That nominal 42" size alone determines burner compatibility.
- That decorative liners do not reduce usable interior space.
- That zero-clearance means no clearances anywhere.
- That the hood is optional.
- That the VFA2 can always be added after the wall is finished.
- That wood can be burned in the firebox.
- That vent-free installations are permitted everywhere.
Final planning check:
Use the VFD42FB installation manual, architectural drawing, Breckenridge sizing guide, mantel instructions, and the separate installation manual for the selected vent-free burner to verify framing, finished internal dimensions, liner effects, heater BTU input, heater minimum fireplace size, clearances, hood requirements, gas access, blower wiring, fresh-air planning, mantel compatibility, and applicable local requirements before construction or installation.
