Ark 40 Fire Pit Table

What is the difference between gel and EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplaces?

There are key differences between gel fireplaces and ethanol fireplaces in terms of operation and performance. Gel fireplaces are operated by inserting and lighting tin cans filled with gel. The cans act as the burner mechanism. Gel fireplaces do not produce a long coherent flame as known from ethanol fireplaces and can be difficult to extinguish. EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplaces use a clean burning liquid fuel made with fermented plants. The fuel is housed in a ethanol burner that allows for safe and easy operation. Ethanol fireplaces produce a beautiful, vibrant dancing flame. Gel fuel should never be used within an ethanol fireplace.

Which EcoSmart Fire is right for me?

Ethanol Burners - Our Ethanol Burners are at the heart of every EcoSmart Fire. They are both the containers of the clean-burning bioethanol and the source of the flame. Completely self-contained, the burners have no need for exterior tanks or utility lines and their stainless steel bodies make them suitable for both interior and exterior use. The XL burners offer a linear flame while the BK5 burner has a substantial and adjustable flame housed in a compact body. EcoSmart’s AB Series offers a round burner ideal for fire pits or other circular fireplace designs.

Fireplace Inserts - Fireplace Inserts are stainless steel enclosures that house EcoSmart’s burners. They can be installed into walls or cabinets and, just like the burners, are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. All of our fireboxes are zero clearance, meaning that the dimensions of the firebox are the exact dimensions of the opening you’ll need in your wall. The fireboxes, like all our products, are vent free and its zero clearance dimensions mean installation is hassle free.

Freestanding Fireplaces - Created as standalone units, the models in our Design Fireplaces range require little set up and no installation. These units are completely self-contained and offer the same clean burning flame as our fireplace inserts without any of the installation requirements. Used as a room centrepiece or even as a space divider, Design Fireplaces offer the luxury of fire without any of the restrictions. You can even move the units from room to room as your fire needs change.

Outdoor Fireplaces - Whether used on a table top or as glowing ambience set along a pathway, EcoSmart’s Outdoor Fireplaces offer a wide range of stylish fire feature options. Made of steel and glass, the outdoor units are designed and built to withstand the outdoors. Though styled for outdoor use, they are just as attractive when used in an interior setting, enabling them to be relocated when the weather permits. Every season is a good season to enjoy EcoSmart Fire.

All our products are highly versatile and designed to be used in any number of ways with a myriad of materials. There are, of course, safety considerations when working with fire and we do have minimum clearance and room size requirements, as well as material requirements, which can be found within each product's Technical Specifications. Still not sure which EcoSmart Fire is right for you? Give us a call and one of our product specialists will be happy to help.

Can I extinguish my ethanol fireplace before the fuel has burnt?

Yes, you can turn your EcoSmart Fire ethanol burner off at any given time, even if there is ethanol still left in the burner. It is recommended however, that you leave it to burn until it completely runs out. The shut off mechanism is there for security and safety for those times when you need to leave the house, as it is not safe to leave a fire unattended. You need to wait until your appliance cools to room temperature (60 minutes) before re-igniting, this is because hot vapours are a hazard and may cause a strong, initial ignition if the ethanol has not cooled long enough. This is also to ensure that the flame has been totally extinguished and that the appliance is safe to refuel if the amount of fuel in the burner at that time is insufficient for your next ignition / use.

What are the latest trends with bioethanol fires?

Fire is the most requested add-on to any outdoor furniture setting and bioethanol solutions are the most flexible out there. Many architects prefer to design their own, which is a significant benefit when it comes to heating options. EcoSmart Fire offers the building blocks to be your own designer - indoors and outdoors. More and more bespoke fires are being created using EcoSmart Fire and we have designed a range that provides the ultimate in versatility.

Do ethanol fireplaces give off heat?

EcoSmart Fire’s indoor ethanol fireplaces are ventless, meaning all the heat stays in the room rather than escaping up a flue or chimney like it would with a traditional wood burning fireplace. Increased heat retention also means increased fuel efficiency. EcoSmart Fire’s collection of ethanol fireplaces offer a heat output ranging from 5,000 BTU - 20,000 BTU’s.

Do EcoSmart Fire ethanol fireplaces give off any fumes or gases?

Bioethanol fuel is made of fermented plants like sugarcane or corn and is essentially a liquid alcohol. To safely make “de-natured” and unfit for consumption, substances have been added. The burning of these substances may cause a slight smell upon initial lighting and when the flame is extinguished – similar to when you blow out a candle. Clean burning and eco-friendly, ethanol fuel releases heat, carbon dioxide (the same stuff we exhale) and steam.

What are the benefits of using a bioethanol heater compared to heating your house with a reverse cycle air conditioner?

It’s important to understand the difference between “foundation” heating and occasional heating. Quite often these are two completely different yet complementary systems that work hand in hand. Reverse cycle air conditioning doesn't give you a beautiful flame and lifestyle benefits of an EcoSmart Fire. However, By combining reverse-cycle air conditioning and an EcoSmart Fire within your home you can have the ‘best of both worlds’ - effective heat and ambiance.

Why use an ethanol fireplace?

An ethanol fireplace is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to gas fireplaces and wood burning fireplaces. Enjoy the warmth and aesthetic benefits of a traditional fireplace without the smoke, soot or ash in your home. Unlike gas fireplaces or traditional wood burning fireplaces, EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplace inserts require no venting, no gas line, no electricity - eliminating the need and cost of three sub contractors.