A see-through fireplace lets people enjoy the fire from two adjoining spaces, making it a practical focal point for open layouts. The Napoleon CLEARion 60-inch is best for buyers seeking a larger electric feature, while the 50-inch CLEARion adds switchable privacy glass. For gas, the Empire Boulevard offers a vent-free, double-sided design, and the Tahoe is a natural-gas option. The Touchstone Sideline is included as a recessed, single-sided alternative—not as a see-through fireplace.
| Product | Best suited for | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Napoleon CLEARion 60-Inch | A larger two-sided electric installation | Direct-wire 120V/240V; up to 10,000 BTUs |
| Napoleon CLEARion 50-Inch | Electric designs needing adjustable privacy | Three glass-transparency settings |
| Empire Boulevard | Vent-free, double-sided LP fireplace plans | 36,000 BTU; intermittent pilot ignition |
| Empire Tahoe Premium 36 | Natural-gas see-through fireplace plans | Includes two safety barrier screens |
| Touchstone Sideline 50-Inch | A recessed fireplace on one wall | Electric; flame-only operation available |
Napoleon CLEARion 60-Inch Built-In Electric Fireplace
This built-in model is a strong choice when the design calls for a wide electric fireplace visible from two rooms. Its listed features identify it as a true two-sided, see-through unit. That makes it more directly suited to a shared wall or partition than a conventional one-sided electric fireplace.
The unit is designed for direct wiring to 120V or 240V outlets. Its stated heating output is up to 10,000 BTUs and 3,000 watts. Buyers should confirm the installation requirements and electrical supply with a qualified professional before planning a finished opening.
- Best for: Buyers creating a larger built-in, two-room focal point.
- Why it was selected: It combines a 60-inch format with an explicitly two-sided design.
- Limitation: Direct-wire installation means it is not described as a simple plug-in unit.
Choose this if the priority is a wide electric viewing area and both sides of the fireplace need to be part of the room design. Do not assume the listed output will heat every room equally; room size and layout affect how heat is experienced.
Napoleon CLEARion 50-Inch Electric Fireplace
The 50-inch CLEARion is a two-sided electric fireplace with a feature that distinguishes it from a fixed-clear-glass design: Privacy Glass. The product information says the glass can switch among transparent, semi-transparent, and fully opaque settings. This gives buyers a way to change how connected or separated the two adjoining spaces feel.
Its flame presentation is adjustable, with three flame color options, five flame speeds, and 15 ember-bed color options. Those settings allow a buyer to tailor the visual effect without changing the room’s fixed materials or layout. Check the installation instructions for the intended mounting approach and required clearances.
- Best for: Shared spaces where privacy may sometimes matter as much as a view through the fireplace.
- Why it was selected: It pairs a true see-through design with three glass-opacity settings and multiple flame and ember-bed choices.
- Limitation: The listed features do not provide a heating-output figure, so compare the full specifications if supplemental heat is important.
Choose this model if adjustable transparency is central to the design. It is less appropriate if the buyer wants a permanently unobstructed view or needs a known heating capacity before making a selection.
Empire Boulevard Vent-Free See-Through Fireplace
This Empire Boulevard is a double-sided, vent-free fireplace listed for LP fuel, with a stated output of 36,000 BTUs. Its two-sided construction makes it a direct match for a design that needs a visible fire between adjoining areas. The product information describes vent-free installation as an option for homes where venting is not possible, but suitability depends on the home and applicable requirements.
The fireplace uses intermittent pilot ignition, which avoids the need for a continuously burning standing pilot. The listed features also state that it can operate on battery backup if necessary. Those details may matter to buyers comparing ignition and backup-power arrangements, but they do not replace a review of the installation manual.
- Best for: Buyers planning a double-sided LP fireplace and evaluating a vent-free installation.
- Why it was selected: It is explicitly double-sided and provides a listed 36,000-BTU output.
- Limitation: It is an LP-fuel, vent-free appliance; confirm fuel availability, installation rules, and suitability with a qualified fireplace professional.
Choose this if an LP gas fireplace and a see-through flame are priorities. Avoid assuming that vent-free means universally installable; local rules and the home’s conditions need to be checked before purchase.
Empire Tahoe Premium 36 See-Through Fireplace
The Empire Tahoe Premium 36 is listed as a see-through fireplace that uses natural gas. Its clean-face description points to a design intended to keep the visible front uncluttered, while the included two safety barrier screens are an important part of the supplied configuration.
This option is best for buyers whose project is already oriented around natural gas and who want a see-through gas fireplace rather than an electric unit. The supplied product details identify the model as DVCP36SP70N and confirm the fuel type, but do not give a heating output or detailed installation dimensions.
- Best for: Buyers seeking a natural-gas see-through fireplace with a clean-face design.
- Why it was selected: It adds a natural-gas option to a comparison otherwise spanning electric and LP-fueled models.
- Limitation: The provided specifications are limited; verify dimensions, venting requirements, and heat output in the complete product documentation.
Choose this if natural gas is the intended fuel and a two-sided fireplace fits the room plan. Confirm the framing, venting, and safety-screen requirements before finalizing the opening or surrounding finishes.
