Empire Boulevard 48" Vent-Free See-Through Gas Fireplace

The Empire Boulevard 48" Vent-Free See-Through Gas Fireplace combines contemporary linear styling with a two-sided flame display, making it an attractive choice for connecting adjoining indoor spaces. Its see-through configuration provides a view of the fire from either side, creating a shared focal point without requiring a conventional chimney or venting system.

Available in Natural Gas (VFLB48SP90N) and Propane (VFLB48SP90P) configurations, this Empire Boulevard fireplace delivers up to 36,000 BTU/h of supplemental heating. The concealed linear burner creates a streamlined flame presentation, while the included Proflame remote control provides six levels of flame adjustment and thermostat operation.

Designed for built-in installations, the Boulevard 48 See-Through supports clean-face and flush-mounted finishing options. Optional decorative fronts, reflective porcelain liners, accent lighting, and approved fireplace media provide additional ways to personalize the finished installation.

Features

• 48-Inch See-Through Design: Creates a two-sided fireplace display that can be enjoyed from adjoining indoor spaces.
• Vent-Free Gas Operation: Does not require conventional chimney venting when installed in an approved location with adequate combustion and ventilation air.
• Up to 36,000 BTU/h: Offers supplemental heating with separate input ranges for Natural Gas and Propane models.
• Contemporary Linear Burner: Features a concealed burner arrangement for a clean, modern flame presentation.
• Intermittent Pilot Ignition: Uses an electronic ignition system for fireplace operation.
• Proflame Remote Control: Includes a multifunction remote with six flame-height settings and thermostat control.
• Smart Thermostat Function: Automatically adjusts flame height in response to the difference between the selected temperature and room temperature.
• Two Viewing Sides: Includes protective barrier screen assemblies for both fireplace openings.
• Flexible Finishing Options: Supports clean-face and flush-mounted installations using manufacturer-approved finishing methods.
• Optional Decorative Fronts: Compatible with black beveled decorative fronts in 3/4-inch and 1.5-inch profiles.
• Optional Reflective Liner: Supports a black reflective porcelain liner kit with a matching burner cover.
• Optional Accent Lighting: Compatible with the Empire LK5 120V lighting kit.
• Decorative Media Choices: Accepts manufacturer-approved decorative glass, ceramic fiber rocks, pebbles, and compatible log sets.

Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: Empire Comfort Systems
• Brand: White Mountain Hearth
• Series: Boulevard
• Product Type: Vent-Free Linear Gas Fireplace
• Fireplace Configuration: See-Through / Two-Sided
• Nominal Size: 48"
• Natural Gas Model: VFLB48SP90N
• Propane Model: VFLB48SP90P
• Maximum Gas Input: 36,000 BTU/h
• Natural Gas Input Range: 25,000–36,000 BTU/h
• Propane Input Range: 28,000–36,000 BTU/h
• Ignition System: Intermittent Pilot Ignition (IPI)
• Remote Control: Proflame Remote Control
• Flame Adjustment: Six Levels
• Thermostat Control: Standard and Smart Thermostat Functions
• Maximum Firebox Face Width: 54-3/16"
• Maximum Firebox Face Height (Excluding Standoffs): 22-1/2"
• Maximum Firebox Depth: 11-3/4"
• Firebox Opening: 50-1/16" W × 14-1/8" H
• Barrier Screen Opening: 47-7/8" W × 11-7/8" H
• Overall Height to Header: 41-1/2"
• Decorative Media Area: 2.75 sq. ft.
• Barrier Screen Assemblies: Two Included
• Installation Location: Indoor
• Heating Application: Supplemental Heating
• Fuel Conversion: Not Permitted

Natural Gas & Propane Options

The Empire Boulevard 48" See-Through Fireplace is available in two fuel-specific configurations:

• VFLB48SP90N – Natural Gas: Adjustable gas input from 25,000 to 36,000 BTU/h.
• VFLB48SP90P – Propane: Adjustable gas input from 28,000 to 36,000 BTU/h.

Both models use Empire's Proflame control system, allowing users to adjust flame height through six levels. The included remote also provides thermostat functions, including a Smart Thermostat mode that modulates flame height as the room temperature approaches the selected setting.

Important: The fireplace must be ordered for the appropriate fuel type. Field conversion between Natural Gas and Propane is not permitted.

