Superior VRT3100 Series Vent-Free Gas Firebox
Superior VRT3142 42" Clean-Face Vent-Free Gas Firebox
The Superior VRT3142 is a 42-inch clean-face, heat-circulating vent-free gas firebox enclosure designed for a separately selected compatible vent-free gas log room heater. It features a tall 24-inch hooded opening, multiple interior liner choices, included mesh fire screens, a required factory heat-deflection hood, and optional blower capability for qualifying built-in fireplace installations.
Model
VRT3142
Nominal Size
42"
Opening Height
24"
Configuration
Firebox Only
Design
Clean Face
Construction
Heat-Circulating
Max Heater Input
40,000 BTU/hr
Warranty
20-Year Limited
Important: Firebox Enclosure Only
The Superior VRT3142 is not a complete gas fireplace system. A compatible vent-free gas log heater, burner system, fuel configuration, and applicable controls must be selected separately.
40,000 BTU/hr Maximum Heater Input
The installed vent-free gas log room heater must be listed to ANSI Z21.11.2 and must not exceed 40,000 BTU/hr input.
Large 42" Clean-Faced Vent-Free Fireplace Foundation
The VRT3142 is designed for homeowners, builders, contractors, and fireplace professionals who want a large built-in vent-free firebox while retaining flexibility over the final gas-log appearance, burner, fuel type, controls, and interior treatment.
Its clean-face design creates a streamlined fireplace opening, while the heat-circulating cabinet allows room air to move around the firebox. Optional blower kits can be added when powered air circulation is desired.
Because the gas-log heater is selected separately, the final BTU input, ignition system, natural-gas or propane configuration, flame presentation, controls, and log style depend on the exact heater chosen.
Superior VRT3142 at a Glance
Brand
Superior Fireplaces
Product Type
Universal Vent-Free Firebox
View Style
Front View / Single-Sided
Heat Circulation
Heat-Circulating
Gas Log System
Sold Separately
Is the Superior VRT3142 Right for Your Project?
Best For
- Projects requiring a large 42" built-in vent-free firebox.
- Homeowners wanting a clean-face front-view fireplace.
- Installations using a separately selected vent-free gas-log heater.
- Projects needing a 41" interior front width and 24" interior height.
- Buyers wanting a choice of fiber or refractory interiors.
- Projects where optional forced-air circulation is desired.
- Installations where an outside-air kit may be useful.
- Buyers wanting flexibility across multiple Superior gas-log families.
Consider Another Fireplace If
- You want a complete gas fireplace package with burner and logs included.
- Your selected heater exceeds 40,000 BTU/hr.
- Your selected heater requires more interior space than the VRT3142 provides.
- Your project requires direct-vent or conventional vented fireplace construction.
- You intend to burn wood or solid fuel.
- You cannot meet required combustion-air or combustible-clearance provisions.
What's Included with the VRT3142?
Included
- Superior VRT3142 firebox enclosure
- Factory-supplied heat-deflection hood
- Mesh fire screens
- Clean-face heat-circulating construction
- Textured powder-coat finish
- Selected interior configuration
Sold Separately / Optional
- Vent-free gas log room heater
- Burner system
- Natural-gas or propane configuration
- Gas-log controls
- Decorative twin-pane screen
- Optional blower
- Optional outside-air kit
- Applicable electrical components for blower installation
VRT3142 Appliance Dimensions
| Nominal Firebox Width |
42" |
| Opening Height |
24" |
| Overall Width |
47-3/4" |
| Overall Height |
37-1/4" |
| Overall Depth |
20" |
| Rear Appliance Width |
29-1/2" |
Dimension distinction: Appliance dimensions, framing dimensions, and interior firebox dimensions are different measurements and should not be used interchangeably.
VRT3142 Interior Firebox Dimensions
Use these measurements when determining whether a specific vent-free gas-log heater can physically fit inside the VRT3142.
| Interior Front Width |
41" |
| Interior Rear Width |
29-1/4" |
| Interior Depth |
17-3/8" |
| Interior Height |
24" |
Compatibility rule: Do not select gas logs by nominal length alone. Compare the exact heater's minimum firebox requirements against all four VRT3142 interior dimensions.
