Outdoor Fireplaces

An outdoor ethanol fireplace is the focal point of any outdoor living space, producing between 2 kW and 9 kW of heat depending on burner configuration. Compact fire pits deliver around 2 kW (5,800 BTU/h) across approximately 20 m² [215 ft²]; fire tables and larger fire pits reach 4–6 kW (around 15,000–20,000 BTU/h) across 60 m² [646 ft²]; large fire pit kits reach approximately 9 kW (30,000 BTU/h) across 120 m² [1,292 ft²].

In open air, heat works as radiant warmth, the same way sunlight warms skin rather than the air around it. That distinction shapes how you arrange seating: people feel the glow within the gathering circle, not from across the terrace. Every EcoSmart Fire burner is adjustable, so you can dial the flame down for softer ambience during mild evenings or open it fully on cooler nights. Wind, overhead clearance, and proximity all influence the sensation, which is why well-designed outdoor settings position seating close enough to benefit from the flame without crowding it.

EcoSmart Fire specifies 600 mm [23.6 in] of clearance from fixed structures, including walls, fences, and railings, as the minimum for outdoor bioethanol fireplaces. Items susceptible to movement in the breeze, such as curtains, overhanging branches, and shade sails, need 1,650 mm [65 in] of clearance from the flame. Allow a 1 m [3.3 ft] zone in front of the fireplace to keep foot traffic at a safe distance as the focal point of your outdoor space.

Place the unit on a level, non-combustible base: stone, concrete, or pavers. Grass and artificial turf are not suitable, and fire pit kits need to sit inside non-combustible surrounds like tiled tops, brick, or concrete countertops.

These figures apply across EcoSmart Fire's range, which is certified to UL 1370 and EN 16647 standards. Always refer to the clearance diagram in your specific model's installation manual, as dimensions can vary by burner configuration.

A freestanding bioethanol focal point rarely triggers permits or council approval, because the unit is a self-contained appliance rather than a structure or a gas installation. The fuller picture depends on format.

Portable and freestanding EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fire pits and fireplaces carry no gas line, no flue and no structural tie-in, so they sit outside the building approvals that apply to wood-burning or gas-fed features. Certifications like UL 1370 and EN 16647 cover product safety, not construction.

Built-in formats are where the rules tighten. A fire pit kit set into a permanent masonry surround becomes part of a structure, which can attract building approval, non-combustible material requirements and setback distances in some jurisdictions. Strata, body corporate and similar governance rules can also apply in shared residences.

Two practical checks before you build:

• Confirm strata or body corporate rules for balconies and shared outdoor areas.
• If the installation is permanent or enclosed, ask your local building authority about surround and clearance requirements.

EcoSmart Fire outdoor bioethanol fireplaces are protected against rain, UV damage, dust, and temperature extremes through a dedicated range of purpose-designed accessories.

All-Season Covers feature UV-coated 600D Oxford fabric with anti-fade technology, mould-resistant seams, and a proprietary PVC cone system that prevents water pooling during heavy rain; elastic cord closures secure each cover against wind. Protective Covers in UV-coated Oxford fabric repel dust and debris for routine use, whilst Silicone Burner Covers shield the fuel chamber from rain, snow, hail, and dust whenever the fireplace is not in use.

Each cover is engineered to the dimensions of specific product ranges for a precise, tailored fit.

One critical practice applies to all cover types: ensure the surface is completely dry before fitting any cover, as trapped moisture accelerates material degradation regardless of fabric quality. Proper drainage around the unit is equally important, particularly on timber decking.

Because bioethanol fireplaces produce no ash, soot, or chimney residue, weatherproofing centres on protecting the design elements and burner assembly, with none of the combustion byproduct concerns associated with wood or gas equivalents.

Focal point positioning is entirely flexible with EcoSmart Fire's freestanding bioethanol fireplaces, fire pits, and fire tables. No gas line, no flue, and no electrical connection means they can move between any outdoor spaces as your layout demands.

Weights run from around 20 kg [44 lb] for compact models to around 189 kg [416 lb] for larger concrete designs, so smaller units lift easily with one person and heavier concrete pieces are a two-person move. Many ranges include 360-degree adjustable feet, which let you level the unit precisely on grass, pavers, timber decking, or a rooftop terrace. Standard practice is to extinguish the burner and allow it to cool before repositioning.

Built-in fire pit kits are designed for fixed masonry surrounds and are not the portable option. Freestanding models are built to travel with the occasion, from a dinner setting to a seasonal layout change to a move between spaces.

