What are the Smokeless Fuel Alternatives to Wood?

If you live in a city or town that falls under smoke control regulations, you’ll need to find a smokeless fuel to burn. 

The good news is that even if your area is restricted, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a fireplace in your home, without polluting the environment. And one of those options gives you real flames without the need for a chimney or flue, too. Here’s how smoke control regulations could impact your home, and which smokeless alternatives to wood are worth considering.

Many towns and cities in the UK now fall under smoke control area regulations as part of the Clean Air Act 1993. 

If you live in a smoke control area, you are not allowed to emit smoke from your home’s chimney, furnace, or fixed boiler. You can only burn authorised fuels such as anthracite, manufactured smokeless coal, or gas. These rules don’t apply if you use a Defra-exempt appliance, which covers certain boilers, cookers, and stoves.

In England, you could be fined up to £300 if you release smoke from your chimney, and up to £1,000 if you buy unauthorised fuel to use in a non-exempt appliance. These rules differ slightly in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so it’s worth checking with your local council if you live in one of these areas.

Smokeless coal

Smokeless coal (i.e. natural anthracite and manufactured briquettes) is made to burn with far less smoke than traditional house coal. It can be burned in an open fire or multi-fuel stove as a replacement for logs.

Pros:

• Suitable for use in smoke control areas.

• Burns hot and for a long time, so you don’t have to constantly top it up.

• Works with your existing open fire or multi-fuel stove.

Cons:

• You still need a working chimney that’s well-maintained.

• You’ll be left with ash to clear away after every fire.

• It’s a fossil fuel which is harmful to the environment.

Gas fires

Gas fires burn mains gas or bottled LPG to produce real flames without emitting smoke. They’re often placed in surrounds with ceramic logs, coals, or pebbles for an authentic fireplace look.

Pros:

• Get real flames at the flick of a switch or remote.

• Gives off steady heat for as long as you need it.

• You don’t need to worry about storing logs or fuel.

Cons:

• You’ll need a gas connection and a flue or chimney to use one.

• Your fire will need to be installed and serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

• Gas is a fossil fuel which is harmful to the environment.

Electric fires

Electric fires plug into a mains socket and use LED lighting, mist, or reflective effects to recreate the look of real flames. There’s nothing to burn, so they don’t produce any smoke.

Pros:

• Doesn’t release any harmful emissions.

• You don’t need to worry about buying or storing fuel.

• Quick and easy to set up in most homes.

Cons:

• Doesn’t produce real flames, only a flame effect.

• Needs to be housed near a plug socket, which limits where it can go.

• Most use a built-in fan heater for warmth, which can be expensive to run.

Bioethanol is the only smokeless fuel that gives you real flames without the need for a chimney or flue. 

It’s a renewable, plant-based fuel that burns cleanly, producing only heat, water vapour, and a small amount of carbon dioxide (similar to lighting a couple of tealight candles). As it doesn’t produce smoke, nothing needs to be vented outside, which means you don’t need a chimney or flue to use one.

Biofires don’t require any permanent installation, which makes them suitable for all kinds of homes, including flats, rental accommodation, and new builds. Simply unpack your fireplace, place it in your chosen spot, and light.

Pros:

• Creates real flames with no smoke or soot to worry about.

• You don’t need a chimney, flue, gas connection, or mains power to use one.

• There’s no building work or installation costs to budget for.

• Can be used in smoke control areas, flats, new builds, and rented homes.

• The adjustable slider lets you control the flame and cut fuel use by up to 50%.

• Freestanding biofires can be moved from room to room, and even outdoors.

Cons:

• Designed to be a supplementary heat source and should not replace your central heating.

• You’ll need to use it in a well-ventilated room.

• The fuel box needs refilling every few hours.

At imaginfires, we offer a premium low odour bioethanol fuel that’s made from 96%+ high-purity bioethanol. Compatible with most manual bioethanol fireplaces, our fuel gives you a stable orange flame and even heat output, with each bottle providing at least 4 hours of burn time. 

Unlike low quality, impure alternatives, our premium fuel leaves behind no nasty residue or lingering odours. This helps to prolong your fireplace’s lifespan and keep your house smelling fresh.

We also offer several scented fuels that add a subtle aroma to your fireplace. Choose from our forest, vanilla, or festive woodland spice fragrance – or pick up a mixed scents 6-pack to try them all out.