What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (2024)

This is the most complete and up-to-date guide on ethanol fireplaces.

So, if you want all your ethanol fireplace questions answered or help with finding the best ethanol fireplace in 2024,this guide is for you.

Or Click Here to Shop all Ethanol Fireplaces.

Let's dive right in..

Click to jump to section orcontinue to scroll.

  • What is an Ethanol Fireplace?
  • What is Ethanol or Bio-Ethanol?
  • Ethanol Fireplaces Vs Traditional Fireplaces
  • How Does An Ethanol Fireplace Work?
  • How Do I Fill My Ethanol Fireplace?
  • Need Help Choosing The Right Ethanol Fireplace?
  • Benefits of Using Ethanol Fireplaces
  • How Long Do Ethanol Fireplaces Burn?
  • Are Ethanol Fireplaces Warm?
  • Are Ethanol Fireplaces Expensive to Run?
  • Do Ethanol Fireplaces Smell?
  • What is The Best Ethanol Fireplace?
  • Best Bio Ethanol Fireplace Practices
  • How to Operate a Ethanol Fireplace
  • Where to Buy Ethanol Fuel For Fireplaces?
  • A Few Ethanol Fireplace Essentials

A bio ethanol fireplace offers mess-free & simple heating that is cost-efficient and also environmentally-friendly.


Mix 600 Ethanol Fireplace

What is an Ethanol Fireplace?

An ethanol fireplace, also known as an alcohol fireplace, is essentially a fireplace that uses ethanol as its fuel source. Ethanol fireplaces are still relatively new, which is why there are many questions to be asked.

Like a traditional fireplace, the combustion of a fuel source will generate heat; but using ethanol as a fuel source comes with many more advantages.


Cosmo Ethanol Fireplace

What is Ethanol or Bio-Ethanol?

Bioethanolis a liquid bio fuel produced through the fermentation of several different kinds of plants like corn or soybeans. The most distinctive characteristic of bioethanol is that it is a renewable fuel (unlike gasoline and other types of fossil fuels).

What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (5)What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (6)

Bioethanol is clean burning and doesn't produce hazardous gases and toxic waste.

As a result, ethanol fireplaces do not require chimneys or vents. They can be positioned where you wouldn't usually have a fireplace, such as a balcony or an apartment.

Because of these characteristics, a free standing ethanol fireplace is incredibly versatile and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.Freestanding bio ethanol fireplaces, wall mounted ethanol fireplaces and even hanging ethanol fireplacestypically have aesthetically pleasing and are known for their beautiful designs.

Manhattan Ethanol Fireplace

Ethanol Fireplaces Vs Traditional Fireplaces

What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (9)

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How Does An Ethanol Fireplace Work?

Bioethanol fireplaces aren't as complicated as you think; they're pretty simple.

They don't require electrical connections or hard gas lines, and they use ethanol as their fuel source.

Ethanol fireplaces usually have two sections; a frame and a burner.

The frame is commonly constructed from stainless steel and tempered glass; it essentially holds the burner in position and largely determines the design and aesthetics of the fireplace.

The ethanol burner is a stainless steel vessel that houses the fireplaces' fuel.

How Do I Fill My Ethanol Fireplace?

Operate anethanol fireplace by:

  1. Simply pouring ethanol into the stainless steel burner.
  2. Igniting the ethanol fireplace fuelwith the appropriate lighting device.

The ethanol combusts inside its stainless steel burner, generating heat, small amounts of steam and carbon dioxide. These fires are clean-burning; they do not produce harmful toxins either.

Theethanol fire will beautifully dance inside the tempered glass frame walls while also safely contained in the burner.

What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (10)

Need Help Choosing The Right Ethanol Fireplace?

Simply Take Our Quiz Below.

Benefits of Using Ethanol Fireplaces

You already have some ideas about the most significant advantages that ethanol fireplaces deliver. Let's take a deeper look at these features to help you understand the benefits of these fantastic products.


Stix Ethanol Fireplace

1. Quick & Easy Installation

Do Ethanol Fireplaces Need a Flue? & Do Bioethanol Fires Need Electricity?

As far as installation goes for ethanol fireplaces, it is straightforward.

You will not need any construction or renovations. Freestanding ethanol fireplaces do not require a chimney or a flue, gas lines or electrical cables, making them very quick to install.

