When it comes to selecting the right fuel for your fireplace or fire bowl, making an informed decision is crucial. Two popular options, bio ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, often vie for attention. While both offer their own advantages, this blog post aims to highlight why bio ethanol is a safer and cleaner choice, emphasizing factors such as emissions, residue, and overall performance.
Emissions: Bio Ethanol Leads the Way
One of the most significant advantages of bio ethanol over isopropyl alcohol is its cleaner burning properties. When bio ethanol is burned, it primarily produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor. In contrast, isopropyl alcohol can emit potentially harmful and noxious emissions, including carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be dangerous in enclosed spaces. It poses a significant risk to human health, potentially leading to headaches, dizziness, and even carbon monoxide poisoning. By choosing bio ethanol, you reduce the risk of exposure to harmful emissions, ensuring a safer and healthier environment.
PHOTO COURTESY OFCOLSEN FIRE PIT
Residue: Bio Ethanol Leaves No Soot or Residue
Another advantage of bio ethanol is its cleaner burn, leaving minimal residue behind. When burned, isopropyl alcohol can produce soot and other residues that accumulate in the burner, creating a mess that requires regular cleaning and maintenance. On the other hand, bio ethanol burns cleanly, leaving no soot or residue behind. This not only makes cleanup easier but also ensures that your fireplace or fire bowl remains aesthetically pleasing.
Renewable and Sustainable: The Eco-Friendly Choice
Bio ethanol, as the name suggests, is derived from renewable sources such as corn, sugarcane, or cellulose. It is considered a sustainable fuel option as it can be produced using organic matter and does not contribute to the depletion of fossil fuels. Isopropyl alcohol, while also a valuable industrial chemical, is predominantly derived from petrochemical sources, making it less environmentally friendly.
By opting for bio ethanol, you actively contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. It is a step towards a greener future, aligning with the principles of environmental consciousness and responsibility.
PHOTO COURTESY OFCOLSEN FIRE PIT
Ease of Use and Versatility
Bio ethanol is typically available in a ready-to-use form, often in sealed containers or as gel cartridges. This convenience factor makes it easy to handle and eliminates the need for measuring or mixing. In contrast, isopropyl alcohol may require additional precautions during handling and storage due to its flammable nature.
Additionally, bio ethanol offers versatility in terms of design and aesthetics. It can be used in various types of fireplaces, including freestanding units, wall-mounted designs, or even tabletop fire bowls. Its clean-burning properties and lack of odor make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, adding a touch of warmth and ambiance to any space.
PHOTO COURTESY OFCOLSEN FIRE PIT
Conclusion
When considering the choice between bio ethanol and isopropyl alcohol for your fireplace or fire bowl, it's clear that bio ethanol emerges as the safer and cleaner option. Its emissions consist primarily of carbon dioxide and water vapor, minimizing the risks associated with harmful gases like carbon monoxide. The absence of soot and residue makes cleanup a breeze, while its renewable and sustainable nature aligns with eco-friendly practices.
By embracing bio ethanol, you embrace a fuel that not only enhances the safety and cleanliness of your space but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable world. Choose bio ethanol for your fireplace or fire bowl and ignite both warmth and responsibility in your home.
FAQs
When burned, isopropyl alcohol can produce soot and other residues that accumulate in the burner, creating a mess that requires regular cleaning and maintenance. On the other hand, bio ethanol burns cleanly, leaving no soot or residue behind.
Is ethanol or isopropyl alcohol better for fireplaces? ›
Ethanol (Bio-ethanol) and Isopropyl Alcohol are both extremely clean-burning. The biggest difference is that pure ethanol tends to create a bluer flame when burning compared to the golden flame produced by isopropyl.
What is the best alcohol for indoor fireplaces? ›
Ethanol or ethyl is about 95 percent alcohol and is a fantastic fuel for burning indoors. It burns so cleanly that the flame is blue or nearly invisible.
