frequently asked questions

You've got a question? we've got the answer

Got questions before buying your first biofuel fireplace? We've answered the most common ones below - if you need more help! Just ask

How hot is an ethanol fireplace?

One of the most common questions we’re asked is “do bioethanol fires give off heat?” and “How hot is an ethanol fireplace?”

The use of bioethanol fuel is relatively new in the UK but has been used widely in Europe for decades. So, it’s natural that people in the UK ask about potential bioethanol disadvantages.

Our customers continually tell us how surprised they are by the level of heat their bioethanol fireplace produces - check out our on-site and Trustpilot reviews!). Indeed, a bioethanol fire is a real flame, so it naturally produces heat. 

Bioethanol disadvantages vs wood/coal burning

While bioethanol fireplaces won’t produce the same amount of heat as a traditional wood burner, this isn’t necessarily a disadvantage because many wood burners are too hot for the rooms in which they’re installed. 

Bioethanol fireplaces give off roughly 3kWh of heat - approximately the same amount as an electric fire on medium/high. A bioethanol fireplace won't heat a freezing room but will bring the temperature up a good 2-3 degrees (ºC) - perfect for taking the chill out of the air.

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.