About this product
Empire White Mountain Hearth Whiskey River 18", 24" & 30" Vent-Free/Vented Gas Log Set with Contour Burner
The Empire White Mountain Hearth Whiskey River Gas Log Set combines traditional ceramic fiber logs with a Contour Burner to create a complete gas-log fireplace system for compatible fireplaces. Available in 18", 24", and 30" sizes, Whiskey River configurations are offered for dedicated Natural Gas or Propane installations with Manual, Millivolt, or Thermostat controls depending on the selected model.
Standard 18" and 24" systems use five-piece ceramic fiber log arrangements, while the larger 30" configuration uses seven logs. Depending on size, fuel, and control configuration, input ranges up to 40,000 BTU/hr.
Unlike a log-set-only product, Whiskey River configurations include the Contour Burner, ceramic fiber gas logs, and glowing ember material.
Natural Gas and Propane versions are fuel-specific and are not field-convertible. VFDM, VFDR, and VFDT controls also have different operating and vented-use capabilities.
Why Choose the Empire Whiskey River Gas Log Set?
Complete Fireplace System
Includes a compatible Contour Burner, ceramic fiber logs, and glowing ember material.
Three Sizes
Choose 18", 24", or 30" after measuring the usable fireplace opening.
Up to 40,000 BTU
The 30" standard configuration reaches up to 40,000 BTU/hr.
Three Control Families
Manual, Millivolt, and Thermostat options support different installation and control preferences.
Natural Gas or Propane
Dedicated configurations are available for both common gas fuels.
Vent-Free Safety
An Oxygen Depletion Sensor pilot system supports approved vent-free operation.
Whiskey River Size Comparison
The final operating range depends on size, fuel, and whether VFDM, VFDR, or VFDT controls are selected.
Choose the Right Control System
Selecting the control family is one of the most important Whiskey River purchasing decisions because it determines how the burner operates and whether optional remote or thermostat controls are supported.
VFDM Manual Control
Choose VFDM when straightforward manual burner control is preferred.
- Manual gas control
- Three heat settings
- No remote-ready functionality
- No thermostat accessory operation
- Compatible with approved vent-free operation
- May support approved vented decorative operation
VFDR Millivolt / Remote-Ready Control
Choose VFDR when control flexibility is the priority.
- Self-powered millivolt system
- On / Off / Remote switch
- Hi / Lo burner adjustment
- Compatible with selected optional handheld remotes
- Compatible with selected wall switches
- Compatible with selected thermostat controls for vent-free operation
- Basic gas-valve operation does not require 110V household electricity
- May support approved vented decorative operation
A VFDR burner may support vented decorative operation, but thermostat control itself is not approved for vented decorative use.
VFDT Thermostat Control
Choose VFDT when built-in thermostatic operation is desired.
- Integral thermostat gas control
- Automatic control based on temperature demand
- Designed for vent-free applications
- Not approved for vented decorative thermostat operation
If vented decorative operation is required, select an approved VFDM or VFDR configuration instead.
Special VFDR18LB10 10,000 BTU Model
Empire also identifies the VFDR18LB10, a separate 18" Millivolt configuration rated at 10,000 BTU/hr.
This lower-input model is distinct from the standard 18" Whiskey River configurations that provide up to 28,000 BTU/hr.
The manufacturer identifies the VFDR18LB10 for certain lower-input applications such as bedrooms where allowed. Always verify local requirements before installing any vent-free gas appliance in a bedroom, bathroom, or other restricted location.
Will the Whiskey River Fit Your Fireplace?
Do not choose solely by the nominal 18", 24", or 30" log-set designation. Measure the usable fireplace width, height, and depth.
The special VFDR18LB10 also requires a minimum opening of 28"W × 17"H × 12"D.
Mantel clearances, sidewall clearances, fireplace construction, combustion air, gas supply, and local regulations must also be verified.
Compatible Fireplace Types
Empire specifies installation in an appropriate:
- Solid-fuel-burning masonry fireplace
- UL 127 factory-built fireplace
- Listed ventless firebox enclosure for applicable vent-free operation
Do not install the appliance in a factory-built fireplace whose instructions state that unvented gas logs have not been tested or should not be used.
Vent-Free Supplemental Heating
When installed vent-free, Whiskey River functions as an unvented supplemental zone heater.
- Uses room air for combustion
- Requires adequate combustion and ventilation air
- Must be properly sized for the space
- Is not intended as the primary heat source for an entire house
- Uses an ODS pilot safety system
- Adds water vapor to the room during combustion
Empire states that an unvented room heater produces approximately 1 ounce (30 ml) of water per 1,000 BTU of gas input per hour.
Vented Decorative Operation
Compatible VFDR Millivolt and VFDM Manual configurations may be installed as vented decorative gas-log appliances where permitted.
- The fireplace must have a working flue.
- The chimney and firebox must be appropriately prepared.
- The fireplace damper must remain appropriately open.
- The supplied damper clamp must prevent accidental closure.
- Solid fuel must not be burned while the gas-log appliance is installed.
