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Empire Fireplace Buying Guide: Every Series Compared
Empire Comfort Systems has been manufacturing gas fireplaces, heaters, and stoves in Belleville, Illinois since 1932. With product lines spanning from budget-friendly vent-free heaters to premium $10,000+ linear fireplaces, Empire offers one of the broadest catalogs in the hearth industry.
This guide breaks down every major Empire fireplace series to help you find the right product for your home, budget, and installation requirements.
Empire Fireplace Series Overview
| Series | Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushmore | Direct Vent Gas | $6,100 - $8,955 | Premium homes, showpiece fireplaces |
| Boulevard | DV & Vent-Free Gas | $2,300 - $10,969 | Modern/contemporary spaces, feature walls |
| Tahoe | Direct Vent Gas | $1,400 - $4,835 | Traditional homes, reliable everyday use |
| Carol Rose | Outdoor Gas | $455 - $5,569 | Patios, outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas |
| Vail | Vent-Free Gas | $1,200 - $2,969 | Rooms without venting, easy installation |
| Spirit | Gas Stove | $1,400 - $3,599 | Traditional decor, wood stove alternative |
| Empire Stove | Wood Burning | $1,700 - $5,969 | Wood heat enthusiasts, off-grid homes |
| HearthRite | Vent-Free Heater | $175 - $949 | Budget supplemental heating, zone heating |
| Wall Furnaces | Gas Furnace | $800 - $4,649 | Apartments, commercial, primary zone heating |
Empire Rushmore: The Premium Choice
The Rushmore series is Empire's flagship line, featuring TruFlame technology for the most realistic flame presentation in the catalog. Available in 36", 40", and 50" sizes with clean face design (no visible louvers or vents).
Choose Rushmore if: You want the best-looking flame, clean modern aesthetics, and are willing to invest in a premium direct vent fireplace. The 50" Rushmore at $8,955 is Empire's most impressive residential fireplace.
Empire Boulevard: Contemporary Linear Design
The Boulevard series is Empire's contemporary linear fireplace line. Sizes range from 36" to an industry-leading 72" model. Available in both direct vent and vent-free configurations, plus see-through models for room dividers.
Choose Boulevard if: You want a modern, wide-format linear fireplace. The 72" Boulevard at $10,969 is one of the largest residential gas fireplaces available anywhere. The vent-free options offer simpler installation at lower price points.
Empire Tahoe: The Reliable Workhorse
The Tahoe series is Empire's most popular traditional gas fireplace line. Available in standard, clean face, premium, luxury, and deluxe tiers. Sizes include 32", 36", and 42", with peninsula and see-through options.
Choose Tahoe if: You want a proven, reliable direct vent gas fireplace with traditional styling. The Tahoe offers the best value in the Empire lineup with options at every price point from $1,400 to $4,835.
Empire Carol Rose: Outdoor Living
The Carol Rose collection brings fire to your outdoor space with linear fire pits, traditional premium fireplaces, and see-through models. All weather-rated for year-round outdoor use.
Choose Carol Rose if: You are building an outdoor living space, patio kitchen, or entertainment area and want a high-quality outdoor gas fireplace or fire pit.
Empire Vail: No Vent Needed
The Vail series offers vent-free fireplaces in 26" and 32" sizes. No chimney, flue, or external venting required. Peninsula and see-through configurations available.
Choose Vail if: Your room has no existing venting and you want to avoid the cost of installing a vent system. Vent-free fireplaces are the most efficient gas fireplaces since 100% of the heat stays in the room.
Empire Spirit: Cast Iron Gas Stove
The Spirit series features cast iron gas stoves that look like traditional wood stoves but run on gas. Available in small (22") and medium (28") sizes, with both direct vent and vent-free options.
Choose Spirit if: You love the look of a cast iron wood stove but want the convenience of gas — no wood splitting, no ash cleanup, and heat at the push of a button.
HearthRite: Budget-Friendly Heating
The HearthRite line offers the most affordable entry point in the Empire catalog. Choose from infrared (radiant) or blue flame (convection) vent-free heaters in 6,000 to 30,000 BTU sizes.
Choose HearthRite if: You need affordable supplemental zone heating. Prices start under $200, making HearthRite heaters accessible for cabins, workshops, and rooms that need extra warmth.
Direct Vent vs. Vent-Free: Which Do You Need?
| Feature | Direct Vent | Vent-Free |
|---|---|---|
| Venting Required | Yes (through wall or roof) | No |
| Bedroom Approved | Yes | Varies by local code |
| Efficiency | 70-80% | 99.9% |
| Installation Cost | Higher (vent materials + labor) | Lower (no vent needed) |
| Indoor Air Quality | No impact (sealed system) | Adds moisture and trace combustion gases |
Need Help Choosing?
With 489 Empire products in our catalog, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Here is a quick decision guide:
- Budget under $1,000: HearthRite heaters
- Traditional gas fireplace ($1,400-$4,800): Tahoe series
- Modern linear fireplace ($2,300-$10,969): Boulevard series
- Premium showpiece ($6,100-$8,955): Rushmore series
- Outdoor fireplace ($455-$5,569): Carol Rose outdoor
- No venting available ($1,200-$2,969): Vail vent-free
- Cast iron stove look ($1,400-$3,599): Spirit stoves
Have questions? Contact us — we carry the full Empire Comfort Systems catalog and can help you find the right fireplace, heater, or stove for your home. Browse all Empire products and parts.
- Tags: boulevard, buying guide, carol rose, empire, empire comfort systems, gas fireplace, hearthrite, rushmore, tahoe
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