If you are looking for a biofuel fireplace, bioethanol fires give off plenty of heat. With bioethanol fireplaces, the cost to run them is not that much more than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. You can even save money by using biofuel in your bioethanol fireplace! This blog post covers all the information about this unique type of fireplace and how it works.
What Exactly Is a Bio Ethanol Fireplace, and Why Does It Work?
A bioethanol fireplace is a type of fireplace that runs on ethanol or alcohol. This fireplace does not produce any smoke or ashes. Hence, it is perfect for use indoors. Bioethanol fires do not even require any chimney as they do not create smoke. These eco-friendly fireplaces have become extremely popular.
The bioethanol fireplace mainly consists of two parts-The frames and the burner. There are two different types of burners- manual and automatic. The size of the burner determines how long a bioethanol fireplace will burn. For example, a 1-litre burner can burn up to four hours.
The Evolution of Biofuel Fireplaces
There was a time when ethanol fireplaces were only placed in the house as a decorative item. The ethanol fireplaces produce comparatively lower heat than wooden or other fireplaces. Hence they are not the primary source of heat.
However, modern ethanol fireplaces produce plenty of heat to keep the surrounding area warm. They can have 4,000 to 8,500 BTUs per hour. Bioethanol fireplaces are easy to install and are ready to use in a few minutes. However, the wall-mounted ethanol fireplaces may take some time to install. Operating an ethanol fireplace is simple and easy.
Follow these simple steps to run a bioethanol fireplace:
Step 1
To start a fire on your bioethanol fireplace, first, you have to fill it with bioethanol. Pour bioethanol into the burner. Try to avoid spilling or overfilling the burner with the fuel. You may use a funnel to avoid spillages, and the burner should likewise be completely cooled.
Step 2
Use a long lighter to ignite the burner. Sometimes, flames can reach your hands. So, you should stay safe. After a while, you will get nice and cosy flames.
Step 3
The fireplace should have come with a metal closing rod. Use it to adjust the fire or put off the fire. If you have to refill the burner again, wait for the fireplace to cool down. It can take 10 to 15 minutes. After that, you can fill the burner again.
What is Bio-Ethanol Fuel?
So now, you are probably wondering what is so special about bioethanol and where it comes from?
Bioethanol or biofuel is a special kind of eco-friendly fuel. It is a sustainable fuel created from plants such as potatoes, maize, or sugarcane. Crops are often specially produced for biofuel. Agricultural, domestic, commercial and industrial wastes are also used to create bio-ethanol.
Bioethanol is 100% alcohol. It does not produce any smoke, soot, or ash. Moreover, it emits a minimal amount of carbon dioxide, almost the same as a candle. Hence, it is much more harmless compared to fossil fuels like coal and petroleum oil.
When you are buying bio-ethanol for your fireplace, make sure it is high-quality. Poor quality bio-ethanol can be mixed with harmful elements.
Biofuel Fireplaces Are Easy To Install
Ethanol fireplaces are the most simple and easy to install among all kinds of fireplaces available in the market. You do not have to manage any wiring or piping system of electricity or gas to operate a bio-ethanol fireplace. Yes, you have to make some space on the wall to mount a wall fireplace. Even that is not too much hustle.
Biofuel fireplaces do not need any electric or gas line, so you can quickly move it around and place it anywhere you want. There are not many parts to set up. It will come with a manual. You just have to follow the instructions to assemble your fireplace.
Most of the portable and tabletop fireplaces are pre-assembled. You may have to attach the glass frames to the burner when they arrive. The required hardware should come in the package of the fireplace. The bio-fuel fireplaces are easy to install and use; you do not need any special tools for that.
Cost of Running Bio Ethanol Fireplace
As I have mentioned above, 1-litre of ethanol can run your fireplace for 4 hours. The cost of bio-ethanol can vary based on your area. On average, it may cost $10 US dollars per litre of ethanol. In fuel cost, you may have to spend the same amount of money as a wood-burning fireplace.
Some factors like type, fuel capacity, quality, safety determine the price of an ethanol fireplace. The portable and tabletop fireplaces are in an affordable range. You can get them for $200. Other types like hanging, wall-mounting, and ceiling-mounted will cost between $1,000 to $15,000.
Inexpensive Installation
But bioethanol fireplaces are not as expensive as the traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Also, biofuel fireplaces do not require any gas line or electric line. The structure of a bio-ethanol fireplace is also simple. You have less to worry about maintenance costs.
It has a low chance of causing serious accidents, and you don’t have to spend too much on safety measurements. Then again, the installation cost is very low. Most of the ethanol fireplaces even come assembled. Thus, ethanol fireplaces are much more cost-effective and easy to maintain compared to other fireplaces.
Benefits of an Ethanol Fireplace
Getting an ethanol fireplace is a great way to decorate your home and add some heat during chilly evenings. There are many benefits of installing an ethanol fireplace instead of wood-burning fireplaces.
If you are thinking about buying a fireplace, here are some reasons you should consider purchasing an ethanol fireplace:
Stylish and Contemporary Design
You will find a vast collection of ethanol fireplace designs and styles. There are so many varieties that you can find a model that will suit even the unique interior design of your house. Moreover, ethanol fireplaces, especially portable ones, have no placement restrictions. So, you can place them at any spot in your house or backyard.
Easy to Install, Use and Maintain
Among all types of fireplaces, ethanol fireplaces are the easiest to use. The tabletop and portable ethanol fireplaces are, most of the time, pre-assembled. Within a few minutes of installation, you can start using it.
Ethanol fireplaces are easy to maintain since they do not have complicated parts, gas lines or electric lines. Hence, they require a low cost to maintain.
Clean and Eco-friendly
Cleaning and maintaining wood-burning fireplaces are time-consuming. You have to clean the ash, coals and smoke marks regularly. Using a bio-ethanol fireplace will save you from trouble.
These fireplaces produce no smoke or ash, so you’ll keep a clean house. They do not produce carbon dioxide like most other fireplaces. So, you will also protect the environment by producing less pollution.
Great Source of Heat
Bio-ethanol fireplaces are a good source of heat. They may not produce high heat like other fireplaces, but they are enough to create a warm temperature in a moderate-sized room.
You can carry the portable ethanol fireplaces and place different spots of your house where heat is needed. It does not emit smoke like wood-burning fireplaces. Thus, the air around the fireplace does not get heavy. You will feel more comfortable beside the fireplace.
No Need for Gas or Electricity
The bio-ethanol fireplace works fully on ethanol. There is no need for a gas line or electricity line.
So, there is no chance of struggling with wires and changing them. You can also save a lot of gas and electricity bills.
Are Ethanol Fireplaces Safe?
Ethanol fireplaces are safe for indoor and outdoor use and relatively safer than a Propane Fire Pit or a wood-burning fireplace. It does not produce any smoke and emits tiny amounts of carbon dioxide. So, you will not have any respiratory problems or inhale any toxic elements.
However, like any other fireplace, you should be cautious about using ethanol fireplaces. When you are pouring ethanol into the burner of the fireplace, do it carefully.
If you spill any alcohol, wipe it properly. Do not overload your burner. Fire from alcohol is quick to spread and difficult to extinguish. You must read the guideline or manual of your fireplace to learn how to refill and maintain it for your safety.
Where Can I Find an Eco-Friendly Bioethanol Fireplace?
Finding a fireplace of your choice within budget is effortless these days. You can search for the best bio-ethanol fireplaces companies on the internet to learn about their products and specialties.
Here are some eco-friendly bioethanol fireplace manufacturers you can check for buying your first bio-ethanol fireplace:
Regal Flames is one of the leading ventless fireplace manufacturers in the world. They started back in 2006 and have quickly become the biggest fireplace provider worldwide.
They provide fireplaces of all sizes and designs to fit any household. And when it comes to the quality of their products, very few companies come close.
Anywhere fireplace produces one of the best ventless fireplace products in the market. No matter what your taste or style might be, you can bet they have something you’d like.
What’s unique about their products is that they almost exclusively sell gas-powered fireplaces. So, you can say that they specialize in manufacturing this category of fireplaces.
The Bio flame company is the pioneer of ethanol gas fireplaces. They turn the fireplace market upside down with their compact, efficient and environmentally friendly fireplaces. They focus on manufacturing fireplaces that fit right in the modern home with their prestigious designs.
Since their conception, they have been operational worldwide in over 50 countries and have been involved with more than 100,000 home projects. They are also the only ethanol gas fireplace providers UL and ULC certified—making their fireplace products the safest in the market.
Eco smart care for the environment. Hence, all their products are designed to be eco-friendly.
The bio-fuel fireplaces are durable, stylish and produce great heat compared to many other biofuel fireplaces in the market.
Ventless Fireplace Pros has so many different styles of fireplace units that you probably even know to exist! They specialize in wall-mounted units but do offer other types of fireplaces as well.
They are well known for their creative designs and premium quality products, even though they are pretty new.
Soothing Company offers first-class customer service and the highest quality products. They will help you find the perfect product for your home or business at the right price for your budget.
Our wide selection of fireplaces and outdoor decor combined with the convenience of ordering online will make your shopping experience more accessible than ever. Plus, you can rest assured that their knowledgeable customer service staff will be able to aid you with any questions you may have.
Ignis was developed with the sole aim to produce Eco-friendly fireplaces to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible. Their whole company is based on this single ethical standpoint. But good ethics isn’t the only thing that this company has to offer; the quality of their products is as high as their moral sense.
From wall-mounted and free-standing fireplaces to innovative fireplaces, they have anything a modern home might crave for. So, if you are looking for a fireplace for your home, I’d highly recommend them.
Considering a Biofuel Fireplace for your Backyard Abode
Bio-ethanol fireplaces can be an excellent heating and decorative addition to your backyard adobe. There are different styles and designs of biofuel fireplaces available in the market. They are manual and automatic fireplaces.
If you are considering buying a bio-ethanol fireplace, we have some great recommendations for you. Based on your budget and choice, you can choose among these best biofuel fireplaces:
Anywhere Fireplace – BROADWAY Bio-ethanol fireplace
The Anywhere Fireplace Broadway has a perfect size and weight for both indoor and outdoor use. You can place this compact fireplace at any flat surface of your abode to enjoy the cosy fire it produces. It needs no installations, so we can start using it right away.
This high-style and Contemporary High Gloss Beige Painted fireplace look match well with different styles of interior designs. The burners sit on a curled up comfy chair which is surrounded by a glass frame.
It does not emit any smoke and does not need a chimney to operate. Five hours of heat may be generated from a single litre of ethanol Cold-season nights may be kept warm with the help of a fireplace that provides considerable heat.
Best Features:
- Use anywhere!
- Compact and modern designs
- No installations required
- NO MESS. Smokeless, Odourless, Toxin Free and leaves no soot or ash
- One litre of fuel burns up to 5 hours
Ethanol Fireplace Log Set with Burner Insert
Are you tired of cleaning the burned wood, ash, and smoke marks of your wood-burning fireplace? Then get the 18-inch Ethanol Fireplace Log Set from Regal Flames. You can put this set in your already existing fireplace or any safe corner of your house. You can easily replace the wood logs with this ethanol log set for a clean fire.
The log set of the fireplace inserts look like natural wood logs. The eight 18 inches ceramic logs fit in any fireplace opening. The burner insert produces up to 4,000 BTU per hour for three hours. It requires no electricity, gas, or chimney for ventilation. All these benefits come at an affordable price as well.
Features:
- Great design and finishing
- Ceramic logs look like natural wood logs.
- High Burn Time
- Requires no electricity, gas, or chimney for ventilation
BLACK Tabletop Fireplace from Crazy Flame CA
Tabletop fireplaces have become one of the most popular types of bio-ethanol fireplaces. The BLACK Tabletop Fireplace is considerable, but you can easily place it on a spacious table. This big-sized portable tabletop fireplace can be used effectively indoors, in the garden, and on your patio.
The homemade metal fireplace is durable and long-lasting. The wood is beautiful, and it is crafted with great care. Surrounded by the glass, the fire stays in the burner and does not need any vents.
You may achieve ambient illumination and comfort by using the crazy flame CA. In addition to lamps, you may also use the tabletop fireplace as a replacement. Using a smokeless and odourless fire pit provides a welcoming setting. The black desktop fireplace provides heat for roughly four and a half hours.
Best Features:
- Handmade with durable materials
- Heating Coverage Area: 25m2 – 270 Square Feet
- Burns for 4 to 5 hours
- Both indoors and outdoors use.
EcoSmart Fire Stix Fire Pit
The Ecosmart Fire Stix fireplace is much more than a simple heating source for your home. It’s a work of art, no doubt. Hiroshi Tsunoda, a Japanese designer, created the fireplace. This stunning fireplace is available in two colours from EcoSmart: black and silver. This is a good option if you’re on a healthy budget for a fireplace.