Yes, EcoSmart Fire outdoor fireplaces are designed for trans-seasonal enjoyment. The range includes optional All-Season Covers with UV-coated Oxford fabric to repel water and debris.

Year-round outdoor placement is straightforward with minimal upkeep. Keep units dry before covering, and uncover periodically for airflow. For concrete surrounds, apply a penetrating sealer every six months to maintain their weather resistance. Teak components naturally develop a silver-grey patina over time; annual oiling keeps the wood nourished and maintains its original character.

Placement matters: position your fireplace to manage exposure to rain, sprinklers, and drainage. The durable materials are built for permanent outdoor living, and dedicated protective accessories handle most exposure concerns between uses.

Yes, EcoSmart Fire fire tables are designed to function as genuine outdoor dining furniture, serving as a focal point for outdoor entertaining and a fully practical dining surface in the same piece. At dining height (745 mm [29.3 in]), a dining-format fire table seats guests around a full-length 2,272 x 1,098 mm [89.4 x 43.2 in] surface, the same proportions as a conventional outdoor dining table, with a central bioethanol burner providing warmth through the meal.

Two features make the dual function practical. An optional cover plate converts the burner section into a flat, usable surface when the fire is off, so the table works as a regular dining surface by day and a fire feature at night. Bioethanol burns without smoke, soot, or ash, making close, comfortable dining practical.

The range extends to three configurations to match different entertaining formats: dining height (745 mm [29.3 in]) for seated meals, bar height (1,045 mm [41.1 in]) for stool seating, and chat height (595 mm [23.4 in]) for lounge settings. All share the same 2,272 mm [89.4 in] length, optional cover plate system, and XL900 burner producing 15,000 BTU/h [4 kW] with an 8-13 hour burn time per fill.

Built in Fluid Concrete or Grade A teak, all configurations are rated for outdoor use year-round and carry international safety certifications for indoor and outdoor installation.

Yes, outdoor ethanol fireplaces make a striking focal point in covered patios. Observe two requirements: maintain a minimum 2,000 mm [78.7 in] overhead clearance from any overhead structure (per EcoSmart Fire installation guidelines) and ensure adequate natural ventilation.

EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplaces produce only heat, water vapour, and CO2 during combustion, with no smoke or flue gases. This clean combustion makes them suitable for covered spaces where wood or gas fireplaces would require permanent ventilation infrastructure.

The absence of a required chimney or gas line gives you complete placement flexibility under pergolas, patios, and covered entertaining areas. Position your fireplace where the overhang sits well clear of the burner and allow air to circulate naturally through the space. Avoid fully enclosed areas where air cannot move freely.

With over 150,000 installations globally, EcoSmart Fire's track record confirms covered patio use is reliable when clearances are respected.

Outdoor fireplaces are designed to operate safely in typical wind conditions. EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplaces incorporate engineering specifically for outdoor environments; tempered glass static windscreens stabilise flames in breezy conditions and are available across the Flex range in eight sizes to suit different models.

Practical positioning matters as much as the windscreen itself. Setting your fireplace in a sheltered location, near walls, landscaping, or structures that naturally break wind patterns, extends the safety envelope significantly. Avoid exposed positions where wind channels unobstructed across the burner. Even in locations with occasional gusty days, positioning in a protected corner or alongside a privacy screen ensures reliable, safe flame behaviour.

Strong, sustained winds beyond typical outdoor conditions do affect any open flame and may warrant caution; supervision remains essential in unpredictable weather. For most outdoor living spaces, the combination of glass windscreen and thoughtful placement creates a reliably safe fire feature that performs well year-round.

Yes, you can install an EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplace on a wooden deck with confidence. These freestanding appliances are designed for deck installation and require no gas lines, electrical connections, or structural modifications.

The key to safe wooden deck installation is maintaining the articulating feet in their upright position at all times. These feet create a mandatory minimum 12.5 mm [0.5 in] air gap between the appliance underside and the deck surface, ensuring undersurface airflow that prevents heat accumulation and maintains proper combustion performance.

Place your fireplace on a flat, level, and stable deck surface; confirm stability using a spirit level before operation. Avoid placement on grass, artificial turf, or carpet, as these block the critical airflow beneath the appliance. The freestanding design means you can reposition the fireplace as your outdoor entertaining layout changes, making it a flexible focal point for your deck space.

Since no installation trades are required and the bioethanol combustion produces only heat, water vapour, and CO₂, the setup is straightforward and entirely owner-managed.