Fireplace Inserts

A zero-clearance ethanol fireplace insert is a self-contained bioethanol fire unit designed to drop into a wall cavity or an existing hearth, delivering a real flame without a chimney, flue, gas line or electrical connection. It burns liquid bioethanol fuel cleanly, producing only heat, water vapour and a small amount of CO2, with no smoke, soot, sparks or ash. That clean combustion is what sets it apart from a wood or gas insert, and what allows the unit to sit directly against timber or metal studs.

EcoSmart Fire builds ethanol inserts across three ranges, each suited to a different architectural setting:

• Frame: recessed wall inserts for indoor or outdoor single-sided viewing, built around a Grade 304 stainless steel burner and toughened glass screen.
• Heritage: a contemporary take on the traditional hearth and firebox, designed for classic fireplace openings.
• Grate: drop-in bioethanol grates that convert an existing wood-burning fireplace into a clean-burning fire, suitable for retrofit projects.

All ranges are safety-certified and designed for use in adequately ventilated indoor and outdoor spaces.

EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplaces feature true zero-clearance design. At the back and sides, the appliance frame installs directly into wood or metal stud walls with no spacing required between the unit and surrounding combustible materials.

For mantels and surrounds fitted above or beside the unit, specific vertical clearance distances apply. These differ depending on whether the material is combustible or non-combustible; your model's support page provides the exact dimensions and diagrams for your configuration.

Each model specifies a minimum room volume for adequate ventilation. This is an air quality requirement rather than a physical clearance distance. Your product specifications or installer will confirm the threshold for your room.

Before installation, verify your wall cavity dimensions against the product's cut-out specifications to ensure tolerances align.

Minimum footprints by range:

• Frame (surface-mounted, zero clearance): 746 mm x 798 mm, 403 mm deep
• Flex (recessed cavity): 488 mm wide x 730 mm tall, 365 mm deep
• Heritage (hearth alcove): 860 mm wide x 910 mm tall, 539 mm deep

Three zero-clearance bioethanol series, three distinct design intents. Flex is the format-flexible range for bespoke and commercial builds, Heritage reimagines the traditional hearth for compact and high-rise settings, and Frame delivers low-profile linear flame for contemporary and retrofit interiors.

Where they diverge:

• Flex offers the widest format choice: 12 single-sided sizes from 378 to 4,030 mm [14.9 to 158.7 in] viewing width, available across eight configurations (single-sided, left corner, right corner, bay, double-sided, peninsula, island, and bench). The viewing area is all live flame. Select models include an optional decorative box and copper log set. Single-sided models share a 365 mm [14.4 in] depth.
• Heritage is the single-sided traditionalist. Three sizes, 860 to 1,624 mm [33.9 to 63.9 in] wide, with the tallest proportions and deepest 539 mm [21.2 in] profile of the three. A SECC steel grate and toughened glass fire screen come standard, creating the classic log-fire read inside a modern firebox. Zero-clearance, ventless installation makes it suited to compact living spaces and high-rise buildings.
• Frame is the shallowest and lowest-slung, at 363 to 403 mm [14.3 to 15.9 in] deep and 598 mm [23.5 in] high. Five single-sided sizes, toughened low-iron glass for clearer flame, and a design that lets wall finishes be updated without disturbing the insert.

Flex for design freedom. Heritage for traditional proportions without the infrastructure. Frame for linear, low-profile statements and renovations.

Yes, ethanol fireplace inserts are straightforward to install compared to traditional fireplaces. Unlike wood-burning or gas fireplaces, there's no flue, gas line, or electricity connection required, which eliminates most of the structural and trade complexity. The zero-clearance technology means the appliance mounts directly against standard timber framing without additional wall spacing, giving you genuine flexibility in placement.

The installation typically follows three phases: build the framework to the specified opening dimensions, slide the appliance into the cavity and secure with standard screws, then complete your wall panelling and finishes. Single-sided inserts follow a 10-step sequence, from framework construction through media positioning, while fire pit kits simplify to 6 steps. Basic tools suffice: a power drill, screwdriver, and level. Models range from 25.7 kg [56.5 lbs] to 222.1 kg [488.6 lbs], and heavier units benefit from a second pair of hands, though no specialist trades or custom engineering is needed.

Flexibility is where ethanol fireplace inserts stand apart. Zero-clearance installation removes traditional constraints, so you can incorporate the fireplace at any renovation stage: before wall lining, mid-construction, or even as a retrofit into existing openings. Your finishing materials (marble, timber, concrete, or custom millwork) can be chosen independently, and the appliance fits into interior walls, under cabinetry, or recessed niches. After installation, fill with e-NRG bioethanol, ensure adequate room ventilation, and test the ignition.