The Ecosmart Fire Stix fireplace will be an excellent attraction for your indoor and outdoor backyard parties. It is easy to set up. A geometric pile of stainless-steel sticks raises the flame. Thus, you do not have to worry about the grass on your lawn.
This environmentally friendly bio-fuel fire pit produces up to 4,800 BTU per hour with its 2.5L AB3 burner for over 8 hours! So, you will get great design and heat for your winter parties.
Best Features:
- Stylish and elegant
- indoor and outdoor use
- 4,800 BTU per hour and 8 to 11 hours burning time
- Stainless steel with durability
- Complete three years replacement warranty
EcoSmart Mix 850 Bioethanol Freestanding Fire Bowl
Finally, we have another fireplace from Ecosmart, the Mix 850 Bioethanol Freestanding Fire Bowl. It makes a suitable addition to your backyard living space for many reasons. You can put it in the centre and sit with your family and friends around it.
This low-profile design fire bowl is made from weather-resistant concrete. Hence, you can keep it outdoors. As the bowl is lightweight, You can move it easily. The stainless steel burner of the fireplace provides 20,433 BTU heat for up to 11 hours. It comes with a firelighter, lightning rod, black glass charcoal, and butane.
This round fireplace has a simple yet beautiful design, and you can choose from natural, graphite and bone colour. So, if you have a reasonable budget fixed for an attractive fireplace, consider this one for your backyard.
Features:
- Made of Fluid Concrete Technology
- Suitable for Outdoor and Indoor Use
- Features a 304 Stainless Steel Burner
- Provides excellent heat for 11 hours
Things You Need to Consider
Before you opt to buy any of the mentioned products or your choices, you must consider a few essential factors.
Space Considerations
First of all, consider the area you have in your backyard space. The fireplace should fit and look nice in the room. It should be at a safe distance from flammable items. Also, most bio-ethanol fireplaces may not provide enough warmth to provide warmth for large spaces. So, place a bio-ethanol fireplace in a room according to its coverage capability.
Consider the costs
Then, you have to think about the cost. Do you have the money to buy the fireplace? And decide your primary purpose of purchasing a bio-fuel fireplace. Is it for decorative purposes or adding some warmth to your evening gatherings?
If you want great design and heat, you have to spend a good amount. However, there are also budget-friendly fireplaces available for decorative purposes and warmth.
What type of insulation do they require?
As you can see, there are different types of ethanol fireplaces. Some of them may need to be insulated. For example, ceiling-mounted fireplaces have to be hung from the ceiling. Thus, you need to add some support system.
Then, there are wall-mounted bio-ethanol fireplaces. For these, you have to make space on the wall. Portable bio-ethanol fireplaces are the best choice for backyard use as they do not need any insulation.
Check out the video beneath to provide a broader appreciation of the biofuel fireplace and its magnificence. Planika Fires presents a plethora of different outdoor fireplaces/fire pits, large and small, and Ethanol and natural gas fires intended to delight any backyard dwelling.
PlanikaTV – Automatic Gas & Ethanol Fireplaces. (2019, June 28). Planika Outdoor Collection – Ethanol & Gas Fireplaces [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcSTdqhI3LI
Final Thoughts
Biofuel fireplaces are a win-win situation in terms of decreasing carbon output and aiding the planet’s survival. They also make for the perfect backyard zen abode with warmth!
Biofuel or corn fuel ethanol production is a carbon-neutral resource such as natural gas, another good fire pit option.
Ethanol production from maize has a positive energy equilibrium, which signifies that it doesn’t demand more power than the fuel itself to make.
Thank you for spending the time reading this biofuel fireplace article. I hope this post gave you some valuable ideas and information about bioethanol fireplaces and how they work.
Sources of Information
Hoey, F. (2021, May 17). What Are Bioethanol Fires? Benefits and Everything You Need to Know. Moonlight Design. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://www.moonlightdesign.co.uk/blog/what-are-bioethanol-fires-benefits
Imagin Fires. (n.d.). What Is A Bio Ethanol Fireplace & How Do They Work? Imaginfires.Co.Uk. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://www.imaginfires.co.uk/how-do-they-work
Dowle, J. (2020, December 28). Thinking of buying a bio-ethanol fireplace? Here’s everything you need to know about bio-ethanol fuel. House Beautiful. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/renovate/heating/a34966229/bio-ethanol-fireplace/
U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.). Alternative Fuels Data Center: Ethanol Fuel Basics. Afdc.Energy.Gov. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ethanol_fuel_basics.html
Hi John
Thank you for sharing biofuel fireplaces. I have heard about them before and always find them as good decoration for the house. Especially for events. However, the one thing I am scared about these biofuel fireplaces, that I can easily get the house on fire.
