The bioethanol stoves or fireplaces , also called bio fireplaces when using a natural fuel. They represent the best element decorative and functional to enjoy the fire without complications.
In fact, within the decorative fireplaces and comparing with some heating systems , the installation of the appliance, represents pure simplicity without having to to do works.
Obviously, the bioethanol fireplace has its particularities. This article will guide you step by step without leave no detail to buy the best and with coherence…
Content menu:
The operation of a bioethanol stove is by the combustion of a liquid of vegetable origin that creates flames on a metal casing called a burner . HE liquid fuel is bioethanol, ethanol not obtained from oil (bio alcohol), which is why it is considered a fuel non-polluting and ecological.
If we look at the image above. These devices they work from two main parts:
The main objective is to enjoy the fire without all the complications of a complex installation or possible work. Searching, in addition, an aesthetic that It adapts to the decoration of our home and its design.
Before going any further, a brief overview of the real alternatives to firewood or pellets
| Fireplace alternatives traditional | Aesthetics | Price | Installation |
| Electric fireplaces | medium – low | medium – low | Simple |
| Bioethanol fireplaces | high | medium – high | Simple |
| Gas fireplaces | high | medium – high | Need smoke evacuation |
Over time, these devices have evolved with new features and styles that add relevance. so play see what types there are…
These devices are primarily designed for decoration and its typology depends more on its aesthetics, style and autonomy, that of the contribution of heat. so we would have the following types of stoves to bioethanol :
The wall or mural bio-fireplaces are artifacts with a captivatingly modern aesthetic and for enjoy directly the real fire and that heat elegant.
Depending on the style of the mechanism, we can find them in two slopes; the wall chimneys what are the adhered ones to the wall panoramic views like a painting, by means of hardware. And the bioethanol fireplace embedded in wall , which are already larger structures, with three burners and with depth. They need a hole in the vertical wall to locate it.
In both cases, remember that burning leaves no trace of smoke or ash in the environment (we do not need an extractor fan fumes, although the box will have some small holes). AND nor do we need any electrical installation in the wall fireplace for its operation.
Here, we play with two different models; first, that recreates the aesthetics of a wood-burning fireplace, built into the wall at ground level. And the second model, are the devices mobile phones . Both share good autonomy with a large deposit.
The mobile phone is gaining relevance with new models with foot, an aesthetic madness! just like the model next…
These models are already more advanced, and can incorporate elements to improve heat input and heat an environment in the style of a thermal emitter or a more similar electric fireplace. From grids to disperse the heat, several burners, even fans to move it (Electrical installation is needed), or materials to accumulate and they radiate heat better.
They are used in living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms with modern aesthetic, there's even equipment for hanging. there are marks with a very powerful and high-end design such as Glamm Fire or Le Feu Fire…
A large variety of models and colors (black color, white, metallic, etc) that adapt to any space. From small to quite large, with several burners and adjustable, and even with remote control or Wi-Fi to turn them on or off. infinite possibilities that produce an increase in your selling price, we're sorry.
The tabletop fireplace is directly to enjoy the movement of the flames inside the house dazzle! They are pretty much just the burner or with a small casing. Decorative appliances , small and design.
For after-dinner moments, they are the perfect complement for a coffee or a hot infusion while we let the flames from the bio fireplace encircle our cheeks. Are relatively cheap and its autonomy is not very long (deposit small).
As you note, complements are sold decorative to improve the visual aesthetics and its design; ceramic trunks , leaves, decorative stones , cigarette lighter metallic or different casings with finishes metallic.
Note: The ignition of the bio-fireplace must always be do with a long metal lighter and made for this end.
Although we have seen bio-ethanol ones for indoors, for abroad; outdoor terrace or garden, there are also models. They must be differentiated from the previous mechanisms as they are exposed to atmospheric conditions and weather.