You'll only need to unpack your brand new fireplaces, put them in position and enjoy.

Free standing ethanol fireplaces give you the luxury of design, simplicity and flexibility. They are the best choice of a fireplace for home indoor and outdoor use.

The fireplace's simple installation gives you the versatility of quickly relocating it like a piece of furniture. Move it from room to room, light up you ethanol fireplace indoor or take it outside for a garden party – it's really up to you.

Not only is an ethanol fireplace a stress-free addition to your home, but you will also have a designer item that's very flexible and capable of matching all of your lifestyle needs.

Let's quickly contrast this with the installation of a traditional wood fireplace.

A required chimney or a flue will have to be installed or serviced if they're not a part of your home. A "firebox" will also have to be built to house the fireplace (Wall mounted bio ethanol fireplace inserts will also need to be build into the house). These processes require the use of expensive materials, and you'll also need to hire an experienced contractor for the purpose.

The installation is more time-consuming, and it will also be costlier compared to using a brand new freestanding ethanol fireplace.


Pod 30 Ethanol Fireplace

2. BeautifulDesigns

Keeping you warm is just one feature of your freestanding ethanol fireplace. It also can transform your space and warm your heart with its glow of beauty. Bio ethanol fireplaces are simply beautiful, enhancing your area and even boosting the value of your property.

Your freestanding fireplace may have different finishes – transparent glass, shiny steel or matte black are some examples. On top of that, you have the choice of various elements and design specifics that enhance the fireplace's appeal even further.

Some bioethanol firescome equipped with optional protective fire screens, optional stainless steel log sets and protective covers, to name a few spectacular add-ons.

Ecosmart Fireplaces always include core accessories required for the safety, operation and maintenance of your freestanding ethanol fireplace. Some of these include a firelighter, lighting rod, and an ethanol jerry can.


Martini Ethanol Fireplace

3. Relocatable With Ease – Indoor & Outdoor

An ethanol fireplace is perfect for any occasion.

There are also many models that small enough and light enough to be portable ethanol fireplaces.

The item is versatile, suitable for both the lounge room and the backyard, ideal for aesthetics or warmth and perfect during either day or night. This product is built to suit your needs and give you the freedom and flexibility corresponding to your lifestyle preferences.

In your living room, the indoor ethanol fireplace will flicker and glow, creating a warm and cosy ambient space. All you have to do is light the fuel, relax and sink deep into your book.

Out the back, your friends and family will gather around to talk, laugh and share stories in the glow and warmth of your outdoor ethanol fireplace.

.

Mix 850 Ethanol Fireplace

4. Clean Burning – Are Ethanol Fireplaces Safe?

You may be somewhat concerned about burning bioethanol fuel inside your home.

While some concerns may be valid for regular fuels, bioethanol fireplaces are completely safe when used correctly.

Studies have shown consistently that the impact of burning ethanol on air quality doesn't even come close to the use of wood or gas fireplaces. The reason is simple – ethanol for fireplace burning doesn't combust in the same way other fuels do.

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.

Let's compare the functioning of ethanol fires to the burning of wood, putting things in perspective.

Wood smoke contains toxic and harmful pollutants on top of those fine particles. These include benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Ethanol is safe and clean burning – no smoke - no soot – no ash –low odours.

Base 40 Ethanol Fireplace

How Long Do Ethanol Fireplaces Burn?

Many factors can determine how long an ethanol fireplace will burn, including; bioethanol fuel type, ethanol burner capacity, ethanol burner design & shape, and external environment.

Quality ethanol fireplaces brands such as Ecosmart Fire have models that use approximately 4 to 1.5 litres of bioethanol fuel per hour.

Ethanol Fireplace Heat Output:

  • AB3 Ethanol Burner, asmall-sized burner by Ecosmart Fire, holds 2.5L of bioethanol fuel, burns for 8 - 11 hours and generates 5800 BTU/h of heat.

What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (21)

  • AB8 Ethanol Burner, a medium-sized burner by Ecosmart Fire, holds 8L of bioethanol fuel, burns for 7 - 11 hours and generates 20433 BTU/h of heat.

