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Globus black bioethanol fireplace

Why Bioethanol Fireplaces Are Perfect for Renters and Non Home-Owners

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Imaginfires
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In short:

Bioethanol fireplaces are the ultimate fireplaces for renters. They allow you to enjoy the beauty of real flames without needing a chimney, flue, or any permanent installation. Your fireplace can move with you from one home to the next, giving you the flexibility you need as a renter. Thanks to the clean-burning fuel and minimal installation requirements, bioethanol fires let you add warmth and ambience to your space in a practical, landlord-friendly way.

Bioethanol fireplace shelves

If you’re renting your home, chances are you’ve faced a lot of restrictions with what changes you can make to your interior. Any permanent changes are usually off the table, meaning that fireplaces are often ruled out entirely. 

Traditional wood burners need chimneys and gas fires require fixed connections, making it almost impossible for renters to have a fireplace in their home. Electric fires are accessible to rental properties, but they don’t give you that same real flame feeling as a traditional woodburner. But there is one solution that gives you the best of both worlds.

Bioethanol fireplaces allow you to enjoy the look, feel, and warmth of a real fire without breaking any tenancy rules. Here’s why they’re the perfect fireplace option for renters. 

The common fireplace problems that renters face

Most rental properties simply aren’t designed with fireplaces in mind. Even if your home has a chimney, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be given permission to modify it or install a permanent appliance. And if you’re renting a flat or a new build, you probably don’t have a chimney at all, which instantly rules out woodburners and many gas fires. 

There’s also the issue of damage. If you drill into walls or alter the flooring, then you could risk losing your deposit and falling out with your landlord. Add in all the concerns around smoke and emissions, and it’s easy to see why so many renters assume that a fireplace simply isn’t an option for them. 

That’s exactly where bioethanol fireplaces come in…

The benefits of bioethanol fireplaces for renters

No chimney or flue needed

One of the biggest advantages of bioethanol fireplaces is that they don’t require a chimney or flue. Because bioethanol fuel burns cleanly (only producing heat, water vapour, and a small amount of CO₂), there’s no smoke or soot to extract. Therefore, a chimney simply isn’t required.

This removes one of the biggest barriers when it comes to fireplaces for renters. There’s no need for building work or structural alterations to install a chimney, making them one of the most practical no chimney heating solutions out there.

Globus bioethanol fireplace

No damage or breaches of tenancy rules

When used correctly, bioethanol fireplaces leave little-to-no damage on walls and floors. Our freestanding designs require no drilling or permanent fixings to set up – simply place your fire in position and enjoy it straight out of the box! 

Our wall-mounted biofires could also work for you if your landlord allows you to add small fixings to your wall, similar to putting up shelving or wall-mounting a television. Whichever type of model you choose, the absence of flues and pipework helps to keep disruption to a minimum, ensuring you receive 100% of your deposit back.


Designed to move when you do

Unlike built-in fireplaces that stay put, a freestanding bioethanol fireplace moves with you. If you’re moving to a new rental property, there’s no need to leave your fireplace behind – it can come and join you on your next chapter. 

This portability is a major benefit for non home-owners. Rather than investing in something that’s fixed to a single address, you can choose a portable fireplace that becomes part of your furniture collection and is able to be lifted, transported, and repositioned in a new space with ease. However, we recommend you only use a bioethanol fireplace in rooms that are at least 40m3. 

Bioethanol fireplace with dog

A clean-burning flame

Bioethanol fuel is derived from renewal plant sources and burns without producing smoke or soot. This makes biofires well suited to rental homes, as there’s no need to sweep up ash, scrub at smoke stains, or deal with lingering odours.

Storing logs and sweeping chimneys isn’t a worry with bioethanol either. It’s quick and easy to refuel your biofire, and the maintenance requirements are minimal. They just need the occasional clean to keep the flame burning brightly!

A fireplace that seamlessly slots into rental life

Bioethanol fireplace in modern living room

Just because you’re renting, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fireplace. A bioethanol fireplace allows you to enjoy the beauty of real flames in almost any temporary space, without needing to ask for permission or potentially compromising your deposit. 

At imaginfires, we offer an impressive range of bioethanol fireplaces that are designed specifically with non home-owners in mind. Explore our collection and get ready to enjoy a real flame fire in your rental home.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can bioethanol fireplaces be used in a rental property?