VRT3142 Framing Requirements
| Framing Width |
48-1/4" |
| Framing Height |
40-1/4" |
| Framing Depth |
20-1/2" |
Construction planning: Use Superior's complete installation drawings for corner framing, mantel placement, finishing materials, gas-line access, electrical provisions, and optional accessory installation.
Do not scale manufacturer illustrations. Product photographs and diagrams are not scaled construction drawings.
Interior Liner Options
Back Bay Brown Fiber Liner
The Back Bay Brown ceramic-fiber liner provides a warm brick-inspired appearance behind the selected vent-free gas-log system.
White Stacked Refractory
The White Stacked refractory configuration provides a lighter masonry-inspired firebox interior. Refractory configurations also use a refractory floor.
Compatible Superior Vent-Free Gas Log Families
Superior identifies several vent-free gas-log families for VRT3100 Series applications. Exact compatibility depends on the selected model, size, fuel, controls, input rating, and minimum firebox requirements.
Crescent Hill
Double-Flame Series.
Crescent Hill HD
Double-Flame Series.
Golden Oak
Double-Flame Series.
Boulder Mountain
Glow-Ramp Series.
Rugged Stack
Triple-Flame Series.
Wild Timber
Triple-Flame Series.
Family-level compatibility is not model-level approval. Confirm the exact gas-log model and size before ordering.
Required Heat-Deflection Hood
The VRT3142 includes a factory-supplied heat-deflection hood.
The hood is required for all VRT3100 installations. Do not remove it or substitute a hood supplied with a separately selected gas heater.
Optional Decorative Twin-Pane Screen
Architectural Front Upgrade
Superior offers an optional precision-cut decorative twin-pane screen in a textured iron finish for buyers who want a more finished fireplace presentation.
Heat-Circulating Design & Optional Blower
The VRT3142 uses a heat-circulating cabinet that allows room air to move through circulation passages around the firebox.
Single-Speed Blower
Optional forced-air circulation.
Variable-Speed Blower
Optional blower system with variable-speed control.
Electrical planning: If a blower will be installed, electrical preparation must be completed according to the applicable blower and firebox instructions before the fireplace is enclosed.
Optional Outside-Air Kit
Superior offers an optional outside-air gate and duct kit for applicable VRT3100 installations.
Install the kit only according to Superior's instructions and verify its position before the firebox is enclosed.
Vent-Free Operation & Combustion Air
The separately selected vent-free gas-log heater uses room air for combustion.
The installation must provide adequate combustion and ventilation air according to Superior's instructions and applicable codes.
Vent-free does not mean air-free. Do not install or operate the heater in a space that does not satisfy the applicable combustion-air requirements.
Clearance & Finishing Considerations
Ceiling Clearance
Minimum 40" above the top of the firebox opening.
Side Clearances
Follow Superior's illustrated combustible side-clearance requirements.
Mantel Projection
Required height changes according to mantel depth.
5" Mantel Example
Manufacturer illustration shows approximately 13" or more above the firebox opening.
Air Openings
Do not obstruct required heat-circulating air passages.
Service Access
Maintain access needed for operation and servicing.
Use the complete clearance diagrams. Summary dimensions do not replace Superior's mantel, trim, projection, wall, and finishing-material drawings.
Floor & Hearth Requirements
The VRT3142 may sit directly on an appropriate combustible surface when installed according to the manufacturer instructions.
If installed over carpeting, vinyl tile, or specified combustible floor coverings, a metal or wood panel covering the full width and depth of the appliance is required.
Hearth extension: A hearth extension may be used, but the manufacturer states that it is not required for the VRT3100 Series.
Important Safety Considerations
- Do not build a wood fire in the VRT3142.
- Do not burn solid fuel or unapproved combustible materials.
- Use only a compatible listed ANSI Z21.11.2 vent-free gas-log heater.
- Do not exceed 40,000 BTU/hr input.
- Keep the factory hood installed.
- Provide adequate combustion and ventilation air.
- Do not block the fireplace opening or heat-circulating air passages.
- Maintain all required combustible clearances.