Decorative Media Options

The Boulevard 48 See-Through fireplace can be customized with Empire-approved decorative media. Its burner cover provides approximately 2.75 square feet of decorative media area, allowing customers to select from a variety of glass colors and decorative materials.

Manufacturer-listed crushed glass options include:

• Clear Frost Crushed Glass (DG1CLF)
• Black Polished Crushed Glass (DG1BKP)
• Blue Clear Crushed Glass (DG1BUC)
• Bronze Reflective Crushed Glass (DG1BZR)
• Copper Reflective Crushed Glass (DG1BCR)

Empire also offers approved decorative glass droplets, glass drops, ceramic fiber rocks, pebbles, and compatible decorative log sets.

Each standard Empire crushed glass package covers approximately one square foot. Three one-square-foot packages provide enough material for the specified 2.75-square-foot area. Only the manufacturer-recommended amount should be installed.

Decorative glass must be arranged in a single layer within the approved placement area. Media must not be placed on or next to the burner, obstruct the burner openings, or extend above the specified burner cover lip.

Optional Fireplace Accessories

Several manufacturer-approved accessories are available to customize the appearance and functionality of the Empire Boulevard 48" Vent-Free See-Through Fireplace. These accessories are sold separately unless included in a selected product configuration.

• DF481VBL – 3/4" Black Beveled Decorative Front: A slim decorative frame that provides a clean finishing detail around the fireplace opening.
• DF482VBL – 1.5" Black Beveled Decorative Front: A wider decorative frame designed to create a more prominent border around the fireplace opening.
• VBP48BLKR – Black Reflective Porcelain Liner: Includes reflective side liner panels and a matching replacement burner cover for the see-through fireplace configuration.
• LK5 – 120V Accent Lighting Kit: Adds optional lighting inside the fireplace. A separate wall switch or rheostat is required.
• Decorative Glass & Rocks: Allows the firebox display to be customized using manufacturer-approved decorative media.
• Decorative Log & Rock Sets: Available for compatible fireplace configurations, subject to the manufacturer's current accessory specifications.

For see-through installations, decorative fronts can be installed on one or both viewing sides. Two decorative fronts are needed when a matching frame is desired on both sides of the fireplace.

Clean-Face & Flush-Mounted Installation

The Empire Boulevard 48 See-Through is designed for built-in installation with a fireplace opening on each viewing side. Empire provides two finishing approaches to accommodate different wall designs and surrounding materials.

• Clean-Face Installation: Allows the surrounding wall to be finished around the fireplace opening using the approved non-combustible board and finishing method.
• Flush-Mounted Installation: Allows approved non-combustible materials, such as tile, marble, or stone, to be installed over the fireplace face up to the opening flange.

Framing dimensions, finishing clearances, and installation requirements depend on the selected configuration. Optional decorative fronts require additional spacing around the fireplace opening as specified by Empire.

The fireplace must be installed by a qualified professional following the manufacturer's installation instructions and all applicable building, gas, and safety codes.

What's Included

The standard Empire Boulevard 48 See-Through Fireplace package includes the main fireplace assembly and manufacturer-supplied installation components, including:

• Empire Boulevard 48" See-Through Fireplace
• Proflame Remote Control
• Two Protective Barrier Screen Assemblies
• Standard Burner Cover Assembly
• Burner Glass Panels
• Manufacturer-Supplied Non-Combustible Boards
• Installation Hardware and Applicable Electrical Components

Decorative media, optional reflective liners, decorative fronts, accent lighting kits, and decorative log sets are separate accessories unless specifically included in the selected configuration.

Vent-Free Fireplace Safety & Installation Requirements

The Empire Boulevard 48 is an unvented gas-fired fireplace that uses air from the room for combustion. Adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided according to Empire's installation instructions.

Vent-free gas appliances may be restricted or prohibited in certain locations. Before purchasing or installing this fireplace, confirm that the intended installation complies with local regulations and the manufacturer's requirements for room size, clearances, ventilation, and gas supply.

This fireplace is intended for supplemental heating and must not be modified or operated with unapproved decorative materials or accessories. Installation and servicing must be performed by qualified personnel.

Important: Select the correct Natural Gas or Propane model before ordering. Optional accessories and decorative media are sold separately unless expressly included with the selected product configuration. Always follow the manufacturer's installation, operation, and safety instructions.

Downloads

• Empire Boulevard 48" See-Through Fireplace - Installation Manual [Download]