    Yes, bioethanol fireplaces can be used in a rental property, but it is essential to consider certain factors and obtain permission from the property owner or landlord. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

    Safety Precautions

    • Review Rental Agreement: Before installing a bioethanol fireplace in a rental property, carefully review the rental agreement to ensure there are no restrictions or clauses that prohibit the use of open flames or alternative heating sources. Seek permission from the property owner or landlord if necessary.
    • Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial when using a bioethanol fireplace. Ensure the rental property has proper airflow to dissipate combustion byproducts and maintain a healthy indoor environment. Open windows or use other means of ventilation as recommended by the manufacturer.
    • Installation and Placement: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and placement of the bioethanol fireplace. Consider factors such as proximity to flammable materials, furniture, and walls to prevent potential hazards. Avoid installing the fireplace near curtains, upholstery, or other combustible items.

    Responsibility and Maintenance

    • Fire Safety Precautions: Educate yourself about fire safety measures and precautions associated with using a bioethanol fireplace. Ensure you have fire extinguishing equipment, such as a fire extinguisher or fire blanket, readily available in case of emergencies.
    • Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect the bioethanol fireplace to ensure it is in proper working condition. Check for any signs of damage, leaks, or wear and tear. Clean the fireplace according to the manufacturer's guidelines to maintain its performance and safety.
    • Proper Fuel Storage: Store bioethanol fuel in a safe and secure location, following the manufacturer's instructions. Keep the fuel away from heat sources and out of reach of children or pets.

    Communication and Documentation

    • Inform the Landlord: It is crucial to inform the property owner or landlord about your intention to install and use a bioethanol fireplace. Seek their approval and provide them with relevant information about the safety measures you will implement.
    • Document the Installation: Take photographs or create a written record of the fireplace installation before and after. This documentation can serve as evidence of the condition of the property and the fireplace, ensuring transparency and accountability.

    Remember to prioritise safety and adhere to local regulations and guidelines when using a bioethanol fireplace in a rental property. 

    If you have any specific concerns or questions, it is advisable to consult with the property owner or seek professional advice.

  • 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! 

  • Can I move my bioethanol fireplace?

    Since many of our bioethanol fireplaces require absolutely no installation, these can easily move to different rooms or different locations. You can experiment as many times as you like. They are not fixed to one location!. Whichever room you decide to locate the bioethanol fire, please ensure that the room is well ventilated. This means not putting the biofire in an air sealed room, but in rooms that have some natural circulation.  Never move the biofuel fireplace whilst lit or with any biofuel inside the burner box. Always ensure that the unit has cooled completely before moving it. Allow at least 30 minutes for the stainless steel fuel box to cool.

  • What is bioethanol fuel made of?

    Bioethanol (also simply known as ethanol) is a renewable energy source with a string of green credentials, including using 100% plant raw materials. Ethanol is an alcohol produced by fermenting the sugars in various crops such as corn, wheat straw, potatoes, soybean, or sugarcane — often used to power cars and industrial engines.

    But, of course, bioethanol is also the perfect fuel for your fire — the guilt-free way of heating your home. 

    The main difference between motor-grade ethanol that you may be more familiar with, and what we call bioethanol for your biofire is that bioethanol is made from the by-products of those crops — the waste parts of the plant typically thrown away. 

    Does bioethanol create smoke?

    In short — no. Bioethanol burns cleanly, mainly producing a trace amount of water vapour and carbon dioxide. This is why it’s safe to burn bioethanol in the home without a flue, extractor fan, or chimney. 

    Bioethanol uses oxygen in the air to burn (like conventional fires), so we recommend keeping the room ventilated to ensure airflow. And while burning bioethanol fuel produces a little carbon dioxide, it’s only the same amount as burning some regular candles. 

    Is bioethanol explosive or drinkable?

    We were surprised to be asked this so often! Bioethanol is a Class-1B liquid (for flammability) and Class-3 PGII (for transportation) and is “denatured” to prevent human consumption. Most bioethanol sold in the UK is at least 94% ethanol, with a denaturing agent which adds toxicity to stop people from drinking it!  So 

    Bioethanol isn’t explosive, but it is of course extremely flammable — it wouldn’t be much use if it weren’t, after all. We recommend storing your bioethanol fuel as far away from your biofire and other sources of ignition as possible.  

    Is cheap bioethanol worth it?

    Like all consumer products, you should buy the highest-quality bioethanol fuel that you can, which will help ensure it burns cleanly and also offers a decent number of hours burning time.

    You will get at least 3.5 hours of heating from 1 litre of our biofuels. We have not tested lower quality bioethanol with our biofires, simply because we do not believe they are safe to use,  nor can their quality be relied on.  

    Accept nothing less than 94% pure bioethanol with no unnecessary chemicals added.