How to measure (60 seconds)
- Pick your size: 30" (compact traditional) vs 36" (standard focal point).
- Rough opening (cutout): confirm your framed opening meets the “Rough opening / cutout” values in the fit table.
- Depth: confirm at least 11 3/4" of cavity depth for the shell.
- Finishing opening: confirm the face opening you plan to finish to (tile/stone/drywall) matches the “Finish (face) opening” values.
- Power plan: plan for a 15A, 60Hz circuit for both 120V and 240V installations (dedicated preferred).
Clearance note
Keep furniture, drapes, bedding materials, and all combustibles at least 3 feet from the front of the fireplace. Sides/floor/back are zero-clearance; top is zero-clearance on 120V and requires 2" clearance to insulation/vapor barrier when hardwired for 240V.
Fit requirements table (hard constraints)
Sizes below summarize shell size, viewing area, and finishing (face) opening. Electrical supports 120/208/240V with a voltage selector switch; 15A, 60Hz circuit required (dedicated preferred).
| Size | Model (SKU) | Viewing area (W×H) | Firebox / shell (W×H×D) | Rough opening / cutout (W×H×D) | Heat (standard) | Heat (optional) | Power + breaker | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30" | SF-BI30-EB | 28 1/4" W × 22 3/4" H | 33" W × 26 3/4" H × 11 3/4" D |
Cutout (min.): 33" W × 26 3/4" H × 11 3/4" D Finish (face) opening: 30" W × 26 1/4" H |
120V 1400W (11.7A) | 208/240V 2100/2800W (10.1A / 11.7A) | 15A, 60Hz circuit required (120V or 240V). Optional power cord kit is for 120V only. Verify voltage selector switch position before energizing. |
View on product page |
| 36" | SF-BI36-EB | 34 1/4" W × 27 1/4" H | 39" W × 31 7/32" H × 11 3/4" D |
Cutout (min.): 39" W × 31 7/32" H × 11 3/4" D Finish (face) opening: 36" W × 30 1/2" H |
120V 1400W (11.7A) | 208/240V 2100/2800W (10.1A / 11.7A) | 15A, 60Hz circuit required (120V or 240V). Optional power cord kit is for 120V only. Verify voltage selector switch position before energizing. |
View on product page |
Installation type selector
Pick your install type to see the right constraints and clearance notes.
New construction: frame to the cutout, then finish to the face opening
Frame your opening to the “Cutout (min.)” values in the table, level the unit (shim for finished flooring thickness), then finish your wall to the “Finish (face) opening”.
Clearances (quick reference)
Sides 0", Floor 0", Back 0", Front 36". Top is 0" on 120V; if hardwired for 240V, keep insulation/vapor barrier 2" from the top and use stand-offs.
Electrical: 15A, 60Hz circuit required. 120/208/240V supported (set the voltage selector switch correctly before powering).
Existing fireplace: draft-seal first
Seal drafts with non-fibrous insulation to prevent debris or water from falling from the chimney onto the unit. Close the chimney flue/damper if applicable before final placement.
Maintain front clearance
Keep combustibles at least 36" from the front. Confirm the cavity meets the cutout depth and width/height for your selected size.
Electrical: 15A, 60Hz circuit required. Optional cord kit is 120V only; hardwire required for 240V.
Size-by-size guidance (recommendations)
The fit table above is the source of truth for opening sizes. The notes below are shopping guidance to help you choose faster.
30" model
SF-BI30-EB
Best for: Smaller living rooms, cozy dens, or bedrooms.
Why: The 30-inch model provides a classic fireplace shape that fits perfectly into smaller wall sections or more intimate spaces. It offers a generous viewing area (28 1/4" × 22 3/4"), giving you a traditional focal point that doesn’t overwhelm the room.
Viewing area: 28 1/4" W × 22 3/4" H
Cutout (min.): 33" W × 26 3/4" H × 11 3/4" D
Finish (face) opening: 30" W × 26 1/4" H
36" model
SF-BI36-EB
Best for: Standard-sized family rooms and primary living areas.
Why: The 36-inch model is the most popular choice for creating a central focal point in a typical home. It provides a larger, more commanding flame presence that mimics the scale of a standard wood-burning fireplace, making it ideal for anchoring a media wall or a dedicated fireplace mantel.
Viewing area: 34 1/4" W × 27 1/4" H
Cutout (min.): 39" W × 31 7/32" H × 11 3/4" D
Finish (face) opening: 36" W × 30 1/2" H
View product page and availability
Check current stock, select a size, and see current pricing on the main product page.
Safety, clearance, and electrical notes are summarized from the SimpliFire SF-BI30-EB / SF-BI36-EB owner’s manual. Always follow the manufacturer installation instructions and local electrical code. Use a qualified electrician for hardwire installation and 240V configurations.