Bioethanol fireplaces are the heating system chosen by designers and interior designers as the best option for decorating spaces and simultaneously heating a room. Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, they don't require a flue or vent, are very easy to install, and don't generate gases or fumes, making them ideal for any type of residential or commercial setting: apartments, restaurants, hotels, and more.
What is bioethanol?
Bioethanol, also known as bioalcohol, is a plant-based fuel composed primarily of cereals, beets, sugarcane, sorghum, and even potatoes.
It is currently one of the most widely used biofuels in the world and is obtained through an industrial fermentation process that transforms sugar or starch from plants into raw alcohol, which is distilled and dehydrated to obtain bioethanol.
It can also be obtained from biomass cellulose such as wood or agricultural waste.
How a bioethanol fireplace works
Bioethanol fireplaces and burners have a tank into which the biofuel is poured. When burned, bioethanol emits a large amount of heat, which is not lost anywhere since, due to the lack of a draft, the heat is emitted entirely into the room. They release heat that is projected more by convection than radiation.
Bioethanol fireplaces are very commonly used as a complement to traditional heating systems and are used both indoors and outdoors, where they are considered perfect for creating warm atmospheres in gardens or on terraces at any time of year.
Types of bioethanol fireplaces
These devices are primarily designed for decoration, and their types depend more on aesthetics, style, and autonomy than on heat output. Thus, we have the following types of bioethanol stoves:
Built-in bioethanol fireplaces
Wall-mounted bio-fireplaces are fireplaces with a very modern aesthetic and an elegant and welcoming design.
We can find them in two types: wall-mounted fireplaces, which are attached to the wall, like a picture, and installed with screws. And built-in fireplaces , which are larger structures with three burners and depth. For their installation, a vertical hole is required in the wall to accommodate them.
In both cases, it's important to remember that burning leaves no trace of smoke or ash in the air, and no electrical wiring is required for its operation.
Floor-standing bioethanol fireplaces
Floor-standing bioethanol stoves resemble traditional wood-burning fireplaces in appearance. However, unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces, they produce no smoke or ash, require no logs, and, of course, are easier to install.
We also find two different models; the first, which recreates the aesthetic of a wood-burning fireplace , built into the wall at floor level. The second model is a mobile device . Both offer good autonomy and a large tank. These more advanced models incorporate elements to improve heat output and warm a room similar to a thermal radiator or a more similar electric fireplace .
There's a wide variety of models and colors to suit any space. They also come in sizes ranging from small to quite large, with multiple, adjustable burners, and even remote or Wi-Fi controls to turn them on or off.
Tabletop bioethanol fireplaces
Tabletop fireplaces are primarily decorative , as they consist of only a single burner or small casing. These small, quiet appliances are ideal for after-dinner conversation (hence their name). They are a great addition to coffee time, while the flames of the biofireplace create a peaceful and cozy atmosphere. They are relatively inexpensive and their burn time isn't very long due to their small fuel tank.
Additionally, decorative accessories are sold to enhance the visual aesthetic and design, such as ceramic logs, leaves, decorative stones, metal lighters, or various casings with metallic finishes.
Outdoor bioethanol fireplaces
There are also bioethanol fireplaces designed exclusively for outdoor use, such as on a terrace or in a garden. They should be distinguished from the previous devices, as they are exposed to atmospheric conditions and the elements.
They are robust-looking devices of certain dimensions, where iron, steel, or even ceramic stone play an important aesthetic and durability role. They usually come with safety glass to protect against wind gusts and are highly durable.
These are more expensive products to sell, since the material must be of very good quality to combat corrosion when outdoors and adequately waterproof against rain.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of bioethanol fireplaces?
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for bioethanol fireplaces and stoves, primarily due to their highly decorative and environmentally friendly qualities. These devices offer a series of advantages and disadvantages, which we outline below.
Advantages of bioethanol fireplaces
- Easy installation; bioethanol fireplaces don't require a flue, ventilation ducts, or electricity to operate, so they don't require any kind of installation.
- Decorative aesthetics: These types of fireplaces are truly decorative elements in any setting, and a multitude of designs can be found for both indoor and outdoor use. If we also consider the fact that they produce real flames, we have a device with all the advantages of a wood-burning fireplace and none of the drawbacks.
- Very easy to use and maintain; all you need to do is pour the bioethanol into the tank and light the burner with a lighter. Maintenance and cleaning are unnecessary, as it produces neither ash nor smoke.
- It doesn't generate odors: Burning quality bioethanol (between 95 and 97%) typically doesn't produce any odors. Furthermore, scents can be added to bioethanol, allowing it to also act as an air freshener.
- They can be easily transported from one room to another; there are tabletop or floor-standing models that can be moved easily.
- They are safe; although caution should be exercised with any appliance that uses flammable fuels, bioethanol fireplaces are very safe. There are also models on the market that incorporate automatic shut-off systems, anti-spill systems for bioethanol tanks, sensors that detect CO and CO2 concentrations, and more.
