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What Does the Future of Bioethanol Fireplaces Look Like in 2026?

What Does the Future of Bioethanol Fireplaces Look Like in 2026?

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Imaginfires
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The short answer:

The future of bioethanol fireplaces is bright. Thanks to rising energy costs and smoke control areas, more and more homeowners are now moving away from smoky, maintenance-heavy woodburners and looking to bioethanol fireplaces as a sustainable home heating method. The fireplace trends for 2026 have moved from large glossy statement pieces towards classic woodburner designs, and imaginfires predicts that this evolution will continue to grow in the year ahead.

An exciting new era for home heating

The way we heat our homes is changing faster than ever. In 2026, homeowners aren’t just weighing up which fireplaces look good, but which ones align to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Traditional woodburners were once the hallmark of cosy living rooms, but they’re now facing increased scrutiny for their harmful carbon emissions, high maintenance demands, and rising running costs. 


As a result, bioethanol fireplaces are stepping confidently into the spotlight in 2026. Here’s what we can expect in the world of biofires in the year ahead…

Why interest in bioethanol fireplaces is accelerating

Smoke control areas

Many UK towns and cities, including Central London, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Oxford and more, are now designated ‘smoke control areas’. This means that households in these areas must not emit smoke from a chimney and can only burn authorised fuel (excluding wood). The number of UK cities joining this list is only expected to grow, so it’s increasingly likely that your area could fall under smoke-control rules by 2026 if it hasn’t already.

If you find yourself living in a smoke control area, you might need to explore cleaner-burning, smoke-free alternatives to traditional woodburners. Bioethanol fires burn sustainable plant-based fuel (bioethanol) and produce no smoke or carbon emissions, allowing you to experience the joy of real flames without breaking regulations or impacting the environment. 

Smoke control area

Rising costs of solid fuels

The price of firewood has increased dramatically in recent years. You could find yourself paying up to £500 for a tonne of kiln-dried hardwood in 2026; an increase of around 40-50% compared to 2023. Cost of living is still a major consideration for many of us, so you might need to explore alternative ways to heat your home that are more efficient and cost-effective than using a woodburner.

In comparison, imaginfires’ bioethanol fuel currently costs £46.99 for a 12-pack. With each litre giving approximately 4 hours of burn time, this means that your bioethanol fire will cost just 97p per hour to run, which is significantly cheaper than the typical running cost of £1.25-£3 per hour for a woodburner.

Firewood

Exploring the bioethanol fireplace trends for 2026

Bioethanol fireplace design preferences have shifted dramatically over the last few years, and this evolution is expected to continue throughout the year. Spaces that were once dominated by large glossy statement pieces (like the Globus) gradually moved towards sleek white centrepieces (like the Howarth). 

Now, our woodburner-style bioethanol fireplaces are becoming much more popular, giving you that real flame experience without any of the hassle. The Burford, Howarth Black, and Bredon are our most-loved models currently, and we expect their popularity will continue to soar in 2026.

When it comes to accessories, our ceramic logs and pebbles are becoming much less of a decorative afterthought than in previous years. More and more customers are now also choosing our false flues to achieve a more timeless fireplace look that sits beautifully in any interior design scheme.

Will bioethanol fireplaces become more popular in 2026?

All the signs point firmly to yes! Bioethanol fireplaces are the perfect sustainable home heating method, allowing you to experience the comfort of real flames without any of the maintenance drawbacks or environmental damage that comes with woodburners. They’re the ideal solution for homes in smoke control zones, rented accommodation, and compact flats/apartments where traditional fires simply aren’t possible. 2026 is set to be a milestone year for these innovative fires, and we’re looking forward to bringing the beauty of real fire into many more households this year.

Browse our range of bioethanol fireplaces and get ready to enjoy real flames in a cleaner, greener way. 

Browse our range of bioethanol fireplaces

Frequently asked questions

  • Where can I buy bioethanol fuel?

    Bioethanol fuel is widely available online and in some DIY stores, varying in price. Generally, we recommend buying your bioethanol in bulk - purchasing single-litre bottles is the most expensive way to stock up.

    Our volatile energy market hasn’t impacted the price of bioethanol. So, buying in bulk gets you the best price for your heating and could save you money compared to gas or electricity.