They are devices with a robust appearance and of certain dimensions where iron, steel or even ceramic stone They play an important aesthetic and durability role. They usually come with a safety glass to prevent gusts of wind and are highly autonomous.
They are more expensive products for sale, since the material has must be of very good quality to combat corrosion when being outdoors and of a pertinent tightness before the rain.
But…. What are the pros and cons of all these models?
Every mechanism has its benefits and drawbacks. In it The following table reviews the main characteristics between pros and cons:
Advantages of fireplaces bioethanol :
Disadvantages chimneys bioethanol :
The price of a liter of bioethanol ranges from 3 to 6 euros in Spain , it depends on the brand and quantity (You can see prices from HERE) with examples like:
| Brand | Price per liter of bioethanol | Sold in liters of |
| PURLINE brand Floral Bioethanol | Euro 5.89 | 1 Liter |
| ETHALINE brand bioethanol | Euro 5.29 | 10 Liters |
| Purline brand climacity bioethanol | 3.40 Euro | 25 Liters |
It is a dangerous product and it is recommended to have some smoke detector or alarm it is worth preventing! It's a Safe product, but you have to handle it with your head.
With all the information we already know, let's look at what steps to follow to buy them consistently…
The question is simple… What should be looked at before buy a bio-ethanol fireplace ? And although before Some points may seem obvious to us, make sure, if not you want to throw away the money of the purchase:
In the burners is the possible saving in consumption (More we will explain more later). You have to buy quality flame regulation and if it is already a large appliance, that it has three burners. We will better control the combustion.
It is also interesting to know that there is a European Regulations on safety benchmark for bioethanol stoves which is reflected in the UNE-EN 16647:2016 standard. The device you buy, minimum should comply with this current regulation.
There is a long list of companies specializing in bio ethanol heating . Brands like Santa Eulalia , Ruby , Bosch Marín , Fireplaces Campos , Purline , Planika , Glam Fire , etc. There are many companies here sector if you are looking for more complex elements that offer high Spectacular quality and design.
Once you have more or less decided on the model and have informed, you must compare budget and prices in Leroy Merlin , Bauhaus , Amazon , the Carrefour a neighborhood store that many times they have interesting offers.
In our opinion, look for quality! They are mechanisms that have that last over time, don't waste money on cheap. Two interesting options are:
Keep in mind that when manipulating the mechanism; first read the manufacturer's instructions and you should consider that:
And finally, we have to see if this type of call is really heats the rooms…
A bioethanol fireplace can serve as a heating for a stay directly yes! AND you can heat a room, a dining room, living room or whatever you want, but the economic cost can be a problem.
Detailed calculations aside – in the end only the professionals in the sector understand – it is better to opt for the simplicity and clarity (If you want to do calculations, the following document is great).
On average, to heat a room of about 30 m2 of surface (Height 2.5 meters) we have enough with a bioethanol fireplace with a heat capacity of 3 kW/h (3000 W of power). Now, we consider a few points:
How much does a bioethanol fireplace cost? The cost of a bioethanol stove per hour amounts to one average of 1 Euros to heat about 30 m2 of surface.
Is it efficient? On the burner is it where is the optimization of the performance of the device by control the flame . As an example, we see a graph provided by the company Mirlo:
In short, bio-ethanol stoves should be used as a complement to heating, for medium-sized rooms or, times when we have no other choice, recognizing that the cost is high, it's that simple!
If you cannot store firewood or opt for an alternative heating, but you don't want to lose that pleasant feeling that provides the fire and you are looking for a decorative alternative powerful, this is a solution.
An interesting comparison proposed by the company Solzaima is the following image where the comparison focuses biomass pellet and wood stoves with other alternatives. I think we would have to do a lot of numbers to confirm the 100% data, but there it is:
Of course, there are heating installations that provide good performance; from aerothermal equipment to a air conditioning system, but, obviously, the installation is much more complex.
You have to weigh all the options and, of course, ask much and compare prices is the best you can do!