How efficient are bio ethanol fireplaces? ›
Bio Flame ethanol fireplaces have been engineered for optimal efficiency, making them an average of 20-30% more fuel and heat efficient than the competition. We have a variety of quality burner collections that will enhance the look, feel, and temperature of your living or commercial space, including: Firebox.
Do I need 70 or 91 isopropyl alcohol for fire pit? ›
What percentage of isopropyl rubbing alcohol do I need? Both 70% or 91% work great. We actually don't recommend 99%.
Is isopropyl alcohol more effective than ethanol? ›
IPA is a slightly more polar molecule than ethanol. IPA is generally considered to be more effective as a disinfectant than ethanol. Ethanol is more effective than IPA as a fuel.
How effective are ethanol fireplaces? ›
Ethanol heaters are vent-less, meaning all the heat stays in the room rather than escaping up a flue like it would on other types of fireplaces. Increased heat retention means better fuel efficiency. Ethanol fires will heat on average 20m2 - 60m2 depending on the model, 5000 – 20000 BTU's!
How long does bio-ethanol fuel last? ›
Typically, 1 litre of bioethanol fuel burns for around 3.5 to 4 hours (with the shutter fully open). Closing the fuel box lid halfway increases the burn duration, but reduces the heat output and the flame size.
Can isopropyl alcohol be used for a fireplace? ›
The Potential for Large Fires
One of the biggest risks associated with isopropyl alcohol fireplaces is that they can cause large fires when flammable liquid is added to a live flame. The flame burns so quickly and intensely that it can easily spread out of control if not properly managed.
How well do ethanol fireplaces heat? ›
Bioethanol fireplaces give off roughly 3kWh of heat - approximately the same amount as an electric fire on medium/high. A bioethanol fireplace won't heat a freezing room but will bring the temperature up a good 2-3 degrees (ºC) - perfect for taking the chill out of the air.
Ethanol burning fireplaces are an ecofriendly option because they are clean burning and considered the most eco-friendly fuel alternative. Ethanol is a renewable energy produced from corn, potato, and other agricultural byproducts.
Can I use isopropyl alcohol instead of bioethanol? ›
- 99% isopropyl alcohol is not recommended but can be used. However, this concentration of will burn hotter, faster and may leave more burn residue. - Bio ethanol/ethyl alcohol can be used but we recommend rubbing alcohol since it burns brighter, is more readily available and typically cheaper.
Why not use 91 isopropyl alcohol? ›
Isopropyl alcohol concentrations >91% volume have limited bactericidal efficiency and are less effective for antiseptic use, thus its distinction as “rubbing alcohol” is not warranted and may cause confusion. In documents cited by the CDC, “rubbing alcohol” is defined as 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water.
Why is 70 isopropyl alcohol better than 91? ›
You can buy rubbing alcohol with a concentration of 70% or 99% isopropyl alcohol. Even though you may think the higher concentration is more effective, experts say 70% is actually better for disinfecting. It has more water, which helps it to dissolve more slowly, penetrate cells, and kill bacteria.
Is ethanol or alcohol better for fire pits? ›
When considering the choice between bio ethanol and isopropyl alcohol for your fireplace or fire bowl, it's clear that bio ethanol emerges as the safer and cleaner option. Its emissions consist primarily of carbon dioxide and water vapor, minimizing the risks associated with harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
Can you use isopropyl alcohol in indoor fireplace? ›
As isopropyl alcohol burns, it releases a bit of carbon dioxide, so it's totally safe but could end up irritating your nose and eyes a tad in not-well-ventilated areas.
How safe are ethanol fireplaces? ›
All fireplaces are dangerous if used carelessly or without the appropriate precautions. And bioethanol fireplaces require precisely the same level of caution for use. But operated in accordance with safety guidelines, your bioethanol fireplace is perfectly safe to use in the home.
How long does ethanol last in a fireplace? ›
Typically, 1 litre of bioethanol fuel burns for around 3.5 to 4 hours (with the shutter fully open). Closing the fuel box lid halfway increases the burn duration, but reduces the heat output and the flame size.
