8 Best Ethanol Fireplaces

What Is an Ethanol Fireplace?

Ethanol fireplaces are designed to burn low-cost alcohols like ethanol and 2-propanol as fuel (a.k.a. bio-ethanol). They work by combusting the fuel that’s poured inside a stainless-steel burner, thereby producing real — not fake — flames.

Factors such as the size of a room and a fireplace’s British Thermal Unit (BTU) output (the higher the better) determine how much heat an ethanol fireplace can give off. However, they don’t typically generate as much warmth as their wood-burning counterparts. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ethanol fireplaces “are not generally used for heating and are mainly decorative,” so they’re rarely a home’s primary heating source.

However, given how quickly modern technology changes, we could soon see ethanol playing a bigger part in the home heating game.

Pros of an ethanol fireplace

• Requires no installation or venting;
• Turns on and off with a switch;
• Produces no smoke or rogue embers to scorch floors or carpet;
• Bio-ethanol fuels are a renewable energy source.

Cons of an ethanol fireplace

• Bio-ethanol fuel must be stored in closed containers;
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), other gases and particulate matter are released during combustion, so ethanol fireplaces should be placed in well-ventilated spaces;
• Risk of fire from spilled flammable liquid fuel; the EPA recommends gel fuel to avoid such accidents.

Here are eight top ethanol fireplaces for you to consider: