Question 1

How long does it take to assemble an ethanol fireplace?

Accepted Answer

There is virtually no assembly. Our  freestanding fireplaces  and  fireplace grates  are designed to be placed into the desired location, secured into position, and operated immediately. Our  fireplace inserts  are designed to slot into place, secured and built around your preferred finish – again a quick and easy installation – so your builder or interior designer will love you! The longest part of the setup process is trying to figure out where you want to place it – be sure it complies with our clearance requirements, particularly with regard to moving objects like curtains, tree branches and so forth.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can turn your EcoSmart Fire 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.  Please wait 60 minutes before relighting the ethanol after extinguishing it to let the ethanol cool. Built-up vapours may cause a strong, initial ignition if the ethanol has not cooled long enough. For all other brands, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Question 3

Can ventless fireplaces cause moisture problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ventless ethanol fireplaces can cause moisture problems if used in poorly ventilated spaces. Ethanol combustion produces water vapour, which requires adequate room ventilation to prevent condensation and indoor air quality issues. Ensure proper air circulation and follow minimum room size requirements.

Question 4

What is bioethanol fuel made from?

Accepted Answer

Bioethanol fuel is made from plant sugars, particularly sugarcane, through fermentation and distillation processes. This renewable, plant-based fuel source is produced from agricultural by-products, creating a sustainable and carbon-neutral energy solution. The clean-burning bioethanol produces only heat, steam, and minimal carbon dioxide during combustion.

Question 5

Are bioethanol fireplaces safe for homes with children or pets?

Accepted Answer

Like all fireplace solutions, bioethanol fireplaces can be safe with proper precautions around children and pets. EcoSmart Fire recommends installing certified fire screens, maintaining safe distances from hot surfaces, and never leaving the fire unattended. Children should always be supervised, and pets kept away from the unit during operation due to high surface temperatures.

Question 6

Do bioethanol fireplaces produce carbon monoxide?

Accepted Answer

No, bioethanol fireplaces do not produce carbon monoxide when operating correctly. EcoSmart Fire's bioethanol burners produce only heat, steam, and a small amount of carbon dioxide during combustion. This clean-burning characteristic eliminates the need for flues or chimneys, as there are no harmful emissions requiring extraction. However, proper ventilation remains essential for optimal air quality and safety.

Question 7

Can you cook on a bioethanol fireplace?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot cook on a bioethanol fireplace. Bioethanol fireplaces are classified as decorative appliances intended for occasional use only, not for heating or cooking. They're designed to create ambience safely, but lack the proper heat distribution, surface design, and safety features required for food preparation.

Question 8

Do ethanol fireplaces require professional installation?

Accepted Answer

No, but it depends on the model and complexity. Freestanding ethanol fireplaces need only positioning on a level surface and securing with ground-fixing brackets; DIY installation is straightforward. Built-in models can be completed by confident do-it-yourselfers, though they require proper framing to specification, level surfaces, and non-combustible finishing materials. The ventless design is your advantage: no chimney, gas lines, flues, or utility connections mean you've eliminated the trades that typically complicate fireplace installation. All EcoSmart Fire units include comprehensive installation guides and instructional videos. Professional help is recommended for custom cabinetry integration, complex architectural designs, or commercial applications where building code compliance needs expert oversight. Always follow manufacturer clearance guidelines: 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) above the flame, 600 mm (23.6 in) from sides to combustibles, and 1 metre (3.3 ft) clear space in front. All surrounding materials must be non-combustible.

Question 9

Are there any building code restrictions for ethanol fireplaces?

Accepted Answer

Building code restrictions for ethanol fireplaces are significantly lighter than those for traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces. Most jurisdictions classify bioethanol fireplaces as ventless appliances, bypassing chimney, flue, and gas-connection requirements entirely. EcoSmart Fire burners carry UL 1370 certification, the industry standard for ventless ethanol fireplaces. Per product specifications, installation requires maintaining specific clearances: 1,500 mm overhead, 600 mm from combustible side materials, and 1,000 mm in front. Room volume requirements typically range from 40 to 330 m³, depending on burner model. The zero-clearance design enables installation in high-rise apartments and multi-residential buildings where traditional fireplaces aren’t feasible. Since regulations vary by jurisdiction, as of 2026, ethanol fireplaces are approved in most major markets with standard building department verification. Architects and designers regularly specify EcoSmart Fire burners for residential renovations, boutique hotels, and apartments where ventless technology removes installation barriers that would otherwise prevent a fireplace entirely. A routine check with your local building department confirms compatibility in your area.

Question 10

How do ethanol fireplaces work?

Accepted Answer

EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplaces are self-contained, burning bioethanol fuel that is housed within the stainless steel container. A flame regulator controls and stabilizes the flame. With a designated filling area, and easy shut-off mechanism, you can ignite the flame and turn it off in a matter of seconds. View this quick demonstration video to help illustrate the process. https://youtu.be/OH5uFuAJ2Hg

Question 11

Are ventless fireplaces safe?

Accepted Answer

Ventless ethanol fireplaces are safe when properly installed and operated according to manufacturer guidelines. EcoSmart Fire's bioethanol fireplaces meet rigorous safety standards including UL 1370-16 and EN16647 certification. Always ensure sufficient room size and follow all safety protocols.

Question 12

Can I convert my existing fireplace to bioethanol?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can easily convert your existing fireplace to bioethanol using EcoSmart's VB2 burner, Heritage Grates, or Fireplace Grates. These products transform traditional wood-burning fireplaces into clean-burning bioethanol fires within minutes. Just ensure any gas connections are professionally disconnected first for safety.

Question 13

Will my ethanol fireplace heat the room?

Accepted Answer

All EcoSmart Fires are ventless, meaning all the heat stays in the room rather than escaping up a flue. Increased heat retention means increased fuel efficiency and a better chance of staying warm.  While providing warmth, EcoSmart Fires are not designed to be used as a room’s primary heat source. Please see the burner section in our manual for full details.

Question 14

What are the pros and cons of ventless fireplaces?

Accepted Answer

Ventless ethanol fireplaces provide outstanding installation flexibility, requiring no chimney, flue, or fixed utility connection—making them ideal for apartments and contemporary interiors. They burn bioethanol cleanly, emitting no smoke, soot, or ash. However, as they consume oxygen during operation, it is essential to ensure proper ventilation in the room to prevent indoor air pollution. Always follow the minimum room size and ventilation guidelines specified by the manufacturer. These fireplaces are designed for decorative or supplemental heating, not as a primary heat source.

Question 15

Do ethanol fireplaces produce enough heat?

Accepted Answer

Ethanol fireplaces produce genuine warmth sufficient for most residential settings, making them highly effective supplemental heat sources. EcoSmart Fire burners range from 11,430 to 55,000 BTU/h depending on model, capable of heating spaces from 40 to 180 m² [430 to 1,940 ft²]. Because bioethanol fireplaces are ventless, all heat radiates directly into your room rather than escaping through a chimney, which traditional fireplaces lose 80–90% of their heat through. This means a mid-size burner like the AB8 (around 20,000 BTU/h) delivers warmth comparable to a quality portable heater. For most homeowners, the honest answer is that ethanol fireplaces work best as supplemental heat, not as primary heating systems. They excel at creating comfortable gathering spaces on cool evenings, taking the chill off a living room, or extending outdoor entertaining well into autumn. The real value combines practical warmth with the ambience of a real flame; you get genuine heat without the infrastructure demands of gas lines, chimney construction, or the maintenance and emissions of wood-burning alternatives. If you're planning to heat an entire home through winter, you'll want a central system. But for adding both warmth and atmosphere to specific spaces, an EcoSmart Fire ethanol burner delivers on both fronts.

Question 16

Can I refill my bioethanol fireplace while it's running?

Accepted Answer

No, you must never refill your bioethanol fireplace while it's running. This poses serious explosion and fire hazards that could result in property damage, injury, or death. Always shut off the appliance and allow it to cool for at least 60 minutes before refuelling. The flame may be difficult to see in daylight conditions, so never assume the burner is off. Even when the flame appears extinguished, the burner remains dangerously hot and volatile vapours may still be present.

Question 17

Can ventless fireplaces be used as a primary heat source?

Accepted Answer

Ventless bioethanol fireplaces are classified as decorative appliances intended for occasional use. They're designed to create ambience rather than serve as a primary heat source, and regulations specifically prohibit their use for continuous operation or home heating.

Question 18

Are ethanol fireplaces safe for indoor use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ethanol fireplaces are safe for indoor use when installed to manufacturer guidelines and used in properly ventilated spaces. They're engineered with multiple safety layers: spill-proof fuel systems, flame arresters in fuel bottles, and automatic shut-off lids that extinguish flames when closed. EcoSmart Fire's products have passed over 100 laboratory tests simulating real-world scenarios and meet UL 1370 (North America), EN16647 (Europe), and ISO 17873 international safety standards. Complete combustion produces only water vapour and a small amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) — equivalent to approximately two burning candles. There's no smoke, soot, or ash to compromise indoor air quality. Unlike wood or gas fireplaces, ethanol burners require no chimney, flue, or gas line, which eliminates an entire category of installation risks. Ventilation is straightforward: adequate air exchange must occur during operation, but natural room air infiltration through windows, doors, and standard building ventilation is sufficient for most indoor environments. EcoSmart Fire provides specific room-volume guidance (typically 40–116 m³) to help you verify your space meets requirements. The absence of combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide means ventilation functions purely to maintain oxygen supply, not to exhaust dangerous gases. This is fundamentally different from traditional fireplaces. Safety is built into both the product and how you operate it. Follow fuel handling instructions, use only approved e-NRG bioethanol fuel, maintain adequate room volume, and verify your space meets ventilation guidelines before installation. When these conditions are met, indoor ethanol fireplaces deliver clean flame with the peace of mind of engineered reliability.

Ethanol Fireplaces

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Ethanol Ranges

Designer Fireplaces

Fire Tables

Fire Pits

Flex Fireplaces

Heritage Fireplaces

Frame Fireplaces

Fire Pit Kits

Ethanol Burners

Fireplace Grates

Environmentally-friendly

No flue, no chimney

Architectural feature

Design versatility

The perfect fit

Ventless design

Supplemental heating

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