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Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

Top 5 Safety Tips When Using an Outdoor Bioethanol Fireplace

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Imaginfires
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Key takeaways:

Bioethanol fireplaces are completely safe to use outdoors, provided you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and always treat the flame with care. The main outdoor bioethanol fireplace safety considerations are related to wind, unstable flooring, and nearby garden furnishings. You’ll need to position your fireplace in a stable, sheltered area, keep flammable items at least 1 metre away from the flames, check the wind before lighting, never refuel the fireplace while it’s lit or recently extinguished, and remain nearby until the fireplace is completely cool.

Considering an outdoor bioethanol fireplace but not sure how safe it is to use in your garden? When you’re bringing real flames into an outdoor space where furniture, people, and pets are often close by, it’s only natural to be concerned about safety.

The good news is that outdoor bioethanol fireplaces are completely safe to use in your garden when used correctly. In this guide, we cover the key outdoor bioethanol safety tips you need to know before using your fireplace. 

1) Position your fireplace in a stable, sheltered area

Rule: place your fireplace on a flat, stable, horizontal surface before lighting.

Outdoor surfaces are often uneven and can move around over time, which could cause your bioethanol fireplace to wobble or topple over. 

Before using your outdoor bioethanol fireplace, you’ll need to check that it sits firmly in place and won’t move. The surface must also be able to support the weight of your fireplace – level stone patios and concrete bases are usually more suitable than grass, loose gravel, or exposed edges.

You’ll also need to position your fireplace in a spot that’s protected from the wind. A sudden gust of wind could cause the flame to behave erratically, so it’s important to place it well away from your seating, plants, and garden accessories in case the flames blow towards them.

Quick checks before lighting:

  • Is your fireplace level and stable?

  • Is the surface strong enough to support it?

  • Is the flame protected from strong wind or draughts?

2) Keep flammable items at least 1 metre away

Outdoor pool with fireplace and sofas in the corner at nighttime

Rule: keep paper, fabric, clothing, cushions, plants, and accessories at least 1 metre away from the fireplace.

Bioethanol fireplaces need a full 1 metre clearance zone around every side. Flammable items such as garden cushions, throws, parasols, napkins, furniture, and outdoor covers can quickly become hazards if they’re too close to the flame.

Make sure you clear the surrounding space and move any flammable items at least 1 metre away before lighting your fireplace. This is particularly important if you’re lighting the fire on a breezy evening, as lightweight items could move around unexpectedly. 

You’ll also need to avoid placing anything on top of the fireplace, as this could block the flame opening and cause the item to overheat, or it could fall into the live flames.

Quick checks before lighting:

  • Are all flammable items at least 1 metre away from the fireplace?

  • Is there anything above, on top of, or leaning against the fireplace?

  • Could the wind blow any lightweight items towards the flame?

3) Check the wind before lighting

Rule: never use your bioethanol fireplace in strong winds.

Bioethanol fireplace wind safety is one of the most important considerations when using your fire outdoors. Wind can blow flammable items towards the fireplace or make the fire behave unpredictably, so you’ll need to take a few simple precautions before using your fire.

If wind gusts are particularly strong, don’t use your fireplace. As a general rule of thumb, if the wind is blowing soft furnishings or leaves around on your patio, this is a sign that it’s too windy to use your fireplace. 

If you light your fireplace and the flame starts leaning heavily to one side, flickering aggressively, or changing height suddenly, extinguish the fire with the closing tool provided and wait for the wind to die down before using it again. 

Quick checks before lighting:

  • Does the weather feel calm enough to safely light the fireplace?

  • Are cushions or other lightweight items moving around in the wind?

  • Is the fireplace away from open doors, exposed corners, and gaps where wind could funnel through?

4) Refuel safely and always use the right fuel

Fireplace in a garden surrounded by wooden chairs and pile of logs

Rule: only use bioethanol fuel that’s specifically made for bioethanol fireplaces, and never refuel while the fireplace is warm or lit.

It’s vital that you always use the correct fuel and refuel your fireplace safely. If you pour the wrong fuel into the fireplace, add fuel while the fuel box is still warm, or try to refuel a flame that’s already lit, this could cause an uncontrolled fire and put you at serious risk of injury.

Ensure that you only use bioethanol fuel made for bioethanol fireplaces. Make sure the fuel box is clean, dry, and completely cool – we recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after extinguishing the flame before refuelling. 

When lighting your fireplace, the flame can be low and difficult to see in daylight, so always use a long-reach lighter and avoid leaning over the fireplace. If you’re unsure whether the fire is lit, don’t add more fuel or try to relight it; wait at least 30 minutes until the fuel box is cool before trying again.

Quick checks before lighting:

  • Are you using the correct bioethanol fuel?

  • Is the fuel box clean, dry, and completely cool?

  • If you are lighting outdoors in daylight, have you checked that the flame has not already ignited?

5) Stay nearby until the fireplace is fully out and cool

Rule: never leave your bioethanol fireplace unattended while it’s lit or cooling down.

