Double Sided Fireplaces

A double-sided fireplace distributes heat between two spaces through radiant energy emitted from a centrally placed burner that faces both directions simultaneously. The burner produces a clean-burning flame visible and felt from either side of the glass panes, with thermal energy radiating outward into both adjacent rooms in equal measure.

The efficiency advantage lies in the closed combustion system: unlike gas fireplaces that lose approximately 30% of heat through flue venting, bioethanol burners have no chimney or ventilation requirement. All heat produced remains within the two rooms rather than escaping to the exterior. The glass panes transmit this radiant warmth to both sides whilst the open design allows convective air circulation across both spaces simultaneously.

Heat distribution across the two rooms depends on their volume. EcoSmart Fire specifies minimum room volume requirements for each double-sided model, with output scaled to suit the combined space. Because both rooms receive equal radiant exposure from the single central flame source, the fireplace effectively functions as a shared heating asset rather than a device channelling warmth in one direction. Room geometry, ceiling height, and placement will influence how evenly that warmth distributes, but the heating works equally in both directions.

A see-through fireplace is a double-sided fireplace designed specifically to deliver unobstructed flame views from both sides, creating a transparent focal point that divides two spaces whilst maintaining visual connection. The flame sits behind toughened low-iron glass, allowing light and movement to flow through rather than being contained by a traditional frame.

See-through fireplaces prioritise design minimalism and spatial openness. Some models, like the Ghost fireplace, are entirely glass and steel, frameless and seamless, making them feel sculptural rather than installed. Because they require no flue or venting, they work as room dividers on walls, peninsula installations within rooms, or freestanding configurations. This flexibility allows architects and designers to create dramatic spatial transitions whilst maintaining the warmth and focal-point quality of flame in both rooms or zones simultaneously.

Yes, double-sided bioethanol fireplaces are purpose-designed for commercial spaces, particularly hospitality environments like restaurants, bars, lounges, and hotel lobbies. EcoSmart Fire's Flex Series double-sided models are UL-listed, EN 16647 certified, and ACCC compliant, meeting stringent safety standards for public spaces. They're installed in operating venues including Criniti's restaurants across Sydney, where they deliver both ambience and reliable performance.

Double-sided fireplaces excel in commercial settings because they require no gas lines, chimney infrastructure, or electrical venting, which reduces installation complexity and cost compared to traditional fireplaces. Setup takes less than an hour, minimising operational downtime during venue refurbishment. The 90% thermal efficiency means heat stays in-room rather than venting away, making them cost-effective for extending outdoor entertaining seasons.

For hospitality operations, staff training is minimal: simple refuelling with e-NRG bioethanol and manual shut-off control. The certified safety glass windscreens and flame arrestor refuelling spouts address liability concerns, while clean-burning combustion produces only CO₂ and water vapour, so there's no soot or residue affecting finishes or air quality.

Installation requirements remain straightforward in commercial spaces: secure fastening, 600 mm [23.6 in] minimum clearance from flame to fixed furnishings, and 2,000 mm [78.7 in] overhead clearance. These dimensions fit standard hospitality venues without structural modifications, making double-sided models a practical choice for both new builds and existing-venue retrofits seeking to differentiate their offering.

A double-sided fireplace is a see-through bioethanol fireplace that displays flame on two sides simultaneously, functioning as a room divider between two adjacent spaces. Unlike traditional fireplaces, double-sided bioethanol designs require no flue, gas line, or structural venting, making them flexible to install within walls, freestanding, or built-in as frameable inserts.

Double-sided fireplaces carry a modest premium over comparable single-sided models, but the value proposition shifts dramatically when you compare total cost of ownership rather than unit price alone. A single double-sided bioethanol fireplace that heats and beautifies two spaces costs significantly less than purchasing two separate fireplaces to achieve the same effect.

