Built-in Fireplaces

A built-in fireplace is installed directly into wall studs during construction or renovation, embedding the unit flush with the wall cavity. The surrounding finish, including marble, timber, concrete, or custom millwork, is fully customisable and can be updated later without damaging the underlying structure. Fireplace inserts are pre-assembled stand-alone units designed to slide into an existing firebox opening or dedicated cutout, ready for finishing in under an hour.

Both use bioethanol burner technology with zero-clearance construction, eliminating the need for flue, chimney, or gas lines. The choice depends on your project type. Built-ins suit new construction and major renovations where the full wall cavity is available and you want unlimited design flexibility. Architects and designers favour this format for its scope to become a true architectural anchor, the defining frame for an entire interior moment.

Inserts work best for retrofitting into an existing opening: beneath flat-screen TVs, within cabinetry, kitchen islands, or recessed walls. They're faster to install and ideal when you want a fire feature without structural modifications.

Both formats have been trusted by architects and designers worldwide for over two decades, with more than 150,000 installations across residential and commercial projects.

EcoSmart Fire built-in bioethanol fireplaces do not require a chimney, flue, or dedicated ducting. They rely on adequate room air circulation per UL safety standards. The appliance must remain open to room air at all times, drawing oxygen directly from your space rather than via external vents.

Room ventilation is determined by your burner's heat output. The minimum requirement is 5.7 cubic metres [200 cubic feet] of air space per 1,000 BTU/hour of maximum burner capacity. For example, an XL900 burner (running at maximum) requires approximately 110 cubic metres [3,884 cubic feet] of room volume.

Avoid installing in bathrooms or small enclosed spaces. Do not pack insulation or materials into air gaps around the appliance, as this restricts essential airflow. Beyond these practical precautions, EcoSmart Fire built-in models install without the complexity of gas connections, structural venting, or chimney engineering.

Built-in bioethanol fireplace installation costs significantly less than traditional gas or wood-burning options because no gas lines, chimney construction, or electrical connections are required. You eliminate multiple expensive trade requirements entirely: no gas fitter, no chimney specialist, no structural engineering. Installation costs vary primarily by finishing materials and local labour rates.

EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplaces can save up to 70% compared to gas fireplace installation costs. The majority of cost goes into framing, wall preparation, and finishing materials, not utility connections. Self-contained bioethanol fireplace designs install in under an hour with minimal home disruption, since the burner requires no permanent utility hookups. A single specialist contractor completes the job, reducing labour complexity and cost.

Your main cost variables are:

• Finishing materials (cabinetry, cladding, surrounds)
• Wall location and cavity preparation
• Local labour rates
• Bespoke design elements

All EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplaces carry UL certification (USA/international) and comply with safety standards across markets, backed by rigorous engineering and independent safety validation. The clean-burning technology eliminates soot and residue, avoiding long-term maintenance costs that traditional fireplaces require.

For a site-specific quote, contact a local installer or your EcoSmart Fire dealer.