Bio-ethanol fires: Your Questions Answered

For decades we have been selling the very best bio-ethanol fires.

Our selection is ever-evolving. Despite how long we have been selling these types of fires, we still get quite a few questions. This is hardly surprising, considering bio-ethanol fires are less common than their electric or solid fuel counterparts. To make information on bio-ethanol fires more accessible, we've compiled some of the most common questions below. 

What are bio ethanol fires?

Bioethanol fires, also known as ethanol fireplaces or simply ethanol fires, are a type of fireplace that uses bioethanol as the fuel source. Bioethanol is a renewable, plant-derived alcohol produced by fermenting and distilling crops such as corn, sugarcane, or other organic materials.

These fires provide a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces. They are designed to burn bioethanol cleanly and efficiently without a chimney or flue system. Instead of producing smoke, they emit a small amount of water vapour and carbon dioxide, both byproducts of bioethanol's clean combustion.

Bioethanol fires are typically portable and can be placed in various locations within a home or outdoor space. They come in different designs, ranging from tabletop models to wall-mounted or freestanding units. Some bioethanol fireplaces incorporate glass panels to provide a view of the flames, while others use open burners for a more traditional fireplace aesthetic.

One of the advantages of bioethanol fires is their ease of use. They can be ignited and extinguished quickly and don't require any installation or connection to gas or electric lines. However, it's essential to follow safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer, such as maintaining proper ventilation and keeping flammable materials away from the fireplace.

Overall, bioethanol fires offer the warmth and ambience of a real flame without the need for a traditional fireplace setup. They have become a sustainable and versatile heating option for indoor and outdoor spaces.

How do bioethanol fires work?

Bioethanol fires burn bioethanol fuel in a controlled manner to produce heat and flames. Here's a general overview of how they operate:

• Fuel Container: Bioethanol fires typically have a fuel container, often called a burner or reservoir, which holds the bioethanol fuel. The capacity of the fuel container can vary depending on the size and model of the fireplace.
• Ignition: To start the fire, the bioethanol fuel is poured into the burner. Some fireplaces have a manual ignition system, using a long lighter or match to ignite the fuel. Others may have an electronic ignition system, similar to a gas stove, which can be ignited with the push of a button.
• Combustion: Once the fuel is ignited, it burns and vaporises. The heat generated from the combustion process warms the surrounding air. The flames produced by the burning bioethanol provide the visual aspect of the fire.
• Safety Features: Many bioethanol fires are designed with safety features to regulate the flame and prevent accidents. These may include flame control mechanisms, such as a damper or adjustable burner, which allow you to adjust the size and intensity of the flame. Some fireplaces also have sensors that detect if the fireplace is overheating or if the flame is extinguished, automatically shutting off the fuel supply.
• Heat Output: The amount of heat generated by a bioethanol fire can vary depending on the size and efficiency of the fireplace. They typically provide radiant heat, which warms objects and people near the fire.
• Emissions: Bioethanol fires produce minimal emissions compared to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. The combustion of bioethanol produces water vapour and carbon dioxide as byproducts. However, it's essential to ensure proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of carbon dioxide in enclosed spaces.

It's worth noting that bioethanol fires should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.

How long do bioethanol fires last?

The duration of a bioethanol fire depends on several factors, including the size of the fuel container, the size and design of the burner, and the flame intensity. The burning time can typically range from a couple of hours to several hours. Here are some factors that can influence the burn time:

• Fuel Capacity: The size of the fuel container or burner determines how much bioethanol fuel can be held. Larger fuel containers can hold more fuel, resulting in longer burns.
• Flame Size: The size and intensity of the flame can affect the burn time. A larger flame will consume fuel more quickly, resulting in a shorter burn time than a smaller flame.
• Flame Regulation: Some bioethanol fires offer adjustable flame controls or dampers that allow you to regulate the size and intensity of the flame. By reducing the flame size, you can extend the burn time.
• Fuel Efficiency: The efficiency of the bioethanol fire in utilising the fuel can also impact the burn time. More efficient fireplaces are designed to optimise fuel consumption, resulting in longer burn times.

In Ireland, how much do bioethanol fires cost?

The cost of bioethanol fires in Ireland can vary depending on various factors, including the brand, model, size, design, and additional fireplace features. We have a massive range of fires available that come in various prices.  

For more information on our bio-ethanol fire suite, please get in touch with us today or browse through our online selection.