The 30FID Contemporary from Montigo
You already have the fireplace. The Illume 30FID Contemporary (SKU 30FIDNIL-01, model 30FIDN-L-F) is what turns it into one you actually use — a direct-vent gas insert that seals into an existing masonry or factory-built solid-fuel opening, so the draft up the chimney stops and the heat stays in the room. Minimum fireplace opening 30" W x 20" H x 14" D. Up to 24,000 BTU on natural gas (23,000 BTU propane with the GCA003 kit) behind a 24 1/4" W x 14 1/2" H viewing area. $4,249; 15-year firebox and burner warranty. P.4 efficiency: 77.6% NG / 79% LP.
Choose it if you are tired of hauling wood for a fire that mostly pulls warm air out of the house. Converting to sealed direct-vent gas fixes that. Two things make it possible: an opening of at least 30" W x 20" H x 14" D (the FP30FIDOF offset kit brings the minimum width to 28" with the standard faceplate), and a chimney that can carry two co-linear flex liners (3" exhaust and 3" intake) with 10 to 36 feet of vertical run. The Contemporary (linear) trim runs fireglass, speckled stones, or a driftwood set over the burner instead of logs.
It is not right if you have no existing fireplace cavity — this is an insert, not a built-in — if your opening is smaller than the minimum above, if your chimney cannot take both co-linear liners run vertically to a vertical termination, if you want it in an outdoor space (this is an indoor appliance), if you need a unit listed for manufactured or mobile homes (this one is not), or if you want home-automation or app control: the Proflame 2 system cannot be used with home automation.
Specifications
The insert body measures 29 1/2" W x 19 7/8" H x 13 1/2" D. Fuel is natural gas at 7" WC supply pressure, or propane at 11" WC with the GCA003 conversion kit. Ignition is SIT Proflame 2 intermittent pilot (IPI) with a continuous-pilot (CPI) mode and 7-day CPI auto-shutoff timer; battery backup covers the control module (4 AA) and remote (3 AAA). Electrical service is 115 VAC, 60 Hz on a grounded 3-prong plug with a 3.15 A fuse. Side walls need 8 1/2" of clearance from the edge of the door/screen front, a combustible mantel needs at least 17" above the unit at up to 10" of mantel depth (add 1" of height per extra inch of depth), and non-combustible facing is required for the first 16" above the unit across the full width of the opening. Hearth protection in front is not required. The unit is equipped for 0–4,500 ft altitude; above that, contact a Montigo dealer. Firebox panels are required — the unit may only be operated with panels installed (red brick BRK30FIR, brown brick BRK30FIB, or porcelain RPP30FID).
30FID vs 34FID vs the DVCP
The 30FID is the smallest Illume insert: up to 24,000 BTU into a 30" x 20" x 14" opening (Traditional $3,599, Contemporary $4,249). If your opening measures at least 34" W x 24" H x 15" D, the 34FID steps up to 31,000 BTU and a 28 3/8" x 18 1/8" viewing area (Traditional $4,029, Contemporary $4,769). The Illume DVCP ($4,099 base) needs a deeper 34 1/2" x 24 1/2" x 18 1/2" cavity and an 8" existing flue, runs an adjustable 21,000–32,000 BTU, and is the only Illume insert approved for bedrooms and manufactured homes.
Contemporary vs Traditional
This page is the Contemporary (linear) trim: fireglass, speckled stones, or driftwood media over a linear burner, at 77.6% NG / 79% LP efficiency. The 30FID Traditional ($3,599) runs a log-set burner (LGS30FI) at 78.8% NG / 80.1% LP and costs $650 less. Heat output, minimum opening, venting, and controls are identical — pick by the look you want.
Answers to common questions
Does it vent through my existing chimney, and what venting is included?
It vents through your existing chimney with two co-linear flex liners — 3" exhaust and 3" intake. Both liners must be connected; using the old flue as part of the vent path is not allowed. Termination is vertical only, with 10 to 36 feet of vent height. Approved components include DuraVent DirectVent Pro parts — the 46DVA-CL33 co-linear kit (46DVA-CL33KFB for factory-built fireplace relines), 46DVA-GK 3x3 adaptor, 46DVA-VCH high-wind vertical termination, and 3DFA-35 aluminum flex with 3DFA-FC couplings — plus Montigo VT-series flex liners. Vent components are not included and are sold separately; The Torch Guys stocks compatible DuraVent.
What comes with it, and what do I have to buy separately?
The insert ships with the SIT Proflame 2 remote and a mesh safety screen barrier that must be installed. Required to complete the installation and sold separately: firebox panels (red brick BRK30FIR, brown brick BRK30FIB, or porcelain RPP30FID — the unit may only be run with panels installed), a faceplate (Standard FP30FID-01 at 42" x 27 3/4", Oversized FP30FIDOS-01, 4-Sided FP30FID4S-01, or the FP30FIDOF offset kit), and the co-linear vent liners. The Contemporary linear burner takes fireglass (8 lbs of the 9 lb pack), speckled stones (six bags), or a six-piece driftwood set laid over stones or glass — confirm media availability with us when you order. Optional: RFKFID or RFKFIDECO fan/blower kit and the GCA003 propane conversion kit.
Will it work during a power outage?
Yes. The SIT Proflame 2 ignition has battery backup — 4 AA batteries in the control module and 3 AAA in the remote — so the fireplace can light and run without household power. The optional fan kit will not run during an outage. Normal service is 115 VAC, 60 Hz on a grounded 3-prong plug with a 3.15 A fuse.
What mantel and facing clearances does it need?
A combustible mantel needs at least 17" of clearance above the unit at up to 10" of mantel depth — the mantel may extend further out if it is raised proportionately (1" extra depth = 1" extra height). Non-combustible facing material is required above the unit for the first 16", across the full width of the fireplace opening. Run anything you plan to mount on the wall above past your installer first.
Can I run it on propane?
Yes. The propane variant ships with the GCA003 conversion kit ($4,398 versus $4,249 for natural gas). On propane, maximum input is 23,000 BTU.
Does it work with smart-home systems or a phone app?
No. The included SIT Proflame 2 remote covers on/off, six flame levels, IPI/CPI pilot select, thermostat and smart-thermostat modes, six fan speeds, accent lights, and key lock — but Montigo's manual states the Proflame 2 system cannot be used with home automation systems, and no WiFi module is documented for this insert.
What’s included, what’s required, and what’s optional?
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Included in the box: the insert, glass door and barrier screen assemblies, media, the remote, and the installation hardware.
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Required to complete the installation, purchased separately: the co-linear vent liners and termination — DuraVent DirectVent Pro co-linear components are approved alongside Montigo’s.
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Optional: alternate media, surrounds, and the wall remote.
What happens with the warranty if I buy online?
Buying online changes nothing here: The Torch Guys is 1 of only 3 authorized Montigo e-commerce dealers in the United States, and we file warranty claims on your behalf. Coverage under the Montigo Residential Warranty (administered by Empire Comfort Systems): 15 years on the firebox/heat exchanger and main burner, 15 years on Montigo venting, 10 years on terminations, 1 year on controls, electrical, media, glass and barriers, and 1 year labor. Annual service by a qualified dealer is required to keep coverage active.
