How to Maximise Warmth with Bioethanol Fireplaces in Small Spaces

If you live in a smaller home or apartment, you’ll know that every inch of space counts. Finding a fireplace that doesn’t take up too much room can be a challenge, especially when traditional fires can be so bulky. That’s where bioethanol fireplaces come in.

Bioethanol fireplaces are the perfect small space heating solution. Compact, vent-free, and easy to install, they offer real flame warmth without the need for chimneys or flues. They’re not designed to be a replacement for your central heating – instead, they’re the perfect top-up heating source for small spaces. 

At imaginfires, we design compact fireplaces that combine real flame ambience with space-saving design and efficient heating. Here’s everything you need to know about using bioethanol fireplaces in small spaces…

Why bioethanol fireplaces are perfect for small spaces

One of the biggest advantages of a bioethanol fireplace is its flexibility. Unlike wood-burning or gas fires, there’s no chimney, flue, or installation required. Simply unpack the box, place your fireplace, add your fuel, and ignite. With a biofire, you can enjoy the beauty of real flames almost anywhere: from open-plan apartments to kitchen, dining rooms, and even balconies (where safe).

Available in a wide range of space-saving designs, our bioethanol fireplaces are a great choice for apartments, studios, and other compact living spaces where log or gas fires might not be appropriate.

Understanding the heat output from a bioethanol fire

It’s important to note that bioethanol fireplaces are designed as a supplementary heat source, not as a replacement for your central heating. They enhance the warmth and create ambience in your space, and are particularly effective in smaller rooms where the heat can be felt quickly and evenly. 

Our fires produce around 3kW of heat, which is approximately the same as an electric heater on a medium setting. But unlike electric fires, the glow isn’t artificial, and there’s no cables or installation to worry about. Because biofires are vent-free, there’s no energy lost through a flue, which makes them an extremely efficient heating option.

How to choose the right biofire for your space

We offer a wide range of freestanding, wall-mounted, and inset designs to suit every home, including more compact models that are specifically created for smaller living areas. Here are some of our most popular biofires for small spaces:

• Stow Black – a compact, freestanding design with a portable frame for easy repositioning

• Marlow Black – a slimline, wall-hung fire with curved lines and tempered glass for full visibility of the flames

• Dalton Black – a low-profile, freestanding fire with curved edges and an open flame view

• Arkle fireplace insert – perfect for refreshing an unused hearth or creating a sleek feature within an existing recess 

When choosing the perfect biofire for a compact space, you need to think about placement and proportions. Wall-mounted models like the Marlow or Alden are ideal for freeing up your floor area, while low-profile freestanding fires such as the Stow can slot neatly into corners or alcoves. Style and colour also play a key role; lighter finishes and glass surrounds can make a room feel airer, while dark tones create a bold, modern contrast. 

Top tips for maximising warmth from your biofire

Making just a few small adjustments can have a big impact on how much warmth you feel from your bioethanol fireplace. Here are our top tips on getting the most out of your biofire when it comes to heat output:

• Choose the right location. Position your fireplace where you spend most of your downtime (e.g. your living room) so that you feel the warmth where it matters most. Place it away from draughty spots to allow the heat to circulate.

• Fuel matters. Use premium-quality bioethanol fuel to achieve a cleaner and longer-lasting heat. We offer a range of unscented and scented fuel options to keep your biofire burning at its best.

• Pre-warm the space. Light your fire around 15-20 minutes before you settle in to allow the room to reach a comfortable temperature.

• Trap the warmth. Close the doors to any adjoining rooms when your fire is burning. This helps to retain the heat in your chosen space.

• Maintain your fireplace. Clean the burner regularly and wipe away residue for a stronger, more efficient flame. Read our guide on how to clean and maintain your bioethanol fireplace for further information.

• Combine heat sources. As mentioned previously, biofires are not intended to be a replacement for your central heating. We recommend keeping your heating running and lighting your biofire for an extra boost of heat where you need it. If your rooms have thermostats, you’ll probably find the central heating will temporarily pause its job of heating, as the room will warm to a very cosy level from the biofire.

Bioethanol fires: the ultimate small space heating solutions

Just because you live in a smaller space, that shouldn’t mean you can’t have access to a real fire. With the right compact fireplace design, you can enjoy the beauty and warmth of real flames, all without losing a single inch of your living area.

Explore our collection of compact bioethanol fireplaces and get ready to transform your space into the ultimate cosy retreat.