Which is more controllable when a fire starts? A normal fire or a biofuel fire?
Bernard, please accept my thanks. That is a valid concern and one I will investigate more. When a fire begins, which is more manageable? Is it a regular fire or a biofuel fire, in your opinion? Both flames would be challenging to manage, but if the biofuel were spilt and ignited, it would be as quick as propane, which may explode, and natural gas. In the backyard, biofuel may be safer than wood burning. In terms of home décor, these miniature biofuel fire pits for coffee tables are a great way to dazzle guests.
The Fun Hub website is a great website to learn about backyard projects and activities for your home and family, and, as a bonus, the information shared extends well beyond just ideas for backyards. For example, the information shared on bio-fuel lighting and heating also covers indoor applications of biofuels for heating and lighting, especially mood lighting.
Biofuels are eco-friendly and this website leads helps you learn about and understand the options that are available, explains the advantages and safety aspects of adopting biofuels and links lead you to resources for purchasing.
A well thought out, nicely presented, helpful website.
It’s my pleasure, Ron, to bring this item to your notice. I’ve just recently ventured out into biofuel fire pits as another sub-topic after converting from propane to natural gas in my propane fire pit. I wanted to provide folks with another alternative that would assist Mother Earth.
Yes, they are excellent fire pits for restaurants and indoor situations, and they are reasonably safe if a few measures are taken.
Unfortunately, I have not created any affiliate links; nevertheless, this may be a concept for the future. I decided that I would give ideas and product information rather than selling or spamming people with harmful affiliate material. Since there are so many amazing things, I don’t have many favourites.
Many Blessings
J W RIDDELL-THE FUN HUB
I had always thought that a biofuel fireplace belongs in the house. Can you also put it in your house or does it have to be outside? I am looking to build my own house so this is definitely something I will be looking into. Thank you for the inspiration. I wouldn’t have thought about it myself
Yes their are all types indoor and outdoor perfect for both arrangements.
Ok so my mom has always wanted a outdoor fireplace. I feel this a good gift for her. Not only does it look good but also looks like a safe and environmentally friendly product. I will be sharing this post with others. It’s important to be safe because not many fireplaces I have seen are safe or they claim to be but are not. Thanks for giving out the information so I can go and find a fireplace for my mom.
Bio fuel Fireplace in terms of safety is perfect and most can be taken indoors. There is a huge variety so look around.
Many Blessings
As much as I adore wood fireplaces they are too dirty for my liking and the smoke and smell after the fire goes out is something I never could tolerate. I would love to get an alternative and for some time I have been looking at the options I have and Ethanol fireplaces are surely a nice alternative. And I like their modern designs very much.
Thanks, Stratos K.
The fact that they are much simpler to maintain and make sense in light of the environmental issues of the globe means that we may still enjoy the flame that ignites the spark of human awareness that exists inside us. Moreover, as you may have observed, there is an abundance of attractive designs for these biofuel fireplaces well suited to the current décor of new construction.
I have been researching for biofuel Fireplaces to improve my patio decor for guests to enjoy when I host parties. The information you provided for your readers is very helpful and helps me to determine the difference. Have booked marked your guide and shared on social media so friends can learn about outdoor Biofuel fireplaces as well.
Thank you very much for your help, Jannette. I am pretty grateful for the promotion. I hope you narrow down your options and locate the ideal fire pit for your requirements. You may also wish to consider propane fire pits as an option. However, these eco-friendly ones are modest and compact, and they look lovely around a patio.
It can be easily install into an exisiting fireplace bringing its functionality back to life. Its modern electronics and sensors ensures the safety of the user.
Yes, Emmanuel, these biofuel jewels are fantastic, particularly with the present environmental problems hanging over us, and the form of these fireplaces is excellent for tiny patios or decks alike. As you say, the sophisticated electrical sensors are a feature like a spacecraft we are travelling to Mars. I would not hesitate to acquire one of these fire pits since they will provide excellent value & warmth for many years.