The primary cost drivers remain consistent across the range: burner capacity, frame size, finish selection, and configuration (all-flame versus decorative box options). A double-sided model at equivalent size to a single-sided counterpart carries a modest premium, but the critical difference is that bioethanol fireplaces require no chimney, flue, gas infrastructure, or specialist installation. That infrastructure saving (which would cost thousands with traditional fireplaces) is entirely eliminated for both single and double-sided options, making the relative premium on the fireplace itself far more modest than you’d see with gas or wood alternatives.

Interior designers and architects often find that a double-sided installation reduces overall project costs by consolidating a statement feature into one strategically placed unit rather than two separate installations across a space. Both sides create uninterrupted flame visibility across adjacent rooms, amplifying the perceived value and making the investment particularly efficient.

For current pricing on specific configurations, visit ecosmartfire.com to compare models side-by-side at equivalent sizes and burner capacities.

The minimum room volume required for a double-sided ethanol fireplace depends on the burner size, not the orientation itself. EcoSmart Fire's general guideline is that room volume should provide at least 5.7 cubic metres per 1,000 BTU/hr at maximum burner output. For example, the XL900 burner requires a minimum 110 m³ [3,884 cubic feet] room volume per EcoSmart Fire's specifications.

This requirement exists because bioethanol combustion consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide and water vapour; adequate room volume ensures these byproducts dissipate naturally. Smaller burners (such as the AB3 at 40 m³) suit compact living spaces, whilst larger models demand proportionally larger rooms.

Rooms with natural air exchange are ideal for these fireplaces. If your space has limited ventilation, opening interior doors or keeping a window ajar supplements air circulation effectively. For confirmation of exact volume requirements for your chosen burner, consult the installation manual or contact EcoSmart Fire's technical team directly.

Yes, double-sided bioethanol fireplaces work exceptionally well as room dividers. Because they require no flue, ductwork, or utility connections, you can position them freely within a room to define separate zones without physical walls. The transparent flame is visible from both sides, creating visual connectivity across the divide whilst maintaining distinct spatial identity.

Double-sided bioethanol fireplaces are designed for indoor or covered outdoor spaces, and they excel in sheltered patios and transitional areas. They're not suitable for fully exposed outdoor installation where rain or weather exposure can contaminate the fuel reservoir and prevent ignition.

For successful outdoor installation, ensure your space has overhead protection (minimum 1.5 m [4.9 ft] clearance above) and shelter from direct rain and excessive wind. Maintain 600 mm [23.6 in] clearance from combustible materials on the sides and 1 m [3.3 ft] in front for safe operation. Always cover the fireplace when not in use with the protective cover, and clean any moisture from the burner lid promptly to prevent corrosion of the stainless steel construction.

The clean-burning nature of bioethanol is a genuine advantage in outdoor entertaining spaces: no smoke, soot, or ash to disturb guests, and no flue or gas line infrastructure to install. This makes covered outdoor spaces particularly practical for hosting.

EcoSmart double-sided fireplaces are available in four flame configurations: All Flame, Box Left, Box Right, and Two Boxes. Each configuration adapts the fireplace to different room layouts and design intentions.

All Flame gives the full viewing area to the fire, ideal for open-plan spaces where the flame is the primary visual focus. Box Left and Box Right reserve one side of the viewing area for a decorative box while the flame occupies the other, perfect for anchoring the fireplace to one end of a room or integrating it alongside cabinetry. Two Boxes positions decorative boxes on both sides with the flame centred, creating a balanced, symmetrical look.

All configurations span eight burner models with viewing widths from 457 mm [18 in] to 4,012 mm [158 in], so you can match the scale to your space. The Flex DB series includes burner options like the XL500, XL900, and XL1200, each with different fuel capacity and burn duration to suit various room sizes.

Decorative boxes accept non-combustible accessories, such as copper log sets, letting you customise the aesthetic further. All models are zero-clearance, fully self-contained, and install in under an hour, with no ventilation or flue required. They're available with certifications including UL 1370 (USA), EN16647 (Europe/UK), and ACCC Safety Mandate compliance (Australia).