The P38DF from Montigo
Zero clearance to combustibles at the back, the sides, and the floor: the framing goes tight to the firebox, and non-combustible facing can finish flush to the opening. The Montigo P38DF is a 38-inch single-sided direct-vent gas fireplace: 25,000 BTU/hr on natural gas or propane, 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, $6,249, and a 15-year parts warranty on the firebox and burner. This is the Full Load tier — the RX200 remote, variable-speed fans, black porcelain liner, halogen uplighting, and battery backup all come standard, not as add-ons.
Choose it if you want the smallest Phenom without the shortest feature list. Nothing here is an upgrade path: concealed burner with Quartz firebeads, six flame levels and six fan speeds from the remote, Smart Thermostat mode that modulates the flame toward the temperature you set, and zero-clearance framing at the back, sides, and floor — you frame the opening, not an air gap around it.
It is not right if you plan to vent propane straight out the back wall — straight-through rear venting is natural-gas only on this model; if you want the fireplace recessed into an existing wall cavity (prohibited); if your wall cannot give up 20-1/8 in. of depth; or if you need it tied into a home-automation system, which Montigo's control system does not support.
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.), never over 14 in. w.c. test pressure, lights with SIT Proflame 2 electronic ignition, and needs unswitched 120 VAC, 60 Hz power at 6 amps. Efficiency is 58% (P.4.1-15) on both fuels.
P38DF vs. the other Phenom sizes and tiers
The P38DF is the smallest single-sided Phenom. Step up to the P42DF ($6,969) for 32,000 BTU/hr and a 39-1/2" x 20-3/8" view in a 42-inch opening, or the P52DF ($7,849) for 40,000 BTU/hr and a 47-inch-wide view. Same size, lower price: the Basic-tier PL38DF (from $4,339) keeps the same 25,000 BTU/hr natural-gas rating, framing, and 5/8 venting, but swaps Quartz firebeads for Ice fireglass and makes the remote, fans, liner, and battery backup optional — with no uplighting or WiFi offered at all. Want the flame visible from two rooms? The see-through L38FSD (from $5,879) shows a 35-1/4" x 19-3/8" view on each side.
Answers to common questions
What venting does the P38DF need, and is it in the box?
Vent pipe is sold separately and sized to your layout. The P38DF uses 5 in. inner / 8 in. outer coaxial direct vent and ships set up for top venting; it 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), and 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?
Yes. Ignition is SIT Proflame 2 electronic (120 V), and the Full Load includes the AF40BP battery backup tray as standard — four AA batteries keep ignition working through an outage. The blower fans run on household power, so plan on radiant heat only until power returns.
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 Quartz firebeads, glass with the required safety barrier, the micro mesh screen, the RX200 multi-function remote, remote-controlled variable-speed fans, a black porcelain liner, halogen uplighting, and the AF40BP battery backup tray.
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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: surrounds in satin black or stainless steel, alternate media (speckled stones, driftwood, glass), and SIT-WIFI phone app control.
Can I run it from my phone or my smart-home system?
The Full Load ships with the SIT RX200 multi-function remote: on/off, six flame levels, six fan speeds, thermostat and Smart Thermostat modes, and a key lock. Optional SIT-WIFI phone app control is available for Full Load units. One honest caveat: the control system "Can not be used with home automation systems" — so no Alexa, Google Home, or Control4 integration.
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.
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