    Of course, the quality of bioethanol varies significantly, and poor-quality fuel offers shorter burn times and can give off an unpleasant odour.

    Our own-brand bioethanol fuel is called ImagiFuel, and we consider it the best you can get (at a very competitive price). You will receive 10% off the cost of any fuel and accessories when you purchase a fireplace at the same time via our website.

    Does bioethanol fuel smell?

    ImagiFuel bioethanol fuel burns cleanly, with a very low odour while burning. Sometimes, you'll notice a slight chemical smell when the flame goes out — this is typical of all bioethanol fuels. 

    Good quality bioethanol gives off a minimal odour that most people don't notice after using their fireplace a couple of times. However, cheap fuels can produce some unpleasant smells. 

    We also offer a range of scented fuels, with Vanilla, Forest, and Christmas fragrances — offering a delightful, cosy ambience while you heat your room.

    Can I burn anything other than bioethanol in a bioethanol fireplace?

    Please only use high-quality biofuels with at least 96.6% alcohol. 

    Never use any other fuel types, such as wood, paper, or coal in your bioethanol fireplace. These emit smoke, soot, and ash, which require a flue or chimney. 

    Bioethanol fireplaces don’t need an external flue or chimney. It’s entirely safe to burn ethanol indoors (as long as you ensure you stick to safety guidelines). However, you will need some ventilation to prevent stuffiness and let oxygen into the room while burning.

  • Do bioethanol fireplaces create smoke or soot?

    Bioethanol fuel burns with 98% efficiency, so when used correctly it is very clean burning and therefore does not produce any smoke, soot or nasty residues. 

    So what does ethanol produce when burned? Nothing more than carbon dioxide and water. You should never observe any smoke or soot coming out of your bioethanol fireplace. 

  • What is the running cost of a bio ethanol fireplace?

    The cost of running your bioethanol fireplace depends entirely on the amount you use it and the size of the flame you demand for your burn. 

    Unlike gas, there are no standing charges for bioethanol — you purchase your bioethanol fuel as and when you need it. And unlike coal and wood-burners, no additional supplies are required, such as kindling, firelighters, and chimney sweeps.

    The cost of bioethanol fuel is more stable than gas, wood, and coal 

    We’re living through particularly volatile times in terms of fuel prices, with gas and electricity skyrocketing, affecting the prices of almost every other commodity, including the cost of wood and coal. However, the price of bioethanol fuel has remained relatively stable, meaning that bioethanol is a very competitive option. 

    How much does 1 litre of bioethanol fuel cost (and how long does it last)?

    You can pay as much as £7 for a single litre of bioethanol fuel, which should last around 4 hours of burning on full. All of our bioethanol fireplaces have slider control, which reduces the size of the flame — in turn, reducing the heat output. So, if you reduce the output by 50%, your litre of fuel will last considerably longer. 

    Buying bioethanol fuel in bulk reduces the costs considerably. For example, 12 bottles of ImagiFuel currently cost £44.99, which makes it £3.75 per litre. 

    So, if your litre burns for 4 hours, it costs 94p an hour. 

    For a direct comparison, check out our article comparing the cost of burning bioethanol fuel against wood and gas — you’ll find bioethanol very competitive.

  • Can bioethanol fireplaces be used in a small house?

    Yes, bioethanol fireplaces can be used in a small  house, offering a compact and efficient secondary heating solution. However, it's important to consider some factors.

    Considerations for Using Biofires in a Small House

    • Size and Placement: Due to limited space in a tiny house, choose a bioethanol fireplace that fits well and doesn't overwhelm the area. Consider the size and layout of your tiny house to determine the most suitable placement for the fireplace.
    • Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial in a confined space like a tiny house. Ensure proper airflow to maintain air quality and prevent the buildup of combustion byproducts. Refer to our blog section for helpful tips on ventilation in compact living spaces.
    • Safety Measures: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe installation and use of the bioethanol fireplace in your tiny house. Take precautions to keep flammable materials away from the fireplace and ensure proper handling of bioethanol fuel.

    By considering these factors and taking necessary safety measures, you can enjoy the warmth and charm of a bioethanol fireplace in your tiny house.