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Outdoor firepit

Outdoor Bioethanol Fireplace vs Outdoor Fire Pit: Which is Best?

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Imaginfires
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The short answer:

When choosing between an outdoor bioethanol fireplace vs fire pit, you need to compare how each option performs in terms of set-up, maintenance, smoke output, and ease of use. A traditional fire pit creates a rustic, campfire-style feel and works well in larger gardens – but you’ll need to clean it regularly and find somewhere to store your fuel. It also produces smoke, which can be messy and uncomfortable to deal with. An outdoor bioethanol fireplace is the ultimate smokeless fire pit alternative, allowing you to experience the joy of real flames with none of the drawbacks. It’s exceptionally easy to install and maintain, and is quick to set-up and use, making it a versatile choice for all kinds of outdoor spaces.

Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

Are you drawn to the glow of real flames, but don’t want the hassle or mess of smoke?

Fire pits are a popular outdoor fireplace option, creating an instant centrepiece that brings warmth and atmosphere to your garden long after the sun goes down. But the charm soon fades when you’re spending hours struggling to get the fire lit, and you’re constantly shifting seats to avoid the smoke. 

The good news is that there’s a cleaner and more convenient way to enjoy that real flame feeling. Outdoor bioethanol fireplaces give you all the ambience of a traditional fire pit without smoke, soot, or ash, helping to create a much more comfortable outdoor experience. 

In today’s blog, we explore the key differences between outdoor bioethanol fireplaces vs fire pits, and explain why biofires are the ultimate smokeless fire pit alternative that your garden needs.

Understanding the basics of both options

A traditional fire pit is an open bowl, basket, or built-in feature that’s designed for burning logs, charcoal, or other solid fuel. It helps to create that classic campfire feel, making it a popular choice for larger gardens and relaxed outdoor gatherings. 

An outdoor bioethanol fireplace, however, works in a completely different way. Instead of burning wood or coal, it runs on clean-burning bioethanol fuel – which means it doesn’t need a chimney, flue, gas connection, or mains power. You can simply position it in your favourite spot and enjoy the glow of real flickering flames without smoke, soot, or ash.

Comparing outdoor bioethanol fireplaces vs fire pits

Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

Smoke 

Traditional fire pits burn wood or coal which produces smoke. The smoke can quickly become uncomfortable, drifting across your seating areas, clinging to your clothes and furniture, and carrying into your neighbouring gardens. 

Bioethanol fireplaces offer a much cleaner alternative. The fuel burns cleanly without smoke, soot, or ash. This means you can enjoy all the atmosphere of real flames with no lingering smells or mess. Biofires can also be used in smoke control areas, smaller gardens, patios, and balconies where traditional fire pits wouldn’t be suitable. 

Read all about the benefits of smokeless outdoor fireplaces in our blog post.

Convenience

Fire pits are typically very hands-on. You’ll need to gather your logs, build the fire, and then wait for it to catch. This is all part of the charm, but you’ll need to allow for extra time to prepare and nurture your fire – which can be frustrating when you just want to relax and enjoy the evening.

Bioethanol fireplaces, however, are extremely easy to use. You don’t need to worry about arranging your logs or building your fire. Instead, simply position your fireplace in the desired spot, add your fuel, and light. You immediately cut out all the prep, giving you more time to actually enjoy the ambience of the flames.

Discover how easy it is to light a bioethanol fireplace in our dedicated FAQ.

Electric outdoor fireplace

Maintenance

Fire pits need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them working safely. You’ll need to dispose of all the ash and partially burnt fuel after every use, and you’ll likely need to wipe down the fire pit itself to prevent residue from building up. 

On the other hand, bioethanol fireplaces require very little maintenance to keep them working at their best. You don’t need to clear away any ash or soot after use – instead, just give the fuel box, surfaces, and accessories a quick wipe down / dusting. And if you spill any fuel, just mop it up with a paper towel or a soft cloth.

You can read more tips in our blog on ‘how to clean and maintain your bioethanol fireplace’.


