The D3615STNI-2 from Montigo
The Montigo Distinction D3615STNI-2 gives you 36" x 14 7/8" of uninterrupted flame on each face, behind a micro mesh screen fine enough that you stop noticing it. No bars. No grille. Just the fire. It is a 36" see-through direct vent gas fireplace: 35,000 BTU maximum on natural gas, turned down to 23,000 BTU from the remote when you want the look without the heat. You frame 59 3/4" W x 49 15/16" H x 17 11/16" D for it. $6,589, with a 15-year warranty on the firebox, heat exchanger, and main burner. It ships set up for natural gas; the GCA015 propane conversion kit adds $149 at checkout. All of this is standard, none of it an upcharge: the Proflame 2 remote, six-speed fans, multicolor LED uplighting, that micro mesh screen, and a concealed burner under 2 bags (6 lbs) of Ice fireglass.
Choose the D3615STNI-2 if one fireplace has to do the work of two. Glass on both faces means the kitchen side and the living side get the same fire, off one gas line and one vent run. 35,000 BTU, a 30% turndown to 23,000 BTU from the remote, and 71.96% efficiency on natural gas, so heating two rooms does not mean overheating one. Both sides get the metal framing kit, and the mantel and clearance rules apply to both faces.
It is not right if you planned to use it as a divider between an indoor room and a covered patio — the manual is explicit that indoor see-through models cannot be installed as indoor/outdoor fireplaces, because air flows through both sides. Both faces must open into indoor space. It is also not right if you cannot frame 17 11/16" deep and run 5"/8" direct vent pipe to a roof or exterior wall, if the site sits above 4,500 ft elevation, or if there is no 120V power at the fireplace.
Specifications
Framing is 59 3/4" wide, 49 15/16" high, and 17 11/16" deep, with 0" clearance at the floor, 4" at the sides, and 8 13/16" (to a combustible header) at the top. Minimum base-to-ceiling height is 89". Without the Cool Wall Advantage kit, the chase requires a minimum 120 sq. in. opening for heat release. It runs on natural gas at 5.5"–13.8" W.C. supply pressure, or on propane (11"–13.8" W.C.) after conversion with the GCA015 kit, through a 1/2" NPT inlet. Ignition is Montigo's IPI Pilot on Demand system with a selectable continuous-pilot mode. Electrical is 115V/60Hz at under 12A, with a 4xAA battery backup tray for the ignition system. The unit is rated for elevations of 0–4,500 ft and certified to ANSI Z21.88 / CSA 2.33 as a vented gas fireplace heater. The viewing glass is 5mm high-temperature ceramic, and the included micro mesh safety screen must be installed — it is the burn-protection barrier. On vinyl or LVP flooring, use a 24" hearth or raise the unit 16".
How the D3615STNI-2 compares in the Distinction lineup
The Distinction see-through line comes in four sizes. Next to this 36" at $6,589, you have the 48" D4815STNI-2 (40,000 BTU, 48" glass width, $8,269), the 63" D6315STNI-2 (50,000 BTU, 63 1/16" glass width, $15,199), and the 72" D7215STNI-2 (57,000 BTU, 73 7/8" glass width, $16,799). Pick by wall width and heat load: BTU output climbs with glass width, so size the fireplace to the room, not just the wall.
The same firebox also comes as the single-sided D3615NI-2 at $5,779 — $810 less. It frames 17 1/2" deep (this see-through is 17 11/16"), needs 1/2" of back clearance, and unlike the see-through it carries the manual's protected-outdoor allowance for covered outdoor locations.
Answers to common questions
Can I mount a TV above this fireplace?
Careful consideration should always be given to mounting heat sensitive objects — like TVs or artwork — above a fireplace.
The Cool Wall Advantage Kit (optional/not included with the fireplace) is specifically designed to divert heat away from heat sensitive objects, creating an area safer for mounting a TV or hanging artwork. Specific examples for TVs and combustible mantels are provided in the installation manual.
The Torch Guys cannot guarantee that a TV, artwork or other object will be protected from heat, discoloration, or damage. Installation decisions must be based on applicable manufacturer instructions, site conditions, and the judgement of the installer.
For help locating or understanding the manufacturer’s published requirements for this fireplace, please call us at (410) 324-6322.
What venting does it use, and is the vent pipe included?
It is a direct vent unit using 5" inner / 8" outer pipe, vented from the top to a roof or exterior-wall termination. Vertical runs are 3 ft minimum to 32 ft maximum, with at least 36" of rise before the first elbow. Horizontal layouts allow up to 24 ft of horizontal run with 10 ft of vertical. The D3615 can be reduced to 4"/7" pipe with Montigo's PVA5487 reducer (not supplied). Three restrictor plates come in the box; vent pipe itself is sold separately. Beyond Montigo pipe, the manual approves DuraVent, ICC, MetalFab, Selkirk, and Flexmaster 5"/8" systems — The Torch Guys stocks DuraVent. Non-approved venting voids the warranty. If your layout exceeds these limits, Montigo's Power Vent is the fallback, and only Montigo pipe may be used when power venting.
Will it work during a power outage?
Yes, for the flame. Ignition is intermittent pilot (Montigo's Pilot on Demand) on the Proflame 2 system, and the included 4xAA battery backup tray keeps ignition and flame control working when the power is out. The fans and LED uplighting run on 120V household power, so they stay off until power returns.
Can I install it between an indoor room and a covered patio?
No. The manual is explicit: indoor see-through models cannot be installed as indoor/outdoor fireplaces, because air flows through both sides of the fireplace. Both faces of the D3615STNI-2 must open into indoor space.
What’s included, what’s required, and what’s optional?
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Included in the box: the concealed burner with 2 bags (6 lbs) of Ice fireglass, the Proflame 2 multi-function remote, remote Hi-Lo flame control, six-speed remote-controlled fans, the micro mesh safety screen, a black reflective glass interior, multicolor LED uplighting with its own remote, a 4xAA battery backup tray, the cement board facing kit, and three vent restrictor plates.
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Required to complete the installation, purchased separately: the vent pipe and termination — Montigo pipe, or a manual-approved alternate from DuraVent, ICC, MetalFab, Selkirk, or Flexmaster.
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Optional: Cool Wall Advantage kits, adjustable trim, fluted liners, SIT-WIFI app control, the EC1550 wall remote, and alternate media such as speckled stones and driftwood log sets.
What is Cool Wall Advantage, and do I need it?
Cool Wall Advantage is Montigo's optional heat-diversion system: it redirects firebox heat so finishes above the unit stay cooler, and it drops the mantel/TV clearance from 16" to 12". Without it, the chase needs a minimum 120 sq. in. opening for heat release. One warning straight from the manual: Montigo strongly recommends that the fireplace fans be disconnected when the Cool Wall Release or Cool Wall Advantage system is used, because running the fans with Cool Wall results in significantly higher wall temperatures. If you expect to use the fans, plan on a mantel instead.
Is the warranty valid if I buy online?
Yes, when you buy from an authorized dealer — and that matters, because Montigo's published warranty does not apply to equipment sold direct to consumers through non-authorized internet or auction sites. The Torch Guys is 1 of only 3 authorized Montigo e-commerce dealers in the United States, so the residential warranty program applies in full: 15 years on the firebox, heat exchanger, and main burner; 15 years on venting; 10 years on Montigo terminations; and 1 year on most components, media, glass, and labor. The unit must be installed and serviced annually by an authorized dealer to keep coverage valid. If you ever need a claim, we file it with Montigo on your behalf — call (410) 324-6322.