- Have gas and applicable electrical work completed by qualified personnel.
VRT3142 Configuration Shipping Information
| Model |
Shipping Weight |
Shipping Volume |
| VRT3142F |
135 lbs. |
24 cu. ft. |
| VRT3142WS |
160 lbs. |
24 cu. ft. |
Variant-specific data: Shipping weight varies according to the exact interior configuration selected.
Complete Superior VRT3142 Specifications
| Brand |
Superior Fireplaces |
| Series |
VRT3100 |
| Model |
VRT3142 |
| Nominal Size |
42" |
| Product Type |
Universal Vent-Free Firebox |
| Design Style |
Firebox Only |
| Installation Type |
Built-In |
| View Style |
Front View / Single-Sided |
| Face Style |
Clean Face |
| Heat Circulation |
Heat-Circulating |
| Opening Height |
24" |
| Overall Width |
47-3/4" |
| Overall Height |
37-1/4" |
| Overall Depth |
20" |
| Rear Appliance Width |
29-1/2" |
| Interior Front Width |
41" |
| Interior Rear Width |
29-1/4" |
| Interior Depth |
17-3/8" |
| Interior Height |
24" |
| Framing Width |
48-1/4" |
| Framing Height |
40-1/4" |
| Framing Depth |
20-1/2" |
| Compatible Heater Type |
Listed ANSI Z21.11.2 Vent-Free Gas Log Room Heater |
| Maximum Gas Heater Input |
40,000 BTU/hr |
| Fuel Type |
Determined by Separately Selected Compatible Gas Log System |
| Gas Log Set |
Sold Separately |
| Controls |
Determined by Selected Gas Log System; Sold Separately |
| Interior Options |
White Stacked Refractory / Back Bay Brown Fiber |
| Fire Screens |
Included |
| Heat-Deflection Hood |
Factory Supplied; Required |
| Blower |
Optional |
| Outside-Air Kit |
Optional |
| Decorative Twin-Pane Screen |
Optional |
| Finish |
Textured Powder Coat |
| Hearth Extension |
Optional / Not Required |
| Solid-Fuel Use |
Not Permitted |
| Warranty |
20-Year Limited Warranty |
Flame Authority Expert Recommendation
Choose the Superior VRT3142 when your project calls for a large 42" clean-face vent-free firebox and you want flexibility to choose the gas-log style, burner, fuel type, controls, liner, and accessories separately.
Its 41" interior front width, 29-1/4" rear width, 17-3/8" depth, 24" height, required factory hood, included mesh screens, optional blower capability, multiple liner choices, and 40,000 BTU/hr maximum heater input make it a flexible platform for qualifying vent-free installations.
The most important buying step is verifying the 48-1/4" × 40-1/4" × 20-1/2" framing space, exact gas-log dimensions, BTU input, fuel type, controls, combustion-air requirements, mantel and wall clearances, gas-line planning, optional blower wiring, liner configuration, and local vent-free requirements before construction.
Need Help Choosing the Right Configuration?
Need assistance determining whether the Superior VRT3142 fits your project or choosing a compatible vent-free gas-log configuration?
Talk to a Flame Authority expert at +1-800-923-4556 or email support@flameauthority.com for product-selection assistance.
Official Manufacturer Resources
Superior VRT3100 Series Product Brochure
Manufacturer overview covering VRT3100 fireboxes, liner options, accessories, and configurations.
Superior VRT3100 Series Vent-Free Gas Logs Brochure
Manufacturer information covering Superior vent-free gas-log families and available burner presentations.
Superior VRT3100 Series Smart Sheet
Quick-reference VRT3100 sizing, features, liners, accessories, and technical information.
Superior VRT3100 Series Installation & Operation Manual
Manufacturer framing, clearance, combustion-air, gas-line, electrical, floor, hood, operation, and safety requirements.
Superior VRT3100 Series Specification Sheet
Manufacturer appliance, framing, interior, and technical dimensional information.
Superior VRT3142 FAQs
Is the Superior VRT3142 a complete gas fireplace?
No. The VRT3142 is a 42-inch vent-free firebox enclosure. The compatible gas-log heater, burner, fuel configuration, and applicable controls are selected separately.