- Thermostat operation is not approved for vented decorative use.
Follow Empire's complete vented-installation instructions for the exact selected model.
Canada Installation Restriction
Empire states that applicable Canadian installations must use an approved vented configuration.
Natural Gas or Propane?
Natural Gas
Select the exact Natural Gas model for the chosen size and control family.
Propane / LP
Select the exact Propane model for the chosen size and control family.
Each appliance must be operated only with the gas type shown on its rating plate.
Gas Pressure Specifications
Gas-line sizing, appliance connection, leak testing, and pressure verification should be completed according to Empire's instructions and applicable codes.
What's Included?
Included Components
- Gas log grate / Contour Burner assembly
- Ceramic fiber gas log set
- Glowing ember material
- Two masonry anchoring screws
- Two sheet-metal anchoring screws
Log Count by Size
- 18": 5 ceramic fiber logs
- 24": 5 ceramic fiber logs
- 30": 7 ceramic fiber logs
Flame & Ember Appearance
During normal full-rate operation, Empire describes the intended flame presentation as:
- Yellow flames above the rear burner section
- Shorter blue flames toward the front
- Glowing ember appearance across the front burner section
Flame height varies by design, and exact log placement is important to proper combustion.
Follow Empire's prescribed log placement for the selected model. Incorrect positioning can contribute to flame impingement, soot, or improper operation.
Important Clearances & Operating Requirements
Sidewall Clearance
Fireplace opening must be at least 6" from combustible sidewalls.
Ceiling Clearance
Ceiling must be at least 41" above the fireplace opening for 18", 24", and 30" configurations.
Floor-Level Installation
The manufacturer specifies 0" minimum floor clearance to combustibles for applicable floor-level installations.
A fireplace screen must also remain in place while the appliance is operating.
Mantel and noncombustible-facing clearances depend on the installation and whether a compatible fireplace hood is used.
Existing Fireplace Preparation
Before installation in an existing solid-fuel-burning fireplace, Empire requires proper cleaning of the chimney flue and firebox.
- Remove soot
- Remove creosote
- Remove ashes
- Remove loose paint
- Use a qualified chimney cleaner
- Secure the burner assembly to the fireplace or firebox floor
ODS Pilot Safety System
Vent-free Whiskey River configurations use an Oxygen Depletion Sensor pilot safety system.
The ODS is designed to shut the heater down if adequate fresh air is unavailable.
Adequate combustion and ventilation air is still required for vent-free operation.
Optional Fireplace Accessories
Traditional Log & Ember Bed Kit
- Six burnt-log pieces
- White ash
- Lava rock
- Enhances the surrounding fireplace presentation
- Not for placement on top of the burner
28"–48" Adjustable Fireplace Hood
- Black finish
- Adjustable from 28" to 48"
- Approximately 4-1/2" wide
- Approximately 3-1/2" high
- Surface-mount design
24" Flexible Stainless Steel Gas Line
- Stainless-steel construction
- 24" length
- For compatible gas-appliance connections
Platinum Glowing Fireplace Embers
- Enhances glowing ember appearance
- Approximately 1 gram
- Use directly on the burner only where Empire specifies
Ember Platinum Twelve-Packet Box
- Enhances firebox and flame appearance
- Includes twelve packets of glowing ember material
Optional Controls for VFDR Millivolt Models
These control accessories apply to compatible VFDR Millivolt configurations and should not be assumed compatible with VFDM Manual or VFDT Thermostat models.
FRBC On/Off Remote
- Battery-operated handheld control
- Turns compatible burner on and off
- No control wire required to fireplace
FRBTC Thermostat Remote
- Battery-operated remote
- On/off functionality
- Thermostat operation
- Thermostat use is vent-free only
FRBTP Programmable Remote
- Battery-operated control
- Designed for compatible Empire remote-ready appliances
- Programmable operation
FWS Wall Switch
- Wall-mounted on/off switch
- For compatible Empire remote-ready appliances
TMV Wall Thermostat
- Wall thermostat
- For compatible Empire millivolt appliances
- Vent-free thermostat use only
TRW Wireless Wall Thermostat
- Wireless thermostat control
- Wall-mounted convenience
- Vent-free thermostat use only
Important Installation & Safety Requirements
- Verify minimum fireplace dimensions before purchasing.
- Select the exact Natural Gas or Propane model before ordering.
- Do not attempt field conversion between fuel types.
- Confirm whether vent-free appliances are permitted by local codes.
- Provide adequate combustion and ventilation air for vent-free operation.
- Installation and servicing should be completed by a qualified agency.
- Keep combustible materials, gasoline, and flammable vapors away from the appliance.
- Do not allow fans to blow directly into the fireplace.
- Do not place additional logs or unapproved materials on the burner.
- Keep burner ports, air intake, controls, and circulating passages clean.
- Follow the exact log-placement instructions.
- Keep fireplace glass doors open during operation.
- Keep the required fireplace screen in place.
- Do not operate the appliance if any component has been under water.
- Empire recommends inspection before use and at least annual inspection by qualified service personnel.