What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (22)

  • XL900Ethanol Burner, a large-sized burner by Ecosmart Fire, holds 9L of bioethanol fuel, burns for 8 - 13 hours and generates15000 BTU/h of heat.

What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (23)

AreEthanol Fireplaces Warm?

Ethanol fireplaces are very aesthetically pleasing, but they are also great at producing heat. There are many different models of burners which will have a larger or smaller flame, which will impact the heat output.

Let's check out some features below by comparing two popular fireplaces that use bio ethanol fireplace fuel.

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.

Ethanolfires will heat on average 20m2 - 60m2 depending on the model, 5000 – 20000 BTU's!

TheIgloo Ethanol Designer Fireplace.

  • Paired with the BK5 burner

  • Holds up to 5L of ethanol fuel

  • Heats on average 35M²

  • Burn time is 7 – 11 hours

  • Thermal output at 3.5kW/h

TheGhost Ethanol Designer Fireplace:

  • Paired with the AB3 burner

  • Holds up to 2.5L of ethanol fuel

  • Heats on average 20m ²

  • Burn time is 8 – 11 hours

  • Thermal output at 1.7kW/h

There are many other options to choose from; some can heat huge spaces of 110m3 or even more.

Are Ethanol Fireplaces Expensive to Run?

The cost of running an ethanol fireplace depends on the size of the burner and the external environment. On average, it costs as low as $1.50 per hour to operate an ethanol fireplace.

The average operating cost sits low-middle compared to other fuel sources.

  • Ethanol $2.0 / Hour
  • Wood $3.0 / Hour
  • Electric $2.0 / Hour
  • Gas $0.5 / Hour

What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (28)

Do Ethanol Fireplaces Smell?

That's a great question; there's no one simple answer to this.

Any odours will vary depending on the ethanol fireplace fuel brand and the quality of the fuel.

Generally, ethanol fireplaces have a slight odour upon initial lighting, but it dissipates with time. There is also a low odour once the flame is extinguished, very similar to blowing out a candle.

Once an ethanol fireplace has been burning for a while, you can barely notice any odours produced.

Brands such as e-NRG Bioethanol fuel are of the highest quality and designed to produce the lowest odours.

What is The Best Ethanol Fireplace?

The best brand of ethanol fireplace is Ecosmart Fire.

Why?

  • Committed to Safety
  • Recognised World Wide
  • Highest Quality Products
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Ultimate Fire Design Flexibility
  • Personalised Support

Ethanol Fireplace Options:

Build-in

  • Ethanol Fire Pit Kits
  • Ethanol Fireplace Grates (ethanol fireplace insert for existing fireplace).
  • Bio ethanol Burners
  • Ethanol Fireplace Insert

Freestanding

  • Ethanol Fire Pits
  • Ethanol Designer Fireplaces
  • Ethanol Fire Tables
  • Ethanol Accessories

Best Bio Ethanol Fireplace Practices

Are you convinced of the benefits already? Do you feel ready to make such a modern and functional addition to your home?

Before you move ahead and buy your brand new ethanol fireplace or fire table, let's examine a few valuable tips and specifics that will help you make the most of your brand new possession.

1. Always Use the Right Fuel

No matter how great and effective your new bio ethanol or alcohol fireplace is, you will not get optimal heat output without high-quality fuel.

Bioethanol fuel needs to have an alcohol reading of96 per cent for optimal combustion. The most typical commercial fuel for Bioethanol Fireplaces Australiawill have an alcohol reading of 96 to 99 per cent.

Lower alcohol content will make the burning inefficient, and it will also potentially bring down the heat output. Do look for quality as the heat output and the efficiency will be best. Cheap fuels can produce a somewhat unpleasant smell, and the burning will not be consistent.

2. Always Follow Manufacturers Operation & Safety Instructions.

It's essential to follow the manufactures instructions that will arrive alongside your brand new, modern ethanol fireplace. You'll be provided with safely operating instructions, clearance requirements, installation methods and other safety practices.

DIY ethanol fireplaces are not recommended, we need to the leave question "how to make an ethanol fireplace?"with the experts. However, for a ethanol fireplace DIY, always consult with your builder, licensed professional and the manufacturer.


