Using alcohol as a fuel source | Colsen Fire Pit (2024)

FAQs

What is the best alcohol for a fire pit? ›

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.

We strictly recommend using 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. Still, 70% also works well with our products. We also DO NOT recommend using 99%.

- 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.

Wood – The Traditional and Most Common Fuel

The nostalgic crackling sound, campfire aroma, and active flame movement create a fantastic natural ambiance. Wood fire pits themselves are also less complicated and usually cheaper than gas and gel pits, though the fuel itself can be more expensive in the long run.

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BioEthanol Liquid, in our opinion, is the best fuel for use in alcohol camping stoves (and no, we are not just saying that because we sell it). There are alternative fuels that can work in camping stoves, although none are as powerful or clean as bioethanol.

What percentage of isopropyl rubbing alcohol do I need? Both 70% or 91% work great. We actually don't recommend 99%.

It's also completely safe to cook over. In fact, that's one of the most common things people ask about FLÎKR. It's totally safe, so bust out the marshmallows. Isopropyl alcohol is even a common fuel for regular camping stoves, so you shouldn't have to worry.

Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is an acceptable cooking fuel. It may be purchased in 70 percent, 91 percent. The higher the percentage of alcohol, the better the alcohol will burn. Isopropyl alcohol produces a yellow flame and does not burn as cleanly denatured alcohol or ethanol.

So what does ethanol produce when burned? Nothing more than carbon dioxide and water. You should never observe any smoke or soot coming out of your bioethanol fireplace.

How can I make my alcohol fireplace last longer? ›

INCREASED BURN TIME: Add a small piece of ceramic wool sponge to the burn chamber, and get up to 100% increase in fuel burning time. The wool acts as a sponge, gently letting out fuel vapor for ignition.

Burning ethanol fireplace fuel (alcohol) produces heat, steam and small amounts of CO2. Your ethanol fireplace doesn't make any odours, ash or dangerous fumes; no harmful by-products are released, which is why the fireplace has a chimney-less design.

Don't Burn Anything Other Than Your Seasoned Wood

If you want to reduce fire pit smoke, then don't burn anything other than your seasoned hardwood! Don't throw empty packets, garden waste, newspapers, cardboard boxes, or anything else in there. These all burn very inefficiently and will produce a lot of smoke.

The most popular fuel for indoor fire pits is bioethanol. Bioethanol burns cleanly, producing only a small amount of CO₂, water vapor, and heat, making it an eco-friendly and safe choice for indoor settings.

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.

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.