- In terms of fuel consumption, a 20-liter drum can provide 50 hours of fireplace use, but its efficiency is 100%, as all the fuel is converted into energy. The price per liter of bioethanol is around €3 for qualities above 96%.
Disadvantages of bioethanol fireplaces
- These devices are designed and intended more for aesthetics than as a heating system. If heating is what you want, there are other, much more efficient systems for heating spaces, and even the entire home.
- They may give off certain odors, depending on the quality of the odor and the brand of the fireplace. However, most stoves already have a reservoir for storing scents.
- Bioethanol is a flammable product, so care must be taken when handling it and where it is stored.
- When burning CO2, there must always be adequate ventilation and it should not be used in sleeping areas.
- The fuel used is bioethanol, a product that isn't cheap compared to other alternatives. In addition to the device itself, which isn't usually cheap, it's good quality.
Are bioethanol fireplaces safe?
Bioethanol fireplaces can be dangerous if not used correctly. However, the same can happen with a traditional fireplace. To properly use your bioethanol fireplace and avoid any actions that could cause danger, here are the most common problems you may encounter, and those best avoided:
- Bioethanol Spillage: Filling the burner with bioethanol is potentially dangerous. During the filling process, spillage can occur, which can cause the fuel to suddenly ignite. To avoid this, it is not recommended to do it manually. It is better to fill the burner with a tube that connects the burner to the fuel canister and pumps the liquid into the burner.
- Overfilling: The tank can become overfilled, which is dangerous with simple bioethanol fireplaces where a plug of steel wool ignites the fuel directly. Most fireboxes come with a “MAX” indicator that shows the maximum amount of bioethanol allowed.
How much does a bioethanol fireplace cost?
The average price of a liter of bioethanol ranges from 4 to 6 euros in Spain. So, we can consider the average price to be around 5 euros per liter. A liter of bioethanol lasts approximately 3 to 6 hours, consuming approximately 0.32 liters per hour.
Bioethanol fireplaces are not recommended to be installed in rooms with a surface area of less than 10 m2, and is capable of replacing a 3000W radiator. However, this will depend on each appliance, taking into account its power, fuel flow, and the type of burner block.
How much does a liter of bioethanol cost?
Bioethanol consumption is around 0.3 to 0.4 liters per hour. One liter of bioethanol will last approximately three hours. The price per liter of bioethanol is approximately €3.50 , therefore, about €1 per hour.
How much heat does bioethanol produce?
Bioethanol stoves work simply. They heat by convection, meaning the heat is distributed throughout the room through the air. The hot air moves around the area where the stove is located, allowing it to heat other, cooler areas.
A bioethanol fireplace can heat a medium-sized room, such as a bedroom, dining room, or living room. However, bioethanol fireplaces are not typically used as heating, but rather as a supplement to heating, as they are very expensive.
How long does a liter of bioethanol last?
Bioethanol for fireplaces is usually purchased by the liter. Most burners have a one-liter capacity, so it makes sense to consider how long a liter of bioethanol fuel will last to get an idea of how cost-effective a bioethanol fireplace can be.
The time it takes for a liter of bioethanol to burn depends on the amount of fuel the fireplace burns when it's in use, and this is controlled by the setting you use on your burner. Manufacturers estimate that a bioethanol fireplace It takes on average between 3.5 and 4 hours to consume a liter of bioethanol at maximum power, but this can increase up to 8 hours if the power is reduced.
What is the average bioethanol consumption per hour?
To begin with, we've already mentioned that a bioethanol fireplace can last from 3.5 hours to 6 or 8 hours, depending on the burn rate. However, to determine the average burn time per hour, it's important to keep in mind that there are different models of bioethanol fireplaces with different flame settings, so this figure may vary.
On average, experts estimate that the average consumption of bioethanol per hour is usually between 0.2 and 0.6 liters per hour .
How many square meters can a bioethanol fireplace heat?
Bioethanol fireplaces come in different power outputs. This usually depends on the number of burners and their capacity. The typical power output for bioethanol fireplaces is 2 KW, with a single 1.2 litre burner. With this power we can heat a room of approximately 20 square meters . If, for example, we have a bioethanol fireplace with two 1.2 liter burners, its equivalent power reaches 4 KW . With this fireplace we can heat a room of 35-40 square meters.
But to ensure you buy the right fireplace that meets your needs, it's best to know how large the room you want to heat is and then look at the characteristics of each fireplace.
What type of heat do bioethanol stoves provide?
Bioethanol fireplaces can be both a component and a heating system at the same time, as they release a high calorific value when burned (5.2 kWh per liter) and heat the room by convection. Furthermore, they do not require an outlet to expel the fumes, so the heat does not leave the room where they are located. The impression that these stoves provide less heat than traditional wood-burning stoves is due to the fact that they do not retain heat once the stove is turned off, as they are not made of refractory materials such as brick or cast iron. They are made of glass, steel, and stone.
