March 22, 2025

What You Need to Know Before Installing Bioethanol Fires

Bioethanol fires have become popular for luxury garden entertainment, providing warmth and a stylish focal point for outdoor spaces. It’s important to understand factors such as ventilation when using bioethanol fires.

Do You Need Ventilation for Bioethanol Fires?

No, you don’t need a chimney or ventilation for a bioethanol fire. It burns cleanly, producing just water vapour and carbon dioxide—so there’s no smoke, soot, or ash to worry about. That means you can place a bioethanol fireplace almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, without dealing with flues or complex installations.

That said, using it in a well-ventilated room is always a good idea to keep the air fresh and prevent carbon dioxide from building up.

What about putting bioethanol fireplaces indoors?

A bioethanol fireplace for indoor spaces is a great idea, especially if you're looking for a stylish and low-maintenance way to enjoy a real flame without the hassle of a chimney or gas connection. They’re easy to install, burn cleanly without smoke or soot, and can be placed in almost any room.

However, they work best for ambience and supplemental heating rather than as a primary heat source. While they produce warmth, their heat output is lower than wood-burning or gas fireplaces. If you're mainly after the cosy atmosphere of a real flame without complicated installation, bioethanol fireplaces are a fantastic option.

Recommended Ventilation Practices

Simply cracking a window or door helps keep the air comfortable. If you have ventilation systems like extractor fans, they can help, too—especially in more enclosed spaces. For larger areas, a mix of open doors or windows is usually enough to keep things fresh.

Considerations for Using a Bioethanol Fireplace Indoors

Keep Flammable Materials Away

Maintain proper ventilation, keep flammable materials away from the fire, and supervise children and pets to prevent accidents. Establishing a safety zone around the fireplace can help minimise risks.

Room Size for Heat Output

Indoor bioethanol fireplaces typically produce heat outputs ranging from 2 to 5 kW. They are suitable for providing supplemental heat in smaller to medium-sized rooms. Homeowners should consider the size of the space and the fireplace's heat output to ensure adequate warmth.

Maintenance

Ongoing maintenance for indoor Bioethanol fireplaces includes regularly refilling the fuel and cleaning the burner to ensure efficient operation. It's also important to check for any residue buildup and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for care and maintenance.