Feature

Traditional fire pit

Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

Flame type

Real flames from logs or charcoal

Real flames from clean-burning bioethanol fuel

Smoke

Produces smoke, soot, and ash

No smoke, soot, or ash

Set-up

Requires kindling, fuel storage, and preparation to get the fire burning

Easy to use – simply position, fill, and light

Maintenance

Ash and debris need clearing after every use

Easy to clean with no ash disposal

Placement

Needs more open space and careful position

Flexible and often portable

Heat output

15-30kW depending on size

2kW, designed as a top-up heat source only

Best for

Larger gardens and creating a traditional campfire ambience

Smoke control areas, smaller gardens, patios, and balconies

Bioethanol fireplaces: the ultimate smokeless fire pit alternative

If you want to enjoy all the benefits of a traditional wood-burning fire pit without any of the drawbacks, then an outdoor bioethanol fireplace could be the perfect solution for your garden.

Here’s why you should choose an imaginfires biofire:

  • No smoke, soot, or ash – experience the joy of real flames without the mess or maintenance 

  • No chimney, flue, gas, or power needed – giving you the freedom to use your biofire wherever you please

  • Simple to use – simply place in your favourite spot, add your fuel, and light

  • Easy to maintain – there’s no ash to sweep or soot to scrub away

  • Flexible placement – ideal for patios, balconies, smaller gardens, and smoke control areas

Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? Browse our outdoor biofire collection to find the right model for your garden.

Explore our outdoor biofires

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I use a biofire outdoors?

    Many of our customers do use their bioethanol fire outdoors, but please remember to position them well away from any flammable items, especially those models that have an open front. There may be an unexpected gust of wind that could cause a fire if the flame touches anything flammable!

    Also whilst there is the same amount of heat generated by ethanol fires when used outdoors as indoors, the space being heated is obviously much larger and therefore the heat level will feel less than when used indoors.  

    So if being considered for outdoor purposes, usage of bioethanol fireplaces outdoors  should be mainly used to create a nice relaxing vibe for your space. 

    Advantages of Using Bioethanol Fireplaces Outdoors

    Remember that another advantage of biofires is that since there is no smoke, and no chimney required, our freestanding range can be easily moved between indoors and outdoors.  

    Also, at the end of a pleasant summer evening, there's none of the somewhat overwhelming strong smell of smoke on clothes that some other alternatives leave you with! 

  • How much heat will my Imaginfires biofuel fireplace generate?

    Some people think that a bioethanol fireplace is purely decorative — this is not true. A bioethanol fireplace can warm your room to a comfortable, cosy temperature — offering controllable heat from a beautiful, real flame. However, buy a bioethanol fireplace suitable for your room’s size, and you’ll be very happy with your warm, cosy space.

    How does Imaginfires bioethanol fireplace compare to other heaters?

    In general, a bioethanol fireplace produces around 3kw of heat. This is roughly equivalent to an electric radiator running at medium — perfect for taking the edge off the cold in the autumn and early winter. 

    In deepest winter, you may need to run your central heating and your biofire — but running both will mean that you don’t need to push your gas boiler so hard, which will help reduce your gas bills. 

    A bioethanol fireplace is perfect if you want to heat one room, not the whole house. 

    We love heating the living room with bioethanol and leaving the heating off in the rest of the home. That way, you really notice the toastiness in the living room when you return from making a cup of tea in the kitchen. 

    Biofire is an environmentally-friendly heating option

    Bioethanol fuel provides a guilt-free flame — it’s carbon neutral and doesn’t pollute the air or damage the environment. 

    And, of course, with the spiralling price of gas and electricity, bioethanol puts you in control of your heating bills. You can rest assured that you’re using a green energy source that doesn’t pollute or damage the environment. 

    Many of our bioethanol fireplaces are portable, so you can use them outside. However, be aware that your bioethanol fuel is unlikely to last as long in windy conditions. 

    Bioethanol fireplaces are perfect for conservatories because you don’t need a flue or chimney to run your fire safely. Just fill your fireplace with bioethanol, light the flame, and enjoy a toasty warmth without the hassle or mess of burning wood or coal.

  • 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. 

  • How does a bioethanol fire work?

    Bio ethanol fireplaces (also known as biofires) don't require chimneys or flues as the fuel burns without producing smoke or soot. The bioethanol fuel is poured into our double lined stainless steel fuel box (any spillages must be wiped away before lighting) and lit with a firelighter. The flame height can be adjusted by opening or closing the fuel box slightly. Once finished simply slide the shutter over the opening in the fuel box to extinguish the flame. It's that easy !