Fireplace Inserts

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.

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

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.

Yes, EcoSmart Fire fireplace inserts are safe to use when installed correctly and operated according to manufacturer guidelines. Inserts are engineered with zero-clearance construction, with combustion containment built directly into the frame, and carry certifications across major markets: UL-listed to UL 1370 (USA), EN 16647 certified (Europe/UK), and compliant with Australian safety mandates.

Every component is engineered for safety. Burners are Grade 304 stainless steel. Glass is toughened, low-iron, and withstands heat exposure. A dedicated filling point, safe shut-off mechanism, and safety markings eliminate handling risk. The combustion system burns cleanly, producing heat, water vapour, and carbon dioxide; each output is managed safely within the minimum room volume requirements for each configuration.

Proper operation requires attention to ventilation. Each model has a minimum room volume requirement (ranging from 40 to 345 m³ depending on configuration) to ensure adequate oxygen and prevent indoor air quality concerns. Installation should follow the trade guidance provided, and the burner tray is mandatory for indoor use. The design reflects 20+ years of research and third-party safety validation. Professional installation is recommended to confirm correct placement and ventilation setup, ensuring reliable performance.

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.

Recessed installation of EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplaces follows a straightforward three-phase process.

Construct your wall cavity to the specified cut-out dimensions, slide the appliance into the opening so the base sits securely on 50 × 100 mm [2×4 in] framing, then secure it via the mounting hole flanges using a power drill and screwdriver. Remove the transport brackets, complete your wall panelling around the insert, and the fireplace is ready for operation: no venting, no gas line, no electrician required.

The absence of utility connections is what makes recessed installation possible in spaces where traditional fireplaces cannot go: interior feature walls, under-window niches, between built-in cabinetry.

Framing above the appliance must be self-supporting, and the toughened glass windscreen slides into place before the decorative charcoal spreads around the appliance tray. Most installations are completed within an hour.

EcoSmart Fire trade specialists are available to review your design drawings at no cost and provide technical support throughout installation. Compliance with UL 1370 and EN 16647 standards ensures your installation meets all relevant safety requirements.

Yes, a wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace can be installed in a rental property, provided you have written consent from your landlord or property manager.

Bioethanol models have a clear advantage in the rental context: no gas line, no flue, and no electrical connection are required. The fireplace runs entirely from bottled fuel, so there is no permanent utility infrastructure to negotiate. This removes the primary obstacles that would make a gas or wood-burning installation impractical or impossible in most rental agreements.

Installation does involve physical wall work. A recessed model requires a framed wall cavity; a surface-mounted model requires anchor fixings. Both create modifications that most tenancy agreements require prior landlord approval for. Obtain that consent in writing before any work begins.

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.

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.

Yes, you can install a TV above a wall-mounted ethanol fireplace using one of three engineered design solutions. EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplaces emit minimal radiant heat and require no venting, making TV placement above the opening viable when proper spacing or shielding is applied.

The three approved approaches are: (1) a non-combustible mantel or ledge installed between the fireplace and TV to deflect radiant heat; (2) a recessed niche that sets the TV into the wall above the fireplace, creating physical depth separation from the flame; (3) sufficient setback clearance, positioning the TV well above the opening to allow heat to dissipate naturally.

Overhead clearance from the flame to any overhead surface must be 1,500–2,000 mm [59–78 in], depending on your burner model. Check your installation manual for the exact specification. The fireplace itself has zero clearance at the back and sides, but materials positioned above it, including your TV bracket, are not supported by the fireplace frame. Your TV bracket must be independently anchored to the wall structure or a structural element, not the fireplace surround. This independent anchoring ensures safe mounting and code compliance for load-bearing fixtures.