What are bioethanol fireplaces?
Bioethanol fireplaces are a clean and ecological alternative to wood-burning fireplaces. The fireplaces run on bioethanol, the combustion of which creates a convincing and realistic play of flames. High-quality imitations of logs create the perfect illusion of a real fireplace. Since the organic fuel has no chemical compounds, when it burns it leaves behind only heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. Combustion is therefore harmless to humans and animals and is completely odorless.
An ethanol fireplace is not only good for the environment, but it is also particularly appealing due to its independent installation. It does not require a license, a chimney, or another exhaust system. As with electric fireplaces, no expensive and laborious conversions are necessary.
After installation, the ethanol fireplace is immediately ready for use!
The storage of dirty logs or briquettes is a thing of the past. Bioethanol for fireplaces is supplied in clean, space-saving bottles and canisters.
How does an ethanol fireplace work?
An ethanol fireplace works on a very simple principle. Although various manufacturers use different patented process technologies, the basic principle is the same. The fuel used is bioethanol, sustainably sourced from energy-rich plants. This is poured into the ethanol fireplace, which essentially consists of: a base support, a tank, a safety tray, a sliding valve to regulate the air supply, and the actual burner.
The safety tray prevents accidental fuel leakage. Once the tank is filled with fuel, the burner can be safely lit with the aid of a lighter. Alternatively, some models with an automatic burner can also be lit by pressing a button on the provided remote control. At this point, the fire burns similarly to a hearth and creates a beautiful flame pattern.
The oxygen supply can be regulated during operation with the aid of a regulator. The air supply influences not only the flame's behavior but also the heating power. At the same time, the ethanol fireplace can be turned off in a few seconds thanks to this mechanism. While most models regulate the air supply with a manual slider, ethanol fireplaces with automatic burners can also be turned off by pressing a button.
Special features of a bioethanol fireplace
An bioethanol fireplace offers maximum freedom. While a traditional fireplace requires a chimney, an ethanol fireplace allows you to place the fire wherever you choose. In the garden, at your holiday home, on the living room table, or as a classic freestanding fireplace. The choice is yours. Thanks to its stable and lightweight design, a bioethanol fireplace can be moved to another room at any time or easily taken with you when you move house.
The advantages of bioethanol fireplaces
The fireplace burns liquid bioethanol. This fuel offers numerous advantages:
- Safety: Ethanol is a non-toxic fuel with a high flash point. If the fireplace is used according to the instructions, it is very safe.
- Cleanliness: Ethanol combustion produces neither smoke nor soot. Therefore, the fireplace does not need any special cleaning, which means that an ethanol fireplace requires almost no maintenance.
- Independent installation: Since the fuel tank is integrated into the fireplace, installation is completely independent.
- No chimney: With a bioethanol fireplace, you can enjoy the warmth and elegance of flames without having to carry out expensive masonry work. For fireplaces without a chimney, it is NOT necessary to request permits or follow bureaucratic procedures. The only precaution is to ensure that the room is sufficiently ventilated (the flame burns oxygen).
- No smoke, no unpleasant odors: Bioethanol is an alcohol obtained from the fermentation of vegetable waste. Its combustion produces no smoke, but only carbon dioxide, water vapor, and heat. Just like a person breathes! Bio-fireplaces are absolutely not dangerous or harmful to the environment. By using high-quality bioethanol, combustion is odorless.
Are bioethanol fireplaces dangerous?
One thing is clear: an ethanol fireplace is an open fireplace. However, so are candles, fondue sets, gas stoves, and charcoal barbecues. For safe operation, an ethanol fireplace should always be treated with the same respect as any other open flame. In principle, ethanol fires are not dangerous, despite bioethanol being a highly flammable fuel. However, under certain circumstances and if handled incorrectly, it can be dangerous. With our tips, however, most dangers can be easily avoided.
Bioethanol Fireplace Safety - Efesto Home's Advice
Don't play with fire. You should take this phrase from your childhood to heart even when handling your bioethanol fireplace. The vast majority of fire accidents are caused by negligent or even incorrect handling. We therefore recommend you take the following precautions:
- Only use high-quality fuels specifically produced and approved for use in ethanol fireplaces.
- Never refuel your ethanol fireplace while it is burning. As when pouring lighter fluid into a barbecue, there is a risk of severe burns.
- Wait approximately 15 minutes for the burner to cool down before refilling with new bioethanol. Otherwise, an ethanol deflagration could occur.
- Never leave the ethanol fireplace unattended.
- Ensure that all flammable objects are at least 50 centimetres away from the flames.
- Place the ethanol fireplace on a fireproof base. This also protects painted or veneered surfaces from heat.