Ark 40 Ethanol Fireplace

How to Operate a Ethanol Fireplace

Lighting an Ethanol Fireplace:

  1. (Remember always to follow the manufactures instructions, these steps are a guide forethanol fireplaces in Australia)

  2. Inspect the burner to make sure it is clean and clear from foreign particles and isn't hot.

  3. Using the correct safety refuelling equipment, fill the burner to the desired amount without exceeding its max limit – (often indicated as a line or in manufacturers instructions)

  4. Place the jerry can at least 1500m from theburner before ignition.

  5. Using the appropriate lighting device, safely light the fireplace according to the operating manual.

  6. At first, the flame will be small and often blue. Give it around 20 minutes. It will slowly start reaching the optimum flame.

  7. After that initial period, you can adjust the flame according to your preferences.

  8. Your fuel storage area should not be within a hazardous distance from the fireplace! This is very important to prevent accidental combustion. It must be 1500mm away from a flame at all times.

You don't have to burn all the fuel inside the fireplace in one go. The beauty of bioethanol fireplaces is that you can extinguish the flame when you feel like it, preserving the rest of the fuel.

Extinguishing an Ethanol Fireplace:

  1. (Remember always to follow the manufactures instructions, these steps are a guideforethanol fireplaces in Australia)

  2. The fireplace will often come with a lid/tool you can use to put out the flame.

  3. While using the correct utensils, place/slide the lid over the burner's opening until the flame goes out.

  4. Let the ethanol fireplace cool down completely, at least 1 hour.

  5. Do not pour additional fuel inside the burner until the burner has lowered to at least room temperature.

Ethanol Fireplace Basic Maintenance:

  • Use a dry cloth to wipe up spilled fuel.
  • You can clean the exterior of the fireplace with a damp cloth.
  • The right kind of cleaner (glass cleaner, for example) can be utilised for the maintenance of the respective part of the fireplace
  • Steel wool is not appropriate for removing stains or some kind of build-up from your fireplace

What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (31)

Where to Buy Ethanol Fuel For Fireplaces?

We have many customer ask us" Where Can I Buy Bio Ethanol Fuel My Fireplace?".. You can simplify purchase e-NRG Ethanol Fuel through our website via the link here. We will ship the fuel free, directly to your door.

Please note:This isn't the same fuel for your bio ethanol fireplace from Bunnings. The brand of ethanol fireplaceat Bunnings is not suitable for products that require e-NRG ethanol fuel. Ethanol Fireplace Fuel from Bunnings has a different quality.

A Few Ethanol Fireplace Essentials

The same rules should be followed for an outdoor ethanol fireplace, but it's even more important to make sure you're doing everything correctly when you are in a small space.

As you've seen from the above section, there's nothing way too complex about the use of a bioethanol fireplace. You need to follow the logic and adhere to basic safety principles to enjoy the fireplace without any hazards.

Ethanol Fireplace Tips for Beginners:

  • You should never pour additional ethanol fireplace fuel into an open flame and while the fireplace is working. While the recommendation is a logical one, some people will ignore the dangers of adding fuel to a free standing ethanol fireplace with an open flame.
  • It would help if you also refrained from attempting to move the fireplace while it is operational – the freestanding item will be way too hot to handle, and you risk getting severe burns.
  • Flammable materials and supplies should also be kept a reasonable distance away from a fireplace, at least 1500mm at all times.
  • Do not leave children unsupervised by the fireplace
  • You should never use gasoline or another kind of non-approved fuel in a bioethanol fireplace. Not only can such activities damage your fireplace beyond repair, but there will also be a higher risk of fire.
  • Do not place combustible items like paper or charcoal in the burner.
  • A bioethanol fireplace isn’t mean to be used for cooking food.

That's it! Knowing these essentials will be enough to use your fireplace optimally.

You're now faced with the task of choosing the right bioethanol fireplace for your home. We'll be more than happy to guide you through the process or answer questions you may have about these fantastic heating systems.

Reach out today for additional information, or check out our fantastic collection of ethanol fireplaces for Australia! We are the number one retailer for ethanol fireplaces Sydney & ethanol fireplaces Melbourne!

We also do our best to offer guidance and provide valuable suggestions in our blog. Check out the latest publications for some great recommendations, safety tips and buying ideas

Click here to see all Ethanol Fireplaces.

What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What is an Ethanol Fireplace? - A Complete Guide - 2024? ›

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.

