Biofireplaces: How They Work and How Much They Consume

Considered one of the most sustainable heating sources, biofireplaces, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood- or gas-burning fireplaces, use natural fuels such as denatured alcohol or ethanol, offering a solution that combines aesthetics, functionality, and respect for the environment. They do not require flues, exhaust gases, or the use of wood, making them a practical and clean solution for many modern homes. Biofireplaces work relatively simply: a burner containing the fuel (bioethanol) is ignited to generate heat and a visible flame, creating a cozy, warm atmosphere without the need for smoke or ash. These fireplaces are ideal for interior spaces, both in apartments and single-family homes, as they do not require complex ventilation or a flue. Consequently, they are very easy to install, not only in new buildings, but also in renovations or in spaces where installing a traditional fireplace would be too costly or complex. However, alongside their advantages, they also have some disadvantages, as we will see.

Index of topics

How do they work

In biofireplaces, fire is produced by burning bioethanol, which emits significant heat into the environment without any heat loss. These fireplaces consist of an external frame and a burner, also called a combustion chamber, into which this eco-friendly liquid is poured. The fire is then lit with a long lighter.

Types of biofireplaces

Biofireplaces come in various types, and much depends not only on the appliance's functionality but also on the decor it's placed in. The most popular models on the market are:

Wall-mounted bio-fireplaces. Ideal for those seeking a fixed, discreet installation, these fireplaces are mounted directly on the wall and are often used as a design element in living rooms or lounges. They come in various sizes and styles, from minimalist to those with steel or glass frames.
Floor-standing bio-fireplaces. These are portable models that can be easily moved from room to room. These fireplaces are particularly suitable for spaces that don't have space for a permanent installation. They can be used both for heating and decorating a space..
Built-in bio-fireplaces. They are Integrated into walls or furniture, they offer a modern and sophisticated look. These models are ideal for those seeking a discreet and integrated solution that blends in with its surroundings without taking up too much space.
Portable Biofireplaces. They are small devices that can be easily moved. These fireplaces are ideal for those looking for an economical and versatile option. They are often used in small apartments or in spaces where a fixed fireplace is not possible..

Materials

Biofireplaces are made of steel and have a glass or ceramic cover. They do not have a flue.

Benefits

There are some undeniable advantages of biofireplaces. Among these, the most significant are:

They are certainly less polluting than other fireplaces and other types of heating. Their sustainability consists in the fact that they use wood as fuel. bioethanol, a renewable natural product;
They do not emit harmful fumes and other polluting substances and thus reduce the environmental impact;
They always have a very elegant design and from an aesthetic point of view they are very effective;
They are easy to install and unlike traditional fireplaces, which require the construction of a flue and the adaptation of existing structures, biofireplaces can be assembled quickly and easily;
They're very easy to operate and don't require frequent maintenance. There's no need to remove ash, clean flues, or check the ventilation system. Once the fuel is used up, simply refill the burner with bioethanol;
The type of these appliances allows for the ad hoc heating of even small areas or zones of the house.

disadvantages

However, there are also some disadvantages of biofireplaces, here are the main ones:

The ability to Heating Limited. While biofireplaces do produce heat, they aren't sufficient to heat entire rooms, especially large ones. They can be useful for heating a specific room or corner, but they're not suitable as the sole heat source in very large homes or in areas with particularly harsh winters.
Cost of Fuel. Bioethanol, despite being a natural fuel, is more expensive than other heating sources like gas or wood. Therefore, while biofireplaces are an environmentally friendly solution, using bioethanol can be expensive in the long run, especially if the fireplace is used frequently.
Bioethanol cannot be purchased in any shop or supermarket, like other more readily available fuels. Of course, you can simply buy larger quantities to have a reserve, but it's important to keep this in mind.
Excellent ventilation of the rooms is necessary. Burning bioethanol produces a lot of water vapor, increasing the humidity in rooms. To avoid this, it's essential to ventilate rooms well.
Flame Duration. The flame duration depends on the amount of bioethanol in the burner. This means that the flame will go out once the fuel is used up. On average, a canister of bioethanol can last 3 to 5 hours, depending on the size of the burner and the intensity of the flame. If you want a continuous flame, you will need to refill the burner.
Production of Carbon dioxide. Although biofireplaces are considered more environmentally friendly than traditional fireplaces, they still produce a certain amount of carbon dioxide during combustion. While this amount is minimal, it's still important to consider, especially in closed or poorly ventilated spaces. It's always advisable to use a biofireplace in well-ventilated spaces to avoid excessive CO2 buildup.

Cost

The costs of biofireplaces vary depending on the model and size:

i small bio-fireplaces, both table and wall-mounted, have more than affordable prices, starting from 100 euros up to around 500 euros;
i medium-sized wall-mounted bio-fireplaces they range from 500 to 1.500 euros;
i built-in and floor-standing bio-fireplaces They tend to be larger and therefore have higher costs, which on average range from 1.500 to 5.000 euros.

Regarding the cost of bioethanol, the average price ranges from 2 to 5 euros per liter. Two liters of fuel typically last 4 to 6 hours.

Cover photo taken from Wikipedia.