The Bio Flame 38-Inch Firebox DS Built-in See-Through Ethanol Fireplace (2024)

FAQs

Are bio-ethanol fireplaces any good? ›

Bioethanol fires produce controllable heat.

Bioethanol fireplaces kick out a surprising amount of heat, but we don't recommend them as a replacement for your central heating - one fire won't heat your whole house. You can easily control the flame with the fuel box slider — much more controllable than wood or coal.

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.

We recommend using Nu-Flame Bioethanol Fuel, sold by PYRO. It is 100% recycled, smoke-free and made in the USA! It also produces less dark soot to stain your fire bowl. You may also use 70% or 91% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.

Ceramic fibre cotton in a bio ethanol fireplace is, as such, not a consumable product, meaning that there is no set number of times you can use it before it needs to be replaced.

Using higher amounts of ethanol reduces fuel economy. 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.

Are bioethanol fires expensive to run? The short answer is no; bioethanol fires are not expensive to run compared to the cost of running wood or gas fires. However, the cost of running a bioethanol fire can vary depending on the cost of the fuel you use and how far open the box slider is during use (if applicable).

Bioethanol makes a perfect additional heat source, offering a real, warming flame. In a standard-sized room, an average-sized bioethanol fireplace will give off as much heat as an electric heater on a medium-to-high setting.

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.

No. Bioethanol fireplaces don't give off fumes or smoke, so you don't need a flue or a chimney. However, you can install a false flue to contribute to the traditional aesthetic of your fireplace.

Methylated spirits, like bioethanol, is another type of denatured alcohol. In this case the ethanol is denatured with methanol. Methylated spirits are widely available and can be found in most stores.

Do Bioethanol fireplaces produce carbon monoxide? ›

Bioethanol doesn't create carbon monoxide, a dangerous, poisonous, odourless gas. However, if you're worried, install a carbon monoxide alarm in the same room as your bioethanol fireplace to set your mind at rest.

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.

We recommend leaving at least 45cm between the television and the fireplace if you're installing a TV above a bioethanol fireplace. And while bioethanol fireplaces don't get as hot as traditional wood or coal burners, they still give off plenty of heat, which could damage a TV if hung too close.

High-quality bioethanol fuel emits very little-to-no odour while it's burning, but you may notice a slight chemical tang to the air when the flames go out. This is normal and nothing to worry about. You may detect the same smell when you close the fuel box slider to snuff out the flame.

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.

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.

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.