- Ensure that the ethanol fireplace is placed on a solid surface and is protected from drafts.
- Ethanol fireplaces are not suitable for households with small children or large pets such as dogs and cats, as they increase the risk of injury and fire. Our electric fireplaces are an ideal alternative.
How does an ethanol fireplace affect the indoor climate?
Like any combustion, the operation of an ethanol fireplace also affects the indoor climate. After all, flames need oxygen, which is extracted from the room air. Unfortunately, the myth persists that ethanol fireplaces cause a dangerous decrease in the oxygen content of the ambient air. According to several studies, the oxygen content in the room air is reduced so minimally that no one can notice this change.
The carbon dioxide produced by the combustion is also so low that occasional ventilation is absolutely sufficient to enjoy a cozy evening by the fire. Unlike many other open fires, an ethanol fireplace produces practically no carbon monoxide.
The same applies to fine dust, which is particularly produced by wood fires. Ultimately, a bioethanol fireplace does not cause significant changes to the indoor climate that cannot be compensated for by briefly opening a window or the hallway door.
What is the difference between regular ethanol and bioethanol?
First, ethanol is nothing more than pure alcohol in a concentration that is usually between 94 and 100%. This alcohol can be obtained from different sources. "Conventional" ethanol, for example, is often so-called petroleum ethanol, i.e., a fossil fuel.
Bioethanol, on the other hand, is obtained from plants with a high starch, sugar, or cellulose content, such as corn. It is therefore a biological and sustainably produced fuel with a neutral CO2 balance. However, conventional ethanol and bioethanol do not differ in terms of calorific value, odor, or other properties.
Which bioethanol fireplace is right for me?
The increasing demand for ethanol fireplaces has led to a real explosion in supply. In addition to a wide variety of designs, ranging from antique to rustic and modern, ethanol fireplaces are available in a great variety of styles. Regardless of whether you are looking for a table fireplace or a floor-standing fireplace, or if you want to buy an ethanol fireplace to be built into the wall. The choice is practically unlimited.
Different versions of bioethanol fireplaces
The different types of bioethanol fireplaces are listed below:
Wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace
If you want to give your home a special attraction, a wall-mounted fireplace is the right choice for you. Whether it's open or closed. Whether it's elegantly modern, round, or linear. Wall-mounted ethanol fireplaces are always a real eye-catcher.
Discover all our wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces here.
Freestanding bioethanol fireplace
The free-standing fireplace is the classic option and is available in numerous designs. The range spans from classic Victorian-style fireplaces to rustic ethanol fireplaces with a stone look and fire columns that look great both indoors and in the garden.
Discover all our free-standing bioethanol fireplaces here.
Built-in bioethanol fireplace
Built-in fireplaces and ethanol burners are the ideal solution for those who want to build the fireplace of their dreams themselves. The wide variety of shapes, from round to square, leaves ample room for creativity.
Discover all our built-in bioethanol fireplaces here.
Corner bioethanol fireplace
If you want to buy an ethanol fireplace and want or need to make the most of your four walls, a corner fireplace is the best choice. These fireplaces are designed to be installed in the corners of rooms and save space.
Discover all our corner bioethanol fireplaces here.
Tables with built-in bioethanol burners
These beautiful bioethanol fire pits are a great way to enhance your indoor or outdoor living space.
They offer all the benefits of a traditional fire pit without the hassle of smoke, ash, odors, expensive installation, or maintenance. Bioethanol is a clean, eco-friendly, and renewable fuel.
Discover all our tables with built-in bioethanol burners here.
Outdoor bioethanol fireplaces
An ethanol fireplace, for use in the garden or on the patio, must meet a number of specific characteristics. In addition to greater stability, it must be protected from drafts. For this reason, outdoor ethanol fireplaces are equipped with full glass panels or a large windshield. This not only ensures a consistent flame pattern but is also a great advantage in terms of safety.
Discover all our outdoor bioethanol fireplaces here.
The future: automatic burners
Currently, most ethanol fireplaces still have to be lit with a match or a lighter. However, some manufacturers, such as Planika, already offer models with automatic burners. These can be conveniently lit, regulated, and extinguished with a remote control. What could be better than lighting the fireplace's ambiance at the touch of a button with a good book in hand?
Discover all our automatic bioethanol burners here.
Bioethanol fireplaces on efestohome.com
At Efesto Home, you can find many variations of ethanol fireplaces, such as floor-standing, wall-mounted, corner, and even elegant tabletop fireplaces.
Choose a modern style fireplace, and you can watch the lively fire through its generous glass surfaces. Or opt for a classic style fireplace and relive the magic of past eras.
To learn more about our ethanol fireplaces, don't hesitate to contact us at the following email address: info@efestohome.com