It is quite likely that you have heard of bioethanol fireplaces. They are part of the new lines of design and decoration in the field of fireplaces that we find today in many catalogs and specialized magazines.
It is natural to wonder about certain things regarding bioethanol fireplaces, such as what they really are and how they work. In this article, we will answer these and other questions that may arise.
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What is a bioethanol fireplace
A bioethanol fireplace is a heating system similar to wood-burning fireplaces, with the difference that the fuel used to generate heat is not wood, but bioethanol, a liquid fuel also known as bioalcohol.
This fuel is relatively new, so it cannot yet be found widely available. However, DIY and decoration stores, as well as specialized shops, always have it in stock, especially in winter, so there is no need to order it in advance.
Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, a bioethanol fireplace does not require a flue or a smoke outlet. This makes them very practical and clean, ideal for installation in any place.
How bioethanol fireplaces work
The operating system is quite simple. The chimneys have a tank where the bioethanol is placed. This fuel, when burned, generates a large amount of heat, which is not lost anywhere since, lacking a draft, the heat is fully emitted into the room. Therefore, it is considered a way to optimize the fuel to the maximum.
Good quality bioethanol does not produce any odor. If it is not of the best quality, you may notice some odor when turning on or off the chimney, depending on the size of the room it is in, although it is not too bothersome and it is never toxic fumes.
As a general rule, the consumption of bioethanol in a chimney is between a quarter of a liter and a little over half a liter per hour. Taking into account that there are models with a capacity of up to 5 liters of fuel, we would be talking about a medium-sized chimney that could remain lit for up to 20 hours without the need to refill the tank.
Are these fireplaces safe?
These fireplaces are as safe as a direct flame-emitting element can be. Still, considering that there is no danger of sparks or embers escaping from the fireplace, the risk is practically nonexistent. If the burner is kept in good condition and used properly, even more so.
In addition, there are models that have additional safety features such as automatic shutdown and systems to prevent fuel spills. There are even some that have a CO2 detector that automatically cuts off the flame if it accumulates too much.
As a tip for choosing a bioethanol fireplace, it is best to look for a high-quality model. You can compare bioethanol fireplaces with a design that suits your decoration and truly works with this type of fuel, as there are imitation models that are not actually bioethanol fireplaces.