Outdoor bioethanol fireplaces are not designed for unattended use. If you leave your fireplace unattended while it’s lit or cooling down, you could be putting yourself and others at risk.

Ensure that a responsible adult remains nearby whenever the flame is lit. When you’ve finished using your fireplace, extinguish it with the closing tool provided – never blow out the flame. Once the flame is out, leave the shutter closed and wait for the fireplace to cool down (usually 30 minutes). Never move, cover, or clean the fireplace while it’s still warm. 

Quick checks before lighting:

  • Is a responsible adult staying nearby while the fireplace is lit?

  • Are children and pets being kept at a safe distance?

  • Is the closing tool within easy reach so you can extinguish the flame safely?

Giving you a safer way to enjoy real flames outdoors

If you’re looking to bring real flames to your garden, patio, or terrace area but don’t want the hassle of smoke, mess, or maintenance, then an outdoor bioethanol fireplace could be the perfect option for you. 

Our range of bioethanol fireplaces are completely safe to use outdoors, provided you follow the safety instructions above. Here’s why you can trust in us:

  • Our fireplaces are designed for decorative domestic use only 

  • Every model is independently tested to BS EN 16647-1:2015 by a recognised testing agency

  • All fireplaces include a double-lined, ‘no-spill’ fuel box to prevent excess fuel from spilling over the sides

  • Our bioethanol fuel has a high purity rating of 96%, which helps to minimise fire risks and prolong your fireplace’s lifespan

So, are you ready to enjoy real flames outdoors with complete confidence? Browse our outdoor fireplace collection to find the right model for your space.

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! 

  • Are bioethanol fireplaces safe?

    Are bioethanol fireplaces safe?

    Bioethanol fireplaces produce real flames, so it's important that they should be treated with the same level of caution and safety as any other object that produces flames. Having said this, bioethanol fireplace safety procedures are very easy to follow, meaning that they are suitable for use in most homes.  

    To ensure that our customers stay as safe as possible, Imaginfires are constantly updating and improving our biofires. This means that our ethanol fireplace safety features have been tested by a world-renowned testing laboratory to ensure they meet the new British and European safety standard BS EN 16647:2015. Customers can rest assured that we only sell products that we would and have been delighted to install in our own homes.

    What makes bioethanol fires safe indoors?

    Recent updates include the introduction of a new, patented, ‘no-spill’ fuel box into our freestanding, fire basket and woodburner biofires. This means that the biofuel is quickly absorbed by a special internal absorption feature, reducing the risk of any biofuel spilling out of the fireplace when knocked.

    Of course, despite every effort being made to make biofires as safe as possible, there are a few basic safety measures biofire users should always follow. These are all listed in the supplied product manual, but include:

    Taking care with biofuel

    Biofuel is obviously a flammable substance, so it should be handled with care for maximum ethanol fireplace safety. It is important never to pour biofuel onto a lit or warm fireplace. Rather, users should only refuel the fireplace once it has been turned off and cooled down. 

    Before refilling the steel fuel box with the bioethanol fuel, always ensure the fuel box has returned to room temperature (this takes approximately 30 minutes from extinguishing the fire). You should also clean up any biofuel spillages before lighting the fire.

    Purchase high-quality fuel

    To keep your running costs reasonable and to avoid any potential problems that low quality biofuel could cause, we recommend buying the fuel that is of a high quality and has at least 95% alcohol. This provides the best and longest flame.  

    We offer some of the best value biofuel in the market, and our fuel is developed and bottled specifically for Imaginfires biofires. You can read many great Trustpilot reviews we have received from customers for our biofuel.  

  • How do you safely dispose of bioethanol fuel?

    To safely dispose of bioethanol fuel, follow these steps:

    • Allow the fuel to cool: Ensure the bioethanol fuel has completely cooled down to room temperature before disposal.
    • Store in a dedicated container: Use a dedicated container designed for bioethanol fuel to minimise the risk of spills or leaks. Ideally keep the biofuel in the bottle it came in. Decanting to other bottles that have not been approved for the use of ethanol based contents is not recommended.
    • Check local regulations: Consult local authorities or waste management facilities to understand specific procedures and requirements for disposal.
    • Contact recycling or hazardous waste facilities: Inquire with local recycling or hazardous waste facilities about their processes for disposing of bioethanol fuel.
    • Follow manufacturer's instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe disposal of bioethanol fuel.

    Consult your biofuel experts today

    If you’re looking for more information on biofuel or bioethanol fireplaces, our team is happy to assist you. Contact us today!

  • What can you expect when burning imaginfires’ bioethanol fuel?

    When burning imaginfires’ bioethanol fuel, you can expect a stable orange-yellow flame, consistent heat output, and a clean burn with no smoke, soot or ash dirtying your home. You may smell a very faint odour when lighting (similar to lighting a candle), but this quickly disappears once the flame is established – allowing you to enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of real flames without lingering odours.