A Complete Guide to Bioethanol Stoves: What Are They and How Do They Work?
The short answer:
Bioethanol stoves are freestanding fireplaces that are designed to look like traditional log burners. They run on bioethanol (a renewable plant-based fuel) which burns cleanly, producing real flames without smoke or soot. Because they’re completely smokeless, you don’t need a chimney or flue to use one – simply unpack, place into position, and light. Bioethanol stoves emit up to 3kW of heat, which makes them the perfect top-up heat source for cosy spaces, and they only cost from around 97p per hour to run. They can also be used in small homes, flats, new builds, rental accommodation, and smoke control areas where traditional fires usually aren’t suitable.
Log burners are a familiar sight in many British homes, and it’s easy to see why. There’s nothing quite like curling up beside a roaring fire on a chilly evening, watching the real, flickering flames, and feeling the warmth on your skin.
But owning a log burner comes with its fair share of hassle. They need a chimney and permanent installation, as well as ongoing maintenance and cleaning. They produce smoke which pollutes the environment and your home, and can sometimes be difficult to light.
However, there is a way to experience all the joy of a log burner without any of the drawbacks. Bioethanol stoves give you the same real flame feeling and classic stove look with no chimney, smoke, or mess. Below, we explore the basics of bioethanol stoves, with some helpful tips on choosing the right one for your room.
Understanding the basics of bioethanol stoves
What are they?
A bioethanol stove is a type of bioethanol fireplace that’s designed to look like a classic woodburner. Instead of logs or coal, it features a fuel box that holds the liquid bioethanol fuel. There are many styles available, ranging from compact, Scandinavian-inspired designs to large statement stoves.
At imaginfires, we offer a wide variety of bioethanol stoves that are loved by renters and homeowners alike, including the striking Howarth Black with its wraparound glass, the twin-door Kendal, and the classic Ledbury model. If you want to complete that classic woodburner look, our decorative flues and logs make for the perfect finishing touches.
How do they work?
Bioethanol stoves run on bioethanol, a renewable plant-based fuel that burns cleanly. When lit, they produce only water vapour and a small amount of carbon dioxide (similar to lighting a couple of tealight candles). They are completely smokeless, so you don’t need a chimney or fuel to use one.
Bioethanol stoves are extremely easy to use in just four steps:
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Unpack your fireplace
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Position it in your chosen spot
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Pour bioethanol fuel ino the fuel box
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Light and enjoy
How much heat do they produce?
Bioethanol stoves are designed as a supplementary heat source only and should not replace your central heating. Our models produce around 3kW of heat which warms your room by around 3-5°C. They’re perfect for giving you a boost of warmth in the room you’re using, or taking the chill off on a cold spring or autumn evening.
How much do they cost to run?
Bioethanol stoves cost around 97p per hour to run. This is calculated based on our current fuel price of £46.99 for a 12-pack, which works out at £3.91 per litre. Each litre of fuel burns for around four hours on full flame, so £3.91 divided by 4 = 97p per hour.
You can also control the flame size using the adjustable slider to make your fuel go further. If you turn the flame down to half, you can reduce the burn rate and cost by up to 50%
Comparing bioethanol stoves vs wood-burning stoves
|
Bioethanol stoves |
Wood-burning stoves |
|
|
Flame |
Real flame |
Real flame |
|
Fuel |
Renewable, plant-based bioethanol fuel |
Logs |
|
Eco-friendly |
Yes |
No |
|
Chimney or flue |
Not needed |
Chimney or twin-wall flue required |
|
Installation |
Simply unpack, position, and light |
Needs building work and a HETAS-registered installer |
|
Installation cost |
None |
£700 - £3,500 |
|
Heat output |
Up to 3kW |
Around 5 - 8kW |
|
Running cost |
94p/hr |
60p - £1/hr |
|
Smoke |
No |
Yes |
|
Maintenance |
Easy to clean |
Annual chimney sweep and regular ash clearing |
|
Placement |
Can be moved between rooms |
Fixed in place |
|
Smoke control areas |
Suitable |
Exempt appliances only |
|
Flats and rented homes |
Suitable |
Not suitable |
How to choose a bioethanol stove in five simple steps
If you’re considering investing in a bioethanol stove, it’s important to ensure you choose the right model for your space. Follow the five steps below when making your decision:
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Find your favourite style – for example a classic stove design or a modern Scandinavian style
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Think about placement – for example, do you want your fire to be a focal point or tuck neatly into a corner?
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Choose a suitable size – the smaller your room, the warmer it will feel, so read our expert sizing guide to get it right
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Look for safety – choose a supplier that prioritises safety and has independently tested their fireplaces to BS EN 16647-1:2015
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Decide on your budget – our bioethanol stoves range from £199.99 up to £999.99, so you can easily find a model that suits your budget
Bring that classic log burner look and feel into your home without the hassle of traditional options. Browse our bioethanol stoves to find your favourite model.