Touchstone Sideline 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace
The Touchstone Sideline is not described as a two-sided fireplace. It is included as an alternative for buyers who like a built-in, recessed look but only need the fire viewed from one side. Its listed features include five flame settings, log and crystal hearth options, Wi-Fi and Alexa capability, and a 1,500-watt heater with a thermostat.
The unit can operate without heat, which is useful when the visual effect is wanted without supplemental warmth. It has a six-foot power cord for a 110–120V outlet and is also described as hard-wire ready. The manufacturer’s information recommends at least eight inches between the top of the fireplace and a TV, mantel, picture, or ceiling. It also notes that circuit needs can depend on other devices sharing the circuit.
- Best for: Buyers who want a recessed electric fireplace on a single wall.
- Why it was selected: It provides a useful comparison for appearance and installation planning when a true see-through unit is not essential.
- Limitation: It is not listed as see-through, so it will not create a fire view from two rooms.
Choose this if recessed styling and adjustable flames matter more than a two-sided view. Do not select it as a substitute where the fireplace itself must connect or visually serve two spaces.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a See-Through Fireplace
Do you need a true two-sided fireplace?
Start by deciding whether the fire must be visible from both adjoining rooms. A see-through unit is designed for that purpose; a standard recessed or wall-mounted fireplace may face only one room. Confirm that the specific model is described as double-sided or see-through rather than relying on a product image or general fireplace style.
Also map out where people will sit and walk on both sides. The opening, surrounding wall, and viewing angles should suit both spaces. A fireplace can connect rooms visually, but the size and placement need to work with furniture, circulation, and the intended focal point.
Should you choose electric, natural gas, or LP?
- Electric: The CLEARion models are listed as two-sided electric fireplaces. Electric installations avoid choosing between LP and natural gas, but buyers should check voltage, wiring, and the product’s installation instructions.
- Natural gas: The Tahoe is the listed natural-gas option. Confirm that the fuel supply and venting plan suit the product and the property.
- LP: The Boulevard is listed for LP. Verify the available fuel and installation requirements before designing around it.
Fuel type is not a minor detail that can be decided after installation planning. It affects the appliance choice and may affect the work needed in the home. Ask a qualified professional to review the site and the exact model requirements.
How should you compare heat output?
Compare the stated heating specifications only where they are provided. The CLEARion 60 lists output up to 10,000 BTUs and 3,000 watts, while the Empire Boulevard is listed at 36,000 BTUs. The provided details for the CLEARion 50 and Tahoe do not state an output figure. Do not treat missing information as zero, and do not assume that a higher number alone guarantees better comfort in a particular room.
For electric models, check the circuit and wiring requirements. For gas models, use the product documentation to review the appliance’s heat and installation specifications. Room size, layout, and the amount of separation between the fireplace and the occupied areas can affect how useful the heat is.
What should you plan for before installation?
Measure the wall and the planned opening before choosing a model. Check the unit’s complete dimensions, framing requirements, clearances, access needs, and any venting or electrical instructions. Product summaries may not include every specification required to prepare a wall safely.
Consider the finishes on both sides of the fireplace. A see-through design is visible from two spaces, so the opening and surrounding materials should make sense from each viewpoint. Confirm that furnishings and nearby items will not conflict with required clearances. Have a licensed or otherwise appropriately qualified professional assess electrical, gas, and venting work as applicable.
Do adjustable glass and flame settings matter?
They matter when the fireplace is part of a flexible shared space. The 50-inch CLEARion’s listed Privacy Glass settings allow the viewing panel to shift from transparent to semi-transparent or opaque. Its multiple flame and ember-bed settings offer further visual adjustments. If the room needs a permanently open view, prioritize transparency rather than privacy control.
For electric models, flame-only operation can be useful when heat is not wanted. Compare the actual controls and settings listed for each product; not every model offers the same effects or operating options.
How should you compare safety and operating details?
Read the full installation and operating documentation for the exact model. Check the supplied safety components, fuel requirements, electrical needs, clearances, and any restrictions that apply to the home. The Tahoe listing identifies two included safety barrier screens, while the Touchstone details specify a recommended minimum distance above the fireplace. These are product-specific details, not universal rules for every fireplace.
For vent-free gas appliances, check local requirements and ask a qualified professional whether the appliance is suitable for the intended location. A listing that describes installation flexibility does not establish that every home or jurisdiction permits the same setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a see-through fireplace?
A see-through fireplace is designed to be viewed from two sides, often between adjoining rooms. Check the product specifications to confirm that a model is truly double-sided.
Can an electric fireplace be see-through?
Yes. The Napoleon CLEARion 60-inch and 50-inch models are identified in their product details as two-sided, see-through electric fireplaces.
Which product has adjustable privacy glass?
The Napoleon CLEARion 50-inch listing describes Privacy Glass that can switch between transparent, semi-transparent, and fully opaque settings.
Which listed fireplace uses LP?
The Empire Boulevard is listed as an LP-fueled, vent-free, double-sided fireplace. Confirm the full fuel and installation requirements before selecting it.
Is the Touchstone Sideline a see-through fireplace?
No. The supplied product information describes it as a recessed electric fireplace, not a two-sided unit. It is an alternative for a single-sided installation.
What should I verify before buying?
Confirm the exact dimensions, fuel or electrical requirements, framing and clearance instructions, venting plan, and local installation rules. Consult a qualified professional for site-specific installation questions.