Complete Whiskey River Specifications
Flame Authority Expert Recommendation
Choose the Empire White Mountain Hearth Whiskey River when you want a complete traditional gas-log presentation with a coordinated Contour Burner and the ability to select among several sizes, fuel types, and control systems.
The key decision is the control family. Choose VFDM for straightforward manual operation, VFDR when remote-ready millivolt flexibility matters, or VFDT when integral thermostat control is preferred for an approved vent-free installation.
Before ordering, verify the 18", 24", or 30" size, Natural Gas or Propane configuration, fireplace dimensions, BTU range, control type, vented or vent-free installation, gas pressure, combustion-air requirements, optional control compatibility, glass-door position, damper requirements, and local codes.
Official Manufacturer Manual
Empire Whiskey River FAQs
Yes. The documented Whiskey River system includes the Contour Burner, ceramic fiber log set, and glowing ember material.
Whiskey River is available in 18", 24", and 30" sizes.
Standard 18" and 24" models use five ceramic fiber logs, while the 30" model uses seven logs.
VFDM uses manual control, VFDR uses a self-powered millivolt remote-ready control system, and VFDT uses integral thermostatic control.
Choose a compatible VFDR Millivolt configuration when optional handheld remote or wall-switch operation is required.
No. Thermostat operation is limited to approved vent-free applications.
VFDM Manual and VFDR Millivolt configurations may support approved vent-free or vented decorative operation where permitted. VFDT Thermostat models are intended for vent-free use.
Standard 18" models provide up to 28,000 BTU/hr. Natural Gas models operate from 19,000 to 28,000 BTU/hr, while Propane models operate from 22,000 to 28,000 BTU/hr.
Natural Gas models operate from 24,000 to 34,000 BTU/hr, while Propane models operate from 26,000 to 34,000 BTU/hr.
Natural Gas models operate from 27,000 to 40,000 BTU/hr, while Propane models operate from 31,000 to 40,000 BTU/hr.
VFDR18LB10 is a separate 18" Millivolt model rated at 10,000 BTU/hr, distinct from the standard higher-input 18" configurations.
Empire specifies a minimum fireplace opening of 28"W × 17"H × 12"D.
Empire specifies a minimum fireplace opening of 30"W × 18"H × 12"D.
Empire specifies a minimum fireplace opening of 34"W × 20"H × 12"D.
No. Empire states that the appliances are not field-convertible between Natural Gas and Propane.
No. The VFDR millivolt gas-valve system is self-powered and does not require 110V household electricity for basic burner operation.
No. Empire requires fireplace glass doors to remain open during operation.
Yes. The required fireplace screen should remain in place during operation.
Yes. Empire requires the supplied damper clamp to prevent accidental closure of the fireplace damper.
No. Empire states that Canadian installations must use an approved vented configuration.
Yes. Vent-free configurations use an Oxygen Depletion Sensor pilot safety system.
No. Empire identifies vent-free operation as supplemental zone heating, not primary whole-house heating.
No. Use only the approved log arrangement and place decorative media only where Empire specifically permits it.
Yes. Gas piping, installation, pressure verification, servicing, and repair should be completed by appropriately qualified personnel.
Before You Order
Confirm Before Purchase
- You have selected 18", 24", or 30".
- Your fireplace meets the required minimum dimensions.
- You have confirmed Natural Gas or Propane.
- You understand the fuel cannot be field-converted.
- You have selected VFDM, VFDR, or VFDT controls.
- You understand VFDT is intended for vent-free use.
- You understand thermostat accessories are vent-free only.
- You have confirmed vent-free or approved vented operation.
- You can provide adequate combustion and ventilation air.
- You can maintain all sidewall, ceiling, mantel, and fireplace clearances.
- You will keep fireplace glass doors open during operation.
- You will keep the fireplace screen in place.
- You understand vented operation requires the damper clamp.
- You have verified optional VFDR accessory compatibility.
- You will use qualified personnel for installation and service.
Do Not Assume
- That every nominally matching fireplace is large enough.
- That Natural Gas and Propane versions are interchangeable.
- That VFDM, VFDR, and VFDT operate the same way.
- That thermostat operation is permitted when vented.
- That every remote accessory works with every control family.
- That vent-free installation is permitted everywhere.
- That vent-free installation is permitted in Canada.
- That the ODS removes the need for combustion air.
- That glass fireplace doors can remain closed.
- That the damper can be closed during vented operation.
- That extra logs or decorative media can be placed freely on the burner.
- That the appliance is intended as primary whole-house heat.
Need Help Choosing the Correct Whiskey River Configuration?
The right Whiskey River configuration depends on your fireplace dimensions, desired log size, fuel supply, control preference, vented or vent-free installation, and optional remote-control needs.
Talk to a Flame Authority expert at +1-800-923-4556 or email support@flameauthority.com for help selecting the appropriate size, fuel type, and control configuration.
Description supplied by Flame Authority through its current Shopify listing. Product, performance, and health claims are the seller’s and have not been independently verified by StorkScout.
