The PL38DF from Montigo
Same firebox, same framing, same venting as the Full Load P38DF — about $1,900 less. The Montigo PL38DF is the Basic-tier 38-inch single-sided direct-vent gas fireplace, priced without the control package: 25,000 BTU/hr on natural gas, a 35-3/16" x 19-1/2" viewing area, a 37-3/4" W x 41-1/4" H x 20-1/8" D framed opening, from $4,339, and a 15-year parts warranty on the firebox and burner, with the extras made optional.
Choose it if you want the fireplace and not the accessories. Same firebox, same opening, same concealed burner — the Basic lays in Ice fireglass where the Full Load lays in Quartz firebeads, and you light it from the low-voltage wall switch that comes in the box instead of a remote. The remote, the fans, and the battery backup are all still there if you want them later. You are not locked out, just not pre-charged.
It is not right if you want halogen uplighting or WiFi app control at any price — neither is offered on Basic units (that requires the Full Load P38DF); if you need it to light during power outages without adding the optional battery pack; if you plan to vent propane straight out the back wall (natural-gas only); or if you want it recessed into a wall cavity (prohibited).
Specifications
Frame a rough opening 37-3/4 in. wide, 41-1/4 in. tall, and 20-1/8 in. deep. Clearance to combustibles is zero at the back, sides, and floor; keep 17-1/2 in. above the unit on a top-vent install (9 in. rear-vent) and leave the supplied 7-1/2 in. standoffs in place. It runs on natural gas (5.5 in. w.c. minimum inlet pressure) or propane (11 in. w.c.) by variant, lights with the SIT Proflame 2 BASIC electronic ignition board, and needs unswitched 120 VAC, 60 Hz power at 6 amps. Efficiency is 58% (P.4.1-15) on both fuels.
PL38DF vs. the other Phenom sizes and tiers
Within the Basic tier, the PL42DF ($5,109) steps up to 32,000 BTU/hr in a 42-inch opening and the PL52DF ($5,949) to 40,000 BTU/hr at 52 inches wide. The Full Load P38DF ($6,249) is the same 38-inch firebox with the RX200 remote, variable-speed fans, black porcelain liner, halogen uplighting, and battery backup all standard, plus Quartz firebead media and optional WiFi. For a two-sided flame at this size, the see-through L38FSD starts at $5,879.
Answers to common questions
What venting does the PL38DF need, and is it in the box?
Vent pipe is sold separately and sized to your layout. The PL38DF uses 5 in. inner / 8 in. outer coaxial direct vent, ships set up for top venting, and can be converted to rear vent. Straight-through-the-wall rear venting is approved on natural gas only (up to 12 in. of horizontal with no vertical rise). Top-vent wall terminations need at least 39 in. of vertical rise on natural gas (63 in. on propane); roof terminations can run up to 32 ft above the fireplace. Beyond Montigo pipe, approved alternates include DuraVent 58DVA-series, ICC, MetalFab, Selkirk, and Flexmaster components — The Torch Guys stocks compatible DuraVent.
Will it work during a power outage?
Not out of the box. The PL38DF lights with SIT Proflame 2 BASIC electronic ignition, which needs power to run. The AF40BP battery backup tray (four AA batteries) is optional on Basic-tier units — add it at purchase if you want the fireplace to light during outages. Without it, the unit will not light until power is restored.
Can I install it in a covered outdoor room?
It is certified as an indoor gas fireplace (CSA/ANSI Z21.88-2019 / CSA 2.33-2019). Montigo does permit single-sided Phenom models in protected outdoor locations, with conditions: the space must be sheltered from direct water, the overhang must extend at least 75% of the fireplace's height dimension across the front and both sides, every indoor clearance still applies, and the supplied safety screen must be used. Never operate it below 32°F. The fireplace cannot penetrate the building envelope and cannot be recessed into a wall cavity.
What’s included, what’s required, and what’s optional?
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Included in the box: the concealed burner with Ice fireglass, glass with the required safety barrier, the micro mesh screen, and the Proflame 2 BASIC control system with a low-voltage wall switch.
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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: the multi-function remote, remote-controlled fans, a black porcelain liner, the AF40BP battery backup tray, surrounds, and alternate media. Halogen uplighting and WiFi app control are not offered on Basic units at any price.
Is the Montigo warranty valid if I buy online?
It matters where you buy. Montigo's residential warranty is not applicable to equipment sold direct to consumer through internet or auction sites that are not authorized dealers. The Torch Guys is 1 of only 3 authorized Montigo e-commerce dealers in the United States, so buying here keeps your coverage intact: 15 years parts on the firebox, heat exchanger, and main burner (1 year labor), 15 years on Montigo venting, 10 years on Montigo terminations, and 1 year on most other components. Montigo requires licensed professional installation and annual service to maintain coverage. If you ever need a claim, we file it with Montigo on your behalf — call us at (410) 324-6322.
