Kingsman HBZDV3628 Review: Is the High-Capacity 36-Inch Gas Fireplace Worth It?

Short answer: The Kingsman HBZDV3628 is the high-capacity version of Kingsman's traditional 36-inch direct vent gas fireplace. It is rated at 28,000 BTU on natural gas, uses ceramic glass, and comes with a dual burner and log set for a classic wood-fire look. It suits living rooms and dens where you want real supplemental heat from a traditional fireplace. In a small bedroom, the standard HBZDV3624 is usually the better choice because it turns down much lower.

Specifications at a glance

Maximum input 28,000 BTU natural gas / 26,000 BTU propane
Low-fire input 20,000 BTU natural gas / 19,000 BTU propane
Glass Ceramic
Viewing area 29 3/4 in. W x 18 5/8 in. H
Framing, louvered front 36 3/8 in. W x 35 in. H x 17 in. D
Venting Direct vent, 4 in. / 7 in. flex or 4 in. / 6 5/8 in. rigid pipe with adapter
Ignition Millivolt or Proflame 1 IPI
Hearth Not mandatory
Certification ANSI Z21.88 / CSA 2.33 vented gas fireplace heater

Figures from Kingsman installation manual 36HB-MAN17 and Kingsman's published specifications. Always build from the manual that ships with your unit.

The heat: what high capacity means

The HBZDV3628 shares its firebox size with the standard HBZDV3624 but burns more gas: 28,000 BTU against 24,000 BTU on natural gas. It also swaps tempered glass for ceramic, which passes more radiant heat into the room, and Kingsman's published efficiency figures for the 3628 are roughly ten points higher than for the 3624.

The trade-off is range. Low fire on natural gas is 20,000 BTU, about 70 percent of maximum, so this fireplace is always putting out a meaningful amount of heat. Kingsman states that it is for supplemental heat or decorative use and must not serve as a primary heat source. The Z36FK fan kit, which is heat-activated with a variable-speed wall control, is optional. For room-by-room guidance see our sizing guide.

Two fronts, two different looks

Every unit needs one of two fronts, and the choice changes the finished wall.

  • Black louver grill kit. The traditional look, with grills above and below the glass. Drywall or other material can finish flush to the top, bottom and sides of the fireplace, and a combustible floor can rise 1 in. above the bottom of the unit.
  • Clean View Circulating Kit. A clean face with no louvers and a factory non-combustible header. A floor or hearth can rise up to 7 in. above the bottom of the fireplace. Tile or stone must not extend inside the kit's frame, because the glass door has to come out for service.

Where it can be installed

  • Clearances: zero clearance to the stand-offs at the back, sides and top, and zero to the floor.
  • Ceiling: at least 60 in. from the bottom of the fireplace to the ceiling. If you raise the unit off the floor, that 60 in. still applies.
  • Hearth: not mandatory. Kingsman recommends one for appearance.
  • Mantels: combustible mantel height depends on mantel depth. Take it from the mantel clearance diagram in the manual; non-combustible mantels have more freedom.
  • Rooms: certified for bedrooms and bed-sitting rooms, and the 3628 may be installed in manufactured homes in the US, subject to local code.

Venting

  • Out the side wall: the vent centerline sits at least 34 in. above the bottom of the fireplace.
  • Horizontal run: a 4 ft rise allows 5 ft of horizontal run, 5 ft allows 8 ft, 6 ft allows 12 ft, and 7 ft or more allows the 20 ft maximum. Each foot of horizontal run needs 1/4 in. of upward slope.
  • Propane: on horizontal runs, the vent must rise at least 1 ft off the flue before the elbow.
  • Rigid pipe: add 1 in. to the framing depth.
  • Difficult runs: the unit is approved for Kingsman's PVH58 power vent where a standard route is not possible.

Ignition

Millivolt keeps a standing pilot and runs without household power. Proflame 1 IPI lights the pilot only on demand and runs on its battery backup pack in an outage. See our ignition comparison for the trade-offs.

What is included, and what is extra

Included in our configurations: the fireplace, your choice of front, the 8-piece burnt oak log set, a wall switch and the safety screen.

Sold separately: venting, the Z36FK fan kit, remote controls, and optional brick or porcelain liners.

Limitations to know before you buy

  • The low setting is still 20,000 BTU on natural gas, which can be too much for a small room.
  • The blower is an extra.
  • Replacement glass must be ceramic; tempered glass cannot be substituted on this model.
  • Installation must be done by a qualified gas installer. In Massachusetts that means a plumber or gas fitter licensed by the Commonwealth and a listed T-handle shut-off valve.

Price

As of October 2026 the HBZDV3628 starts at $3,542.99 for natural gas, millivolt ignition and the louvered front. The Clean View kit adds about $390 and IPI ignition adds $450. Current pricing is on the HBZDV3628 product page.

Who should buy it

A good fit if you want a traditional log fireplace that contributes real heat to a living room or den, in a standard 36 in. framed opening.

Look elsewhere if the room is small or you mostly want ambiance: compare it with the standard model in HBZDV3628 vs HBZDV3624. If you prefer a modern ribbon flame, see the ZCVRB3622 linear.

Frequently asked questions

How many BTUs is the Kingsman HBZDV3628?

28,000 BTU maximum on natural gas and 26,000 BTU on propane. Low fire is 20,000 BTU on natural gas and 19,000 BTU on propane.

What are the framing dimensions?

With the louvered front, 36 3/8 in. W x 35 in. H x 17 in. D. Framing with the Clean View Circulating Kit differs, so take it from the framing page of the manual.

Does it need a hearth?

No. A hearth is not mandatory.

Does it come with a blower?

No. The Z36FK fan kit is optional.

Planning a build? Send us your wall width, ceiling height and vent route and we will confirm the fit. Call 877-879-9191 or contact us.

Sources: Kingsman installation manual 36HB-MAN17 (HBZDV3624, HBZDV3628) and Kingsman published specifications. Codes vary by jurisdiction. This article does not replace the manufacturer instructions or a licensed installer.