Product overview
The Napoleon RSS36NE Riverside 36 is an outdoor natural gas decorative fireplace for a properly ventilated patio or outdoor living area. Its tall traditional opening displays a separately selected model-specific log set. This is the single-sided base appliance. Photographed decorative options may be sold separately.
Venting
Riverside offers optional heat and exhaust management using the RSOHEM kit. This kit must use approved 6-inch B-vent components, sold separately; it is not a complete pipe and termination package. Follow the Riverside manual for enclosure conditions, the 36-inch minimum vertical rise, 40-foot maximum and all clearances. Indoor 4/7-inch and 5/8-inch direct-vent components are not substitutes. This ordering selector remains optional.
Controls
Napoleon lists the OTK outdoor timer as the optional control for this outdoor fireplace. Indoor F45/F60 remotes and wall thermostats are not listed for this model.
Key features
- 50,000 BTU/hr maximum natural gas input.
- Traditional clean-face design with a choice of compatible birch, oak or split-oak logs.
- External control panel and included finishing flange.
- Optional weather protection, screen and approved heat/exhaust management.
Included components
Base fireplace and burner, finishing flange and external control panel. The required decorative log kit is sold separately.
Required components
Choose one exact-model log kit: BLKRS36 birch, OLKRS36 oak or SLKRS36 split oak. Install using the leaflet supplied with that kit; do not substitute another size.
The installation also requires the correct natural gas supply, electrical connection, framing, clearances and permanently open outdoor ventilation. These installation materials are not a substitute for the manufacturer's enclosure requirements.
Optional accessories
Compatible optional finishes include PRPRS36 reflective panels, DBPRS36NS Newport Standard brick and DBPRS36WH Westminster Herringbone brick. RSS36WC weather cover and RSS36SK screen are optional. An outdoor timer and approved heat/exhaust management kit may be added under their own instructions.
Heat and exhaust management is optional. Do not make it a mandatory chimney package for the standard documented outdoor installation. Fuel conversion requires the certified kit for the exact model and qualified service.
Model-specific specifications
| SKU / MPN | RSS36NE |
|---|---|
| Brand / series | Napoleon Riverside |
| Fuel | Natural gas |
| Location | Outdoor only |
| Product / configuration | Built-in decorative gas fireplace, single-sided |
| Maximum input | 50,000 BTU/hr |
| Venting arrangement | Open outdoor installation under manufacturer ventilation rules; optional heat/exhaust management |
| Appliance dimensions (W × H × D) | 42 7/16 × 37 13/16 × 19 9/16 inches |
| Opening (W × H) | 36 1/8 × 30 1/16 inches |
| Electrical connection | 120V receptacle wiring per installation manual; never connect line voltage directly to the gas valve or wall switch |
| Shipping weight | 189 lb |
Installation and safety notes
For outdoor use only; never install inside the building's warm-air envelope. A qualified installer must follow the exact installation manual and applicable codes. The manual requires at least 30% of the outdoor living-space perimeter to remain permanently open and unobstructed for the applicable partial enclosure; follow all illustrated enclosure conditions. Select a sheltered location to limit wind effects and avoid running water. Maintain the documented framing, mantel, overhead and adjacent combustible clearances. Appliance dimensions are not framing dimensions. Do not enclose the fireplace as an indoor appliance. This decorative product is not intended as a heating appliance or for burning solid fuel. Keep the gas ignition and burner passages clear of media, and use only manufacturer-approved materials. Allow the appliance to cool before covering, cleaning or servicing.
Warranty summary
The current installation manual specifies Napoleon's five-year limited gas-appliance warranty: stainless steel components have five-year defect coverage, with electrical and wearable parts and approved repair labor covered during the first year under its conditions. Weather damage, prolonged dampness, corrosion and misuse exclusions apply. Consult the linked manual for the complete terms.
