Bioethanol Fuel & Accessories

Frequently asked questions

• Are bioethanol fuel bottles recyclable?

  Yes, all imaginfires bioethanol fuel bottles are made from 100% recyclable plastic. Once empty, both the bottle and cap can be recycled through your normal household recycling, subject to local council guidelines.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 give off real heat?

  Yes. Absolutely. Whilst our bioethanol fireplaces are not intended to replace your main heating, e.g. central heating, they will make a perfect additional heating source when you would like to create a more gentle atmosphere, with that real flame, cosy feeling. The actual amount of heat output from our bioethanol fireplaces depends on a number of factors (room size, presence of drafts etc), but typically they will give off 2kw. For easy comparison, this is the equivalent of an electric heater on medium setting, or an increase in room temperature of 3 to 4 degrees. We're still working a way of measuring how much more cosy one of our bioethanol fireplaces will make any room! 

• Do bioethanol fires produce heat?

  Are bioethanol fires warm?

  Perhaps surprisingly, this is a very common question that confuses many people!

  While biofires are not intended as a primary heat source for your home, your bioethanol fireplace gives off plenty of heat, with much better fuel efficiency than a wood-burning stove (which loses around 40% of its heat up the chimney). 

  So with our fireplaces you can close off the chimney (with a proprietary chimney sock or similar) and finish off above the fireplace with a piece of fireboard or similar for that added bit of protection.

  Do bioethanol fires give off heat?

  Yes. The real flame provides a cosy atmosphere, but it also produces a comfortable toastiness for your room.

  However, we don’t recommend replacing your central heating system with a bioethanol fireplace as it will not produce enough heat and will be expensive to run. But for supplementary heat, you’ll love the comfortable warmth produced by your bioethanol flame.

  Our fireplaces are ideal for those cooler summer evenings when you don’t want to heat the whole house, just taking the chill off a room and alternatively are also great for that added boost of heat in a room on the colder winter evenings.

  How much heat does a bioethanol fireplace produce in Kilowatt-hours?

  In technical terms, bioethanol fireplaces produce around 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of heat when the fuel gauge is fully open. 

  To give you an idea of how hot this is, the average electric fire will generate around 2kWh of heat. So, depending on the size of your room, your bioethanol fireplace gives off heat that maintains a comfortable, consistent temperature.

  Wood-burning stoves and open fireplaces generally generate around 5kWh of heat (depending on their size), but this is often too hot for small-to-medium-sized rooms. So, you should find that your bioethanol fireplace gives off plenty of heat, even for deep midwinter. 

  If anything, you may find that a full bioethanol flame is a little too hot for your tastes. Fortunately, the easily adjustable slider on the fuel box will allow you to reduce the strength of the flame as you desire.

  How hot is an ethanol fireplace?

  If you place a wood burner thermometer on a bioethanol fireplace, you’ll find that it hits the temperature considered Best Operation for a wood burner (between 130ºC and 280ºC). At full burn, it reaches around 180ºC, which is plenty to warm a small-to-medium-sized room.

  However, we don't recommend replacing your central heating system with a bioethanol fire - we don't consider it a suitable replacement for your primary heating source. But it is perfect as a top up fireplace or suitable for when you just wish to warm up one room.

  Bioethanol makes a perfect additional heat source, offering a real, warming flame. In a standard-sized room, an average-sized bioethanol fireplace will give off as much heat as an electric heater on a medium-to-high setting.

  We recommend our larger bioethanol fireplaces for big rooms - our customers love our  Marlow fireplace or the freestanding  Globus. Larger fireplaces are capable of producing more heat. 

  Whichever bioethanol fireplace you choose, be assured that you'll get a natural, warming flame that brings a beautiful toasty warmth and cosiness to your room.

  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.

• Are bioethanol fires an efficient way to heat a room?

  Perhaps surprisingly, this is a very common question that confuses many people!

  While biofires are not intended as a primary heat source for your home, your bioethanol fireplace gives off plenty of heat, with much better fuel efficiency than a wood-burning stove (which loses around 40% of its heat up the chimney). 

  So with our fireplaces you can close off the chimney (with a proprietary chimney sock or similar) and finish off above the fireplace with a piece of fireboard or similar for that added bit of protection.

• Where can I buy bioethanol fuel?

  Bioethanol fuel is widely available online and in some DIY stores, varying in price. Generally, we recommend buying your bioethanol in bulk - purchasing single-litre bottles is the most expensive way to stock up.

  Our volatile energy market hasn’t impacted the price of bioethanol. So, buying in bulk gets you the best price for your heating and could save you money compared to gas or electricity.

  Of course, the quality of bioethanol varies significantly, and poor-quality fuel offers shorter burn times and can give off an unpleasant odour.

  Our own-brand bioethanol fuel is called ImagiFuel, and we consider it the best you can get (at a very competitive price). You will receive 10% off the cost of any fuel and accessories when you purchase a fireplace at the same time via our website.