EcoSmart’s fireplace inserts are mostly used for new construction when an entirely new fireplace is desired for a given space. They are not designed for the conversion or remodelling of an existing masonry or gas fireplace but could be used if the dimensions align.

To convert an existing fireplace we recommend using our fireplace grates or ethanol burners as noted above.

Ensure that the flue has been closed off and the relevant suppliers have officially detached all connections to utilities.

EcoSmart Fire's zero-clearance bioethanol fireplace inserts do not require professional installation. They are designed for confident DIY completion with comprehensive instructions.

The process has three steps: construct a timber-framed cavity to specified dimensions, mount the insert via the included mounting holes, and finish the surround with approved non-combustible materials. No structural modifications or specialist trades are needed.

Many customers choose to involve a qualified builder or interior designer, and this is where professional input earns its value. A tradesperson brings precise placement, tight integration with bespoke cabinetry, and a polished finish that elevates the overall design. If you're building or renovating, they can also coordinate installation timing across other trades on site.

EcoSmart Fire's trade specialists offer a free drawing review to validate your plan before work begins, giving you expert oversight without the cost of full professional installation.

Building permit requirements vary by jurisdiction; confirm local regulations before starting work.

Zero-clearance construction gives a bioethanol fireplace insert genuine freedom at the face: marble, timber, concrete, and custom millwork all sit flush against the unit frame with no side or rear spacing required. The surround becomes a material decision, not a compliance one.

Approved face finishes include honed or book-matched marble, figured timber veneers, poured or board-formed concrete, and bespoke joinery. Tile, plastered masonry, brick, and natural stone work as substrate and typically as finish too, with non-combustible backing behind the cavity (EcoSmart Fire specifies vermiculite board, fibre cement, or steel framing lined with fire board). Matte surfaces like raked plaster or fluted stone read the flame as warm and painterly; reflective finishes like polished marble or blackened steel double the fire visually and throw light deeper into the room.

The only real constraint sits above the unit. EcoSmart Fire's installation guidelines specify a minimum of 600 mm [23.6 in] from the flame for non-combustible mantels or shelves, and at least 1,500 mm [59.1 in] for combustible materials including timber mantels, ceilings, joinery returns, and curtains. Everything beside and behind the firebox is yours to specify.

For retrofit projects, the wall finish can be reworked later without damaging the insert or the surrounding structure, which keeps the surround a live design decision rather than a permanent commitment.

Ideal mounting height for EcoSmart Fire wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces depends on how you want to experience the flame rather than a single fixed measurement. Position the burner at eye level when seated in your primary viewing area, typically 1,200–1,400 mm [47–55 in] from the finished floor, so the flame draws your gaze naturally as you relax.

Viewing angle is the real guide. If you'll stand in front of it, aim higher. If you're watching from a dining table, position lower. The beauty of bioethanol fireplaces is that ventless installation frees you from chimney positioning, ceiling-height constraints, or ventilation paths. Design comfort first, then build clearance into the architecture around it.

Maintain overhead clearance of 1,500 mm [59.1 in] from the flame to any combustible material (ceilings, shelving, curtains). Non-combustible mantels can sit as close as 600 mm [23.6 in]. These aren't rigid rules but sensible margins that protect finishes and ensure safe operation.

Your placement becomes a design choice driven by sightline and room proportion, not a compliance checklist.

The maximum width available in EcoSmart Fire wall-mounted fireplaces is approximately 4,232 mm [166.5 in], with a viewing area of approximately 4,031 mm [158.7 in], achieved in the Flex range's largest single-sided configuration. This makes it the widest wall-mounted option in the EcoSmart Fire portfolio.

The Flex range spans 12 sizes, starting from approximately 457 mm [18 in], giving you flexibility to scale from compact living spaces to dramatic feature walls. The Heritage range offers three compact sizes up to approximately 1,422 mm [56 in], suited to apartments and smaller interiors. The Frame range provides four size options within the 600–1,500 mm series for architectural installations.

Because EcoSmart Fire fireplaces use bioethanol fuel, they require no flue or chimney. This ventless design eliminates the structural constraints that limit traditional fireplaces, enabling you to specify truly expansive widths without engineering challenges. All sizes are engineered as zero-clearance, true built-in constructions and meet international safety standards including UL 1370, EN 16647, and ACCC certification.

For exact dimension specifications across all ranges, visit the EcoSmart Fire website or speak with a design specialist to confirm availability and lead times for your specific project requirements.