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Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

The Benefits of a Smoke-Free Outdoor Fireplace

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In short:

If you want to enjoy the ambience of real flames in your garden but don’t want to deal with the mess or unpleasant odour of smoke, then a smoke-free outdoor fireplace (like a bioethanol fireplace) could be the perfect solution. Bioethanol fireplaces burn cleanly which makes them ideal for use in smoke control areas, and they require far less maintenance than traditional wood-burning fires. They’re extremely easy to use and can be moved around your garden as you please, and come in a wide variety of designs to suit all types of outdoor spaces.

Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

We’ve all enjoyed those long summer evenings outdoors, gathered around a firepit and watching the real flames flicker as the darkness closes in. But this familiar, nostalgic moment is often ruined when you head inside coughing and smelling of smoke.

Smoke-free outdoor fireplaces, like bioethanol fireplaces, give you the same atmosphere of a traditional wood-burning fire without any of the drawbacks. Here’s why you should consider an outdoor bioethanol fireplace for your garden.

Why choose a smokeless outdoor fireplace?

1) A more comfortable outdoor experience

With no smoke blowing across your seating area, you don’t need to keep moving yourself or your furniture away from the line of smoke. You can simply sit back and enjoy steady warmth and a clear view of the flames from all angles.

2) Better for your health

Smoke can irritate your eyes and throat, and may cause excessive coughing – especially if you’re sitting close to the fire or have sensitivities like asthma. Smokeless outdoor fireplaces help you avoid this, so you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling uncomfortable. 

3) Kinder to your neighbours

Smoke can quickly become a problem if your garden is more compact and you live close to a neighbouring property. With a smoke-free outdoor fireplace, you don’t need to worry about smoke drifting into nearby gardens, making it a much more neighbour-friendly option.

Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

4) Suitable for use in smoke control areas

If you live in a smoke control area then you are not permitted to release smoke from a chimney, which rules out traditional wood fires entirely. Smoke-free fireplaces are suitable for use in smoke control areas, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of real flames without restrictions. 

5) No lingering smells or mess

The smell of smoke can be strong and unpleasant, lingering on your clothes, hair, and furniture long after the flames go out. You don’t have to worry about any of that with a smokeless outdoor fireplace – instead, you can head back inside feeling fresh and comfortable.

6) Easy to use and maintain

Smokeless outdoor fireplaces don’t produce soot or ash, so your space stays cleaner and easier to maintain. Most options are quick to light and easy to control, so you can enjoy your outdoor space whenever you like, without the extra effort.

Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

Smoke-free vs traditional firepits: a quick comparison

Feature

Smoke-free outdoor fireplace

Traditional wood-burning firep

Smoke output

None

High, especially in damp conditions

Neighbour impact

None

Can be disruptive

Maintenance

Minimal (no ash/soot to worry about)

Requires regular cleaning  and maintenance

Ease of use

Quick to light and easy to control

Needs preparation and close attention

Suitability for residential gardens

Ideal, including those in smoke control areas

Not always practical

Environmental impact

Clean-burning

Higher emissions

Why bioethanol fireplaces are the ideal low smoke firepit alternative

If you’re looking for a low smoke firepit alternative that’s easy to use in all kinds of garden setups, bioethanol fireplaces tick all the right boxes. 

Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

They give you a real, flickering flame without the usual drawbacks of wood or gas – no smoke, no soot, no ash, and no need for a flue or fixed connection. That means you can place your fireplace in your favorite spot in your garden and move it around as you please, rather than having to design your space around it. 

They’re incredibly easy to use, too. Simply fill the fuel box with bioethanol fuel and light it, then sit back and enjoy the flames. You don’t need to wait for the logs to catch or constantly tend to the fire, making them ideal for relaxed evenings outdoors.

Our bioethanol fireplaces are available in a wide range of designs, from traditional woodburner styles to more contemporary models, so you can match the design to your garden aesthetic. Regardless of which style you choose, our bioethanol fireplaces create a natural focal point that everyone is drawn to, allowing you to enjoy your garden space long into the evening.