  Does bioethanol fuel smell?

  ImagiFuel bioethanol fuel burns cleanly, with a very low odour while burning. Sometimes, you'll notice a slight chemical smell when the flame goes out — this is typical of all bioethanol fuels. 

  Good quality bioethanol gives off a minimal odour that most people don't notice after using their fireplace a couple of times. However, cheap fuels can produce some unpleasant smells. 

  We also offer a range of scented fuels, with Vanilla, Forest, and Christmas fragrances — offering a delightful, cosy ambience while you heat your room.

  Can I burn anything other than bioethanol in a bioethanol fireplace?

  Please only use high-quality biofuels with at least 96.6% alcohol. 

  Never use any other fuel types, such as wood, paper, or coal in your bioethanol fireplace. These emit smoke, soot, and ash, which require a flue or chimney. 

  Bioethanol fireplaces don’t need an external flue or chimney. It’s entirely safe to burn ethanol indoors (as long as you ensure you stick to safety guidelines). However, you will need some ventilation to prevent stuffiness and let oxygen into the room while burning.

• What is liquid bioethanol fuel?

  Both ethanol and bioethanol are alcohol — basically the same thing. However, bioethanol intended for fuel has an added denaturant that prevents human consumption.

  Bioethanol is made by fermenting the by-products of sugar and starch-bearing plants, such as cereals, sugar beet, maize, soybeans, wheatstraw, and corn, and has been used as a fuel for vehicles and heating systems since 1978. Considered a renewable source, burning bioethanol produces none of the toxic gasses associated with traditional fossil fuels. 

  Bioethanol burns cleanly without producing smoke, soot, or ash. In its liquid form, it leaves no residue, so there’s no cleaning up with a bioethanol fireplace. 

  Is it safe to burn bioethanol inside?

  The bioethanol supplied for bioethanol fireplaces, such as our own-brand ImagiFuel, is entirely safe for indoor fireplaces, which need neither a chimney nor a flue. 

  For this reason, bioethanol is the perfect choice for people who want a real fire but can’t install a chimney — excellent for use in an apartment, flat, or conservatory. You can get the look of a traditional fireplace or a wood-burning stove without all the mess and pollution associated with burning wood or coal. You can even get wall-mounted bioethanol fires that complement modern living spaces perfectly. 

  Can I use gel bioethanol in my biofire?

  There are two types of commercially available bioethanol fuel: gel and liquid. Gel fuels have a thick, waxy consistency and are more often used for outdoor biofires and camping stoves. Gels generally produce smaller flames and don’t burn as powerfully as liquid bioethanol. 

  Gels leave traces of residue after burning, while liquid bioethanol burns completely cleanly, leaving no residue at all. For this reason, never use bioethanol gel in your ImaginFires bioethanol fireplace — it could be dangerous. 

  Is the flame from gel bioethanol different from liquid bioethanol?

  As well as the difference in texture, liquid-based bioethanol produces a more aesthetically pleasing flame than gel-based fuels. Liquid bioethanol produces the same large orange flames as a traditional fire (once the fuel box has warmed up), while gel-based flames tend to remain blue and almost transparent. 

  Never use bioethanol gel in your ImaginFires fireplace. Only use liquid bioethanol approved for indoor use. And savour a safe, beautiful flame that transforms your living space with the unique cosiness of an open fire (without the existential guilt!).

• 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.

• What is bio ethanol fireplace fuel

  There are 2 main types of bioethanol fuel, gel and liquid.  All of the biofires sold by Imaginfires are designed specifically for use with liquid biofuel only. Gel based biofuels must not be used in any of our biofires. Doing so is dangerous.

  As well as the large difference in textures between gels and liquids, the flame from a liquid based biofire tends to be more aesthetically pleasing than gel based flames. Other things being equal, they tend to be larger and of a more orange colour, and so more aligned with what most people perceive as a natural flame to have in the home that creates that feeling of relaxation and comfort.

• How do you properly dispose of empty bioethanol fuel bottles?

  Follow the steps below to properly dispose of empty bioethanol fuel bottles:

  • Ensure ventilation: Ensure that the empty fuel bottles are well-ventilated and free from any residual fuel odours.
  • Check local regulations: Consult local recycling guidelines or waste management facilities for specific instructions on disposing of empty bioethanol fuel bottles.
  • Recycling: If applicable in your area, consider recycling the empty bottles. Look for recycling centres that accept metal or plastic containers.
  • Proper waste disposal: If recycling is not an option, dispose of the empty bottles in accordance with local regulations for waste disposal.

  Looking for environmentally-friendly biofuel?

  ImaginFires offers a variety of biofuel options, from low odour to vanilla, for your stylish bioethanol fireplace. Check out our range of biofires today.

• 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!