Imagine having the warm glow of a real flame in your living room - without needing a chimney, flue, or complicated installation. That’s exactly what vent-free fireplaces offer.

With no smoke, no mess, and no need for costly building work, these modern fires are becoming a go-to choice for anyone looking to bring style, warmth and convenience into their space. Whether you're renovating, renting, or just craving a cleaner, greener way to enjoy a real fire, a no chimney fireplace might be exactly what your home’s been missing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how vent-free fireplaces work, and whether one might be the perfect fit for your home.

What is a vent-free fireplace?

A vent-free fireplace is a real flame fire that doesn’t need a chimney, flue or external venting to function safely. Instead of burning wood or gas, it uses clean-burning fuels like bioethanol - an eco-friendly, plant-based alcohol that combusts efficiently without producing smoke, soot, or ash.

Bioethanol burns so cleanly that there is no need for extraction such as flues or chimneys . It only releases heat, a little water vapour and minimal carbon dioxide (comparable to a few tealight candles).

At imaginfires, we specialise in no chimney fireplaces that run solely on bioethanol, offering a modern, eco-conscious alternative to gas and wood-burning fires. For more information, take a look at our FAQ on What is a bioethanol fireplace and how does it work?

Why choose a vent-free fireplace?

There are many advantages to choosing a vent-free fireplace - here are some of the most common: 

No chimney required

This is the biggest game-changer. Whether you live in a modern flat in the city, a rented property, or a period home in the country where chimney work would be too costly (or simply impossible), you can still enjoy the luxury of a real flame. Vent-free fireplaces also open up new possibilities for rooms that previously wouldn’t accommodate a traditional fire - from your kitchen to your bedroom to your bathroom!

Effortless installation

There’s no need to call in builders or plan disruptive renovations. Most wall-mounted fires and freestanding units arrive ready to go. Just position the fire, fill the fuel box, and light it using a long-reach lighter. It’s that simple.

Eco fire solutions for modern living

Bioethanol is derived from renewable sources like sugarcane and corn, making it a far more sustainable option than gas or wood. Because it burns cleanly, there’s no soot, no ash and no negative impact on indoor air quality. It's a brilliant solution for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint while adding a little warmth and ambience to their homes.

Stylish and versatile designs

Our no chimney fireplace collection includes something for every home - from sleek wall-mounted fires that double as art, to bold freestanding centrepieces that create instant impact in any room, to traditional Scandinavian woodburner styles. Whether you prefer contemporary minimalism or timeless charm, there’s a model to match your vision.

Installing a vent-free fireplace

This is one of the reasons people fall in love with vent-free designs - installation is so simple. Here’s why:

• Wall-mounted bioethanol fires: Just use the supplied brackets to attach to a suitable wall (solid masonry or supported stud wall is best). No wiring, no flues, no stress.

• Freestanding bioethanol fires: Ideal for renters or those who want the freedom to move their fire. Simply place it on a stable surface and you're ready to go - they even work outside so you can enjoy your fireplace all year round.

All imaginfires models come with detailed instructions and everything you need to get set up safely and easily. Our patented 1-litre fuel boxes are spill-proof, adjustable, and engineered for both convenience and safety.

Are vent-free fireplaces safe?

In a word: yes. Vent-free fireplaces are safe when used as directed - and all imaginfires models are tested to high UK and European safety standards.

To enjoy your fire with total peace of mind, keep the following in mind:

• Use high-quality bioethanol fuel only (like the premium low-odour options we sell) - you can order fuel directly online from us.

• Never refill the burner when it's lit or still warm

• Maintain good airflow - a small amount of ventilation is always advised

• Follow placement and clearance guidelines in your manual

• Don’t leave the fire unattended, especially around children or pets

Our no-spill fuel boxes also include an adjustable slider, so you can control the flame size and burn time to suit your space and your schedule. For more tips about using bioethanol fireplaces safely, take a look at our safety video.

Do vent-free fireplaces have a good heat output?

It’s important to understand that while vent-free fireplaces offer real, comforting warmth, they’re best used as a top-up heat source. A single unit won’t heat your entire home, but in smaller rooms or well-insulated spaces, it will make a noticeable difference.

What they excel at is convenience.They create an unbeatable atmosphere in an instant - perfect for cosy nights in, romantic dinners, or just giving your home a glow-up.

Things to consider when choosing a vent-free fireplace

While there are many advantages to chimney free fireplaces, there are also some considerations that you need to be aware of so you can make an informed decision.

• Burn time: Each 1-litre fuel bottle offers around 3.5 to 4 hours of burn time on full flame. If you want a longer experience, opt for the low setting to stretch it closer to 5 hours.

• Refuelling: You’ll need to allow the unit to cool completely before topping up with fresh fuel. For most users, one litre is enough to create that warming fireside ambience.

• Ventilation: While no flue is needed, a little fresh air goes a long way. Cracking open a window or leaving a door ajar helps maintain healthy airflow during use.

Is a vent-free fireplace right for you?

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, eco fire solution that looks amazing and fits into your lifestyle with zero stress, you need a vent-free fireplace.

At imaginfires, we’ve created a collection of vent-free fireplaces that are as beautiful as they are practical. If you’d like more help and advice about how to choose a bioethanol fireplace, get in touch and we’ll help you embrace the freedom of flueless flames!