Does the Superior VRT3142 include a gas log set?
No. Gas logs, burner, and controls are sold separately.
What are the framing dimensions for the VRT3142?
The manufacturer specifies 48-1/4" W × 40-1/4" H × 20-1/2" D.
What are the interior dimensions of the VRT3142?
The interior measures 41" front width × 29-1/4" rear width × 17-3/8" depth × 24" height.
What size gas logs fit the Superior VRT3142?
Use a listed ANSI Z21.11.2 vent-free gas-log heater whose minimum firebox requirements fit within the VRT3142 dimensions. Do not determine compatibility from nominal log length alone.
Which Superior gas-log families are shown for the VRT3100 Series?
Superior identifies Crescent Hill, Crescent Hill HD, Golden Oak, Boulder Mountain, Rugged Stack, and Wild Timber at the family level.
What is the maximum BTU input allowed?
The separately selected vent-free gas-log heater must not exceed 40,000 BTU/hr input.
Does the VRT3142 require a chimney?
No conventional chimney is used for the approved vent-free configuration, but adequate combustion and ventilation air are still required.
Is the heat-deflection hood optional?
No. The factory-supplied hood is required for VRT3100 installations.
Does the VRT3142 include mesh fire screens?
Yes. Mesh fire screens are included.
Can a blower be added?
Yes. Superior offers optional single-speed and variable-speed blower configurations for the VRT3100 Series.
Is an outside-air kit available?
Yes. Superior offers an optional outside-air gate and duct kit for applicable installations.
Is a decorative screen available?
Yes. An optional decorative twin-pane screen in a textured iron finish is available separately.
Does the VRT3142 require a hearth extension?
No. A hearth extension may be used, but Superior states that it is not required for the VRT3100 Series.
How much ceiling clearance is required?
The ceiling must be at least 40 inches above the top of the firebox opening. Other combustible clearances also apply.
Can a mantel be installed above the VRT3142?
Yes, provided the mantel meets Superior's combustible mantel and trim clearance requirements. Mantel depth affects the required height.
Can I burn wood in the VRT3142?
No. Do not burn wood, solid fuel, or unapproved combustible materials in the VRT3142.
Does the VRT3142 work with natural gas or propane?
The firebox itself does not determine fuel type. Natural gas or propane is determined by the separately selected compatible vent-free gas-log heater.
What warranty does the VRT3142 have?
The VRT3100 Series carries a 20-year limited warranty, subject to the manufacturer's terms and exclusions.
Before You Order
Confirm Before Purchase
- You specifically need the Superior VRT3142.
- Your project can accommodate 48-1/4" W × 40-1/4" H × 20-1/2" D framing.
- You understand that the product is a firebox enclosure only.
- You have selected a compatible ANSI Z21.11.2 vent-free gas-log heater.
- The heater does not exceed 40,000 BTU/hr.
- The heater fits the 41" front width, 29-1/4" rear width, 17-3/8" depth, and 24" height.
- You have confirmed natural gas or propane configuration.
- You can meet all combustion-air and clearance requirements.
- You will keep the factory-supplied hood installed.
- You have planned gas-line access before enclosure.
- If adding a blower, electrical provisions will be planned before enclosure.
- You have confirmed the desired liner and accessory configuration.
Do Not Assume
- That gas logs or a burner are included.
- That every 42" gas-log system will fit.
- That nominal log size alone establishes compatibility.
- That the firebox itself produces 40,000 BTU/hr.
- That the factory hood is optional.
- That vent-free operation eliminates combustion-air requirements.
- That wood or solid fuel can be burned in the firebox.
- That a blower can be added later without electrical planning.
- That every VRT3142 configuration has the same shipping weight.
- That product photographs or diagrams can be treated as scaled construction drawings.
Final planning check: Use the Superior VRT3100 Installation & Operation Manual, Specification Sheet, Smart Sheet, and documentation for the exact selected gas-log heater to verify framing, interior fit, BTU input, fuel configuration, controls, combustion air, required hood, clearances, gas supply, electrical provisions, liner selection, accessories, and final installation before construction.
