What springs to mind when you picture a traditional fireplace? Is it the warm glow and gentle crackle of a flickering flame? Or is it the smoky air and unpleasant smell that clings to your clothes and furniture? 

Bioethanol fireplaces have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional log burners in recent years, bringing all the aesthetic qualities of a cosy fire without the hidden nasties that come with it. No soot, no smoke, and no ash; just clean-burning flames that warm your room without leaving behind any mess or lingering odours.

One question that many first-time buyers ask us is: “does bioethanol fuel have an odour?” In today’s blog, we clear the air (literally!) by debunking some of the common myths around bioethanol fuel odour, and offer some top tips to ensure your biofire stays as fresh as it looks.

What you might smell, and when

One of the main appeals of bioethanol fireplaces is their clean-burning nature. Unlike wood or gas, bioethanol doesn’t give off smoke, soot, or ash; just water vapour and a small amount of carbon dioxide (similar to lighting a couple of tealight candles). Any scent that is released tends to be fleeting and mild, and is nothing like the heavy, lingering smoky smells you get with wood-burning stoves or open fires. 

Each time you light your fire, you may smell a faint odour, which is caused by the initial combustion process. It smells a lot like lighting a candle, and some of our customers even say it smells a bit “coconutty” or like a breath of fresh air! Once the fire is lit and burning steadily, this scent quickly fades into the background.

Similarly, when extinguishing the flame, you may notice a light aroma as the flame is snuffed out and the fuel vapour cools. It’s most noticeable when closing the fuel box slider, but it soon disperses. Many customers tell us they hardly register the subtle aroma after a few uses, especially when comparing it to the sooty, acrid after smell of traditional fires.

In short, bioethanol fires offer all the ambience of a real flame, without the tell-tale smoky odour that clings to your fabrics and fills your room long after the fire’s out.

Fuel quality matters

Not all bioethanol fuel is created equal. If you want your biofire to remain in tip-top condition, you should choose a high-quality fuel that releases minimal odour. It’s the same principle as using low-grade petrol in a luxury car – it could cause the engine (or in this case, the fuel box) to run less efficiently and emit more noticeable odours. 

Lower quality or impure bioethanol fuels can release much stronger smells. They sometimes include added ingredients that affect how cleanly the fuel burns, leading to more noticeable odours. These cheaper alternatives might save you a few pennies upfront, but they can affect the overall experience of using your fireplace. 

At imaginfires, we take pride in offering only high-purity bioethanol fuel that’s clean-burning and expertly formulated to give you the best possible experience, with little to no scent at all (unless you opt for our scented fuels!). Our low odour biofuel is made from high-grade ingredients and is specially formulated to burn cleanly and efficiently, helping your fireplace perform at its best. 

If you're looking to enhance the sensory experience even further, our scented bioethanol fuel options are the perfect option. Choose from comforting vanilla, refreshing forest, or our festive Christmas blend to add a gentle, pleasant fragrance to your fireplace. It’s a great, all-in-one alternative to lighting a scented candle.

Proper storage = better burning

If you want to avoid unwanted fireplace scents, you’ll need to make sure that you store your biofuel correctly. Bioethanol is highly flammable and hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air which can evaporate quickly if not stored correctly. Bioethanol fuel can degrade, take on a sour odour, or become less efficient if it’s exposed to air or humidity.

Here’s how to correctly store your biofuel:

• Store all bottles in a cool, dry cupboard inside your home, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures

• Ensure all bottles are tightly sealed when not in use, as ethanol evaporates easily if left exposed

• Never store bioethanol within 3 metres of your fireplace or any other heat source

• Keep your fuel well out of reach of children and pets

Many of our customers like to store their fuel in a garage or garden shed. It’s fine to do this, but make sure you always keep a couple of bottles indoors so they can return to room temperature before use. Cold bioethanol below 15°C may struggle to ignite successfully. 

By following these simple steps, you’ll not only preserve the quality of your fuel but also enjoy the full potential of your fireplace. You can experience a safe, clean burn, with none of the fuss or fumes that traditional fireplaces bring.

Smell the difference with imaginfires

Want a cleaner, fresher way to enjoy real flames, without the mess or smoke of traditional fireplaces?

At imaginfires, we offer a great range of bioethanol fireplaces to suit every home and style (from sleek, wall-mounted designs to freestanding log burner alternatives), backed with high-purity bioethanol fuel to give you that odourless experience. Our ImagiFuel is clean-burning and efficient, and is designed to keep your fireplace looking and working at its best.  

Browse our range of bioethanol fireplaces and fuel today and discover why so many UK households are making the switch.