Flex 68IL.BX1 Island Fireplace Insert

Do EcoSmart Fire ethanol fireplaces give off any fumes or gases?

Bioethanol fuel is made of fermented plants like sugarcane or corn and is essentially a liquid alcohol. To safely make “de-natured” and unfit for consumption, substances have been added. The burning of these substances may cause a slight smell upon initial lighting and when the flame is extinguished – similar to when you blow out a candle. Clean burning and eco-friendly, ethanol fuel releases heat, carbon dioxide (the same stuff we exhale) and steam.

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

Yes, you can turn your EcoSmart Fire ethanol 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. You need to wait until your appliance cools to room temperature (60 minutes) before re-igniting, this is because hot vapours are a hazard and may cause a strong, initial ignition if the ethanol has not cooled long enough. This is also to ensure that the flame has been totally extinguished and that the appliance is safe to refuel if the amount of fuel in the burner at that time is insufficient for your next ignition / use.

Do ethanol fireplaces give off heat?

EcoSmart Fire’s indoor ethanol fireplaces are ventless, meaning all the heat stays in the room rather than escaping up a flue or chimney like it would with a traditional wood burning fireplace. Increased heat retention also means increased fuel efficiency. EcoSmart Fire’s collection of ethanol fireplaces offer a heat output ranging from 5,000 BTU - 20,000 BTU’s.

How to install a TV or AV equipment above an ethanol fireplace?

This design can be achieved as long as the TV is protected. You have 3 possible solutions:

Solution 1: The TV needs a non-combustible mantel/ledge to act as a heat shield

Solution 2: The TV needs to be recessed in a niche

Solution 3: The TV needs to sit back off the level of the flame

What is the difference between gel and EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplaces?

There are key differences between gel fireplaces and ethanol fireplaces in terms of operation and performance. Gel fireplaces are operated by inserting and lighting tin cans filled with gel. The cans act as the burner mechanism. Gel fireplaces do not produce a long coherent flame as known from ethanol fireplaces and can be difficult to extinguish. EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplaces use a clean burning liquid fuel made with fermented plants. The fuel is housed in a ethanol burner that allows for safe and easy operation. Ethanol fireplaces produce a beautiful, vibrant dancing flame. Gel fuel should never be used within an ethanol fireplace.

Why use an ethanol fireplace?

An ethanol fireplace is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to gas fireplaces and wood burning fireplaces. Enjoy the warmth and aesthetic benefits of a traditional fireplace without the smoke, soot or ash in your home. Unlike gas fireplaces or traditional wood burning fireplaces, EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplace inserts require no venting, no gas line, no electricity - eliminating the need and cost of three sub contractors.

How do I clean my EcoSmart Fire ethanol burner?

Cleaning of the ethanol burner should be done only after you have used 50 litres of fuel or as soon as you notice a black residue forming around or on the burner. Before starting, make sure the burner is off, empty of ethanol, and at room temperature. Spray a multi-purpose cleaner on the surface of the burner and wipe with cloth, making sure to wipe in the direction of the grain. If material has fallen into the ethanol fireplace burner use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris through the burner opening. If your burner smells unusually strong after extensive use, remove the empty and room temperature burner from its surround and wash in hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly under running water and wait until the burner is completely dry before placing it back into its surround and reusing. View this video of the simple cleaning process here: https://youtu.be/VqHg9mXOc0U

Note: Stainless steel will rust or corrode over time if contamination or debris is not cleaned or removed immediately. When not in use, we recommend that you protect your ethanol fireplace from water damage or corrosion with a protective cover and the regular use of the burner lid included with your model.

Where is the best place to install an ethanol fireplace?

Our ethanol fireplaces can be installed virtually anywhere - in walls, cabinets, high rise buildings, commercial / residential / hospitality spaces, indoors and outdoors. Because EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplaces are ventless, they require no gas line, no electricity, and no chimney for a hassle free and cost effective installation. Our ethanol fireplaces have been designed and tested with safety as our top priority. We have outlined requirements for each ethanol burner, ethanol fireplace insert, and ethanol freestanding fireplace in our collection. These guidelines include minimum room size requirements and clearance recommendations for flammable materials and movable objects. Please refer to our manual for more information.