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Dec 14, 2023

A Guide To Bio Ethanol Fireplaces And Bio Ethanol Fuel

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We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

The sustainable 'green fuel' produces a very clean, smokeless form of heat.

There's a buzz about 'bio fires' as the new clean and cosy alternative to the flickering flames of the log-burning stove. Now that everyone expects to spend more time at home, four in 10 (40 per cent) British homeowners say they are more likely to use their stove or open fire this winter compared to previous years, according to the new government-backed Burn Better campaign, which aims to help us enjoy burners and open fires more safely.

However, many people have concerns that using logs and other solid fuels can contribute to pollution indoors and in the environment. Could a bio-ethanol fireplace be the answer? Here's what you need to know:

Bio-ethanol fuel, sometimes called 'bio fuel', is a sustainable 'green fuel' produced from crops such as sugar cane or maize. It produces a very clean, smokeless form of heat as it doesn't generate any harmful gasses, sparks or soot.

'When used as fuel for heating, bio-ethanol is very environmentally friendly, producing around the same C02 emissions as burning a candle,' says Tina Mahoney, director at contemporary furniture company Go Modern.

Critics say that crops grown for use as bio-ethanol fuel are diverting land use and reducing capacity for food production. 'The advantages of not burning fossil fuel and swapping to a fuel that is sustainably sourced outweighs this concern for us at the moment,' says Tina.

Don't confuse bio-ethanol fuel with gel fuel. Made from a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water, gel fuel comes in a canister.

As well as creating an instant focal point with dancing flames, the big plus of a bio-ethanol fireplace is that unlike gas, wood or other solid fuels, it doesn't need a chimney or outside flue.

The Burn Better campaign is concerned about the rise in chimney fires. From April 2019 to March 2020 3,130 houses in England set alight as a result of a build-up of flammable tar. There's no risk of this with a bio-ethanol fire.

There's also no risk from potentially damaging air particulates released when solid fuels are burnt, so this is a bonus for people who suffer from allergies or other health conditions.

You can fit a bio-ethanol fireplace anywhere you like, so this choice could be ideal for a new home or one where the fireplaces and chimney breasts have been removed. Walls do need to be strong, so if any doubt ask a builder or structural engineer for advice. Some models are portable, and can be used both indoors and outdoors, so good for chilly winter evenings. There's no mess or ash either, or any need for complicated seasonal maintenance. If you decide to move house, you can take your bio-ethanol fireplace with you.

Also, you don't need gas or even electricity for a bio-ethanol fire so this can help reduce monthly bills. A long fire-lighting rod or wand, usually supplied with the fire or manufacturer-recommended, is used to ignite the bio-ethanol fuel safely.

Within the fire, the fuel is stored in a 'box' or 'cassette' which you fill up yourself. The experts at Le Feu Fireplaces say that 1.5 litres of fuel may last for between five to six hours, subject to conditions. This will produce up to 3.5kw of heat, which should warm a 20sqm room. Bio-ethanol fuel is available online and at DIY stores such as B&Q (La Hacienda Bio-Ethanol Fuel, 2L, £9.82).

Obviously, there is some heat output, but unless your home is small and highly-insulated, don't rely on a bio-ethanol fireplace as a primary heat source. In comparison to wood – which can be free if you forage for logs and store and dry them correctly, see the government's new Burn Better campaign for advice, bio-ethanol isn't the cheapest of fuels, especially if you're planning to use your fire every evening.

Gas-powered fires light instantly, but a bio-ethanol fire can take between 15 and 20 minutes to become fully 'on' with flames to accompany the heat. You are also advised to leave 45 minutes before filling up when the canister becomes empty, to allow the fire to cool down. You may need your blanket if you're settled in for a night in front of Netflix.

To avoid running out of fuel – especially as re-stocking might not be as easy under COVID-19 restrictions and delivery delays – you need enough space to store supplies safely and out of reach of children, pets and possible sources of danger. Never store spare bio-ethanol fuel close to the fire itself, to avoid accidental ignition.

Bio-ethanol fuel is highly inflammable. 'We would advise that the portable fires should never be moved when lit,' says Tina Mahoney. 'Also, if there are small children around, and as with any fire, a design with a heat-proof screen is a must.'

A full fire suite – a bio-ethanol fire with a matching fire surround – is the quickest way to transform a room; Mano Mano's Adam Solus Fireplace Suite in Oak with Colorado Bio Ethanol Fire in Black, £569, is great value too.

For the ultimate in flexibility, a freestanding bio-ethanol fire can be moved around your home and garden, putting you in control. Wayfair's stylish triangular Theon model, from £191, in black or white, makes a contemporary statement indoors or out.

Some styles of bio-ethanol fireplace, such as the Le Feu Sky, £1,599, can be suspended from a ceiling and rotated through 360 degrees, allowing the open part of the fire to face the whole room or just one corner. Brackets and extensions are available for fitting to a high or sloping ceiling too.

Especially suited to contemporary homes and interior design schemes, a 'plug and play' wall-mounted bio-ethanol fire can be fitted in less than hour. For ultimate indulgence, some wall-mounted bio-ethanol fireplaces come with a remote control so you're in charge of the heat and flames from the comfort of your sofa.

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