What is an ethanol fireplace? ›

In conclusion, a bioethanol stove, also referred to as an ethanol fire, ethanol fireplace, bio fire, or biofuel fireplace, is a modern and eco-friendly heating solution that uses bioethanol fuel to produce real flames and heat.

What is the disadvantage of a bioethanol fireplace? ›

Probably the main disadvantage of bioethanol fireplaces is that they don't produce as much heat as a wood- or coal burner. Bioethanol fireplaces produce roughly 3kWh of heat when the fuel slider is fully open.

How effective are ethanol fireplaces? ›

If you're looking for a heat solution that will create a cozy environment, you need a Bio Flame ethanol burner. 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.

Do you need ventilation with an ethanol fireplace? ›

Bioethanol fireplaces do not require a venting system with a chimney or flue as they do not emit harmful emissions, unlike a traditional wood burner. We suggest you refresh the air if using regularly by opening a small window in between refills. Whether wood, coal, gas, or bioethanol, all fires produce carbon dioxide.

Do ethanol fireplaces heat a room? ›

Do bioethanol fires give off heat? Yes. The real flame provides a cosy atmosphere, but it also produces a comfortable toastiness for your room. However, we don't recommend replacing your central heating system with a bioethanol fireplace as it will not produce enough heat and will be expensive to run.

How do you fuel an ethanol fireplace? ›

The fluid can often be directly injected into the fire opening or through a small limb next to it. We recommend to always use a funnel or pump to avoid spilling the bio ethanol fuel. If you waste any bioethanol, you should always make sure to remove it before turning on the bio fireplace.

What are the disadvantages of bioethanol? ›

There would have to be a large infrastructure change to provide ethanol refueling stations. Ethanol also absorbs water easily giving it a high tendency to corrode materials. Pure ethanol is difficult to vaporize meaning starting a car in cold weather could be more difficult that a car that runs on petrol.

How long does ethanol fireplace 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.

What is better electric or ethanol fireplace? ›

If you are looking for a realistic flame, versatility in design and placement, and an eco-friendly option, a bio ethanol fireplace may be the way to go. However, if you are looking for a low maintenance and cost-effective option, an electric fireplace may be a better choice.

What is the best fuel for ethanol fireplace? ›

e-NRG is the only bioethanol fuel recommended for your ethanol fireplace.

Are ethanol fires safe indoors? ›

What's more, bioethanol fires are far safer to use indoors than traditional fires due to the fact that they don't produce any smoke, ash or carcinogenic substances, so you're not breathing in any of these substances in your home.

Do ethanol fireplaces smell? ›

Bioethanol fuel has a fairly neutral smell when lit — some people claim that there's no smell at all, but you will notice a mild, but not unpleasant, odour when you first light your bioethanol fireplace. Some people describe the smell as mildly “coconutty”, while others compare the scent to a burning candle.

Do ethanol fireplaces produce carbon monoxide? ›

Ethanol is a flammable liquid that technically should burn cleanly. However, under certain conditions, its combustion in a fireplace is imperfect and may produce carbon monoxide (CO) and certain other noxious gases, for instance, when the combustion temperature is too high or too low.

How warm are ethanol fireplaces? ›

On average, a bioethanol fireplace produce around 2-5 kW of heat output. This is roughly equivalent to a small electric heater and can provide enough heat to warm up a small to medium-sized room. One of the benefits of a bioethanol fireplace is that the heat output can be easily adjusted.

Do ethanol fires need a chimney? ›

A bioethanol fire is a cleaner, safer, more eco-friendly way to enjoy a real fire in the home. The fuel doesn't emit smoke or fumes, so you don't need a chimney.

Are ethanol fireplaces safe indoors? ›

What's more, bioethanol fires are far safer to use indoors than traditional fires due to the fact that they don't produce any smoke, ash or carcinogenic substances, so you're not breathing in any of these substances in your home.

Are ethanol fireplaces safe to use? ›

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.

Do ethanol fireplaces need a chimney? ›

No. You don't need a chimney with a bioethanol fireplace because bioethanol fuel burns cleanly — without smoke, soot, or ash. This makes bioethanol the ideal alternative energy source for buildings that don't have chimneys, such as flats, conservatories, and many modern homes.

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