Ready to find your favourite fireplace design?

Explore our bioethanol fireplaces

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! 

  • Does bio ethanol fuel produce 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. 

    Potential Reasons Bioethanol Fireplace Sets Off Smoke Alarm

    In the unlikely event that your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is triggered whilst using a biofire, please in the first instance always stop using the biofire and check the following:

    • That no stray household debris has accidentally fallen into the fuel box and is thus being burned and emitting smoke. Please wait for the biofire to return to room temperature before checking!
    • That you are using high grade bioethanol fuel specifically developed for bioethanol fireplaces.  Do not use any biofuel that does not clearly state it is formulated for use in bioethanol fireplaces. Also ensure it is at least 96% alcohol as this gives the cleanest and longest usage time.
    • That there are no restrictions to the ethanol fuel burning fully and cleanly. In particular, never cover the opening of the fuelbox with any accessories or other obstructions. This may change the quality of the combustion of the fuel.  
    • That any accessories used on or inside the bio fire have been designed specifically for use in biofires. Whilst we recommend you only use accessories available through our website, we are aware that other products are available and have caused the triggering of some smoke/fire alarms.

  • Do I need a flue or chimney with a bioethanol fireplace?

    Short answers are always nice, aren’t they? Do you need a flue or chimney with a bioethanol fireplace?

    No.

    Therefore, one of the most significant benefits of bioethanol fireplaces is their versatility. 

    You’re no longer constrained to gas or electric fires if you don’t have a chimney. And you can use a beautiful bioethanol fireplace anywhere - a house, a flat, a home office, a garage - basically, wherever you want to enjoy a cosy, warming flame. 

    And it won’t cost you a fortune to install your biofire. 

    In fact, installation is as simple as unpacking your biofire, placing it in your desired spot, and lighting it. Warm and cosy in less than an hour.

    Why don’t biofires need a flue or chimney?

    It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? A real flame and no flue or chimney. But it’s true. 

    Burning wood and coal produces smoke, soot, ash, and a LOT of mess. And wood and coal burning are heavily associated with air pollution in urban areas. 

    On the other hand, bioethanol fuel burns cleanly without polluting the air inside or outside of your home. And this means you don’t need a flue or chimney with a bioethanol fireplace — better for the environment and better for you. 

    Can I get a false flue for my bioethanol fireplace?

    Yes. We sell false flues that magnetically connect to the top of your biofire. The upper end of the flue curves to a right angle, making it look like your flue connects to the outside. 

    Of course, there’s no need for a flue with a biofire — but if you want that traditional woodburner look, complete it with a beautiful false flue. 

    What happens when you burn bioethanol?

    Bioethanol needs oxygen to combust, so it burns some of the oxygen in the room. This is why we recommend ensuring your room is ventilated — keep your internal door open to ensure airflow, or open a window every couple of hours if it’s feeling stuffy. 

    While it sounds a bit worrying that your fire uses oxygen in the room, it’s precisely the same with any fire: wood, coal, or bioethanol — they all produce flames that use up oxygen from the room. 

    What emissions do you get from burning bioethanol?

    We all know that wood and coal produce smoke, soot, and ash. These flames also send out tiny carcinogenic particles into the air, which can be health hazards, especially if you’re prone to respiratory problems. 

    However, the only emissions from burning bioethanol are:

    • Carbon dioxide — about the same amount as burning two candles
    • Water vapour — but you won’t notice it in the room. 

    That’s it. Just a little carbon dioxide and water vapour. 

    This makes bioethanol much safer and better for the environmentthan fossil fuels. 

    And your house plants will love it — they’ll absorb the carbon dioxide produced by your biofire and thrive! 

  • Are bioethanol fires more eco-friendly than coal fires or woodburners?

    Yes. Bioethanol fires burn cleaner than woodburners, and they produce no smoke, soot or harmful emissions. Made from renewable plant-based sources, bioethanol is far greener than coal or wood – and with no chimney needed, there's no wasted heat either.