Are Bioethanol Fireplaces Safe?

One of the most common questions we get regarding bioethanol fireplaces is whether a bio fireplace is dangerous or safe. It is a question which makes sense as the pivot point of a bioethanol fire is fire, which can be dangerous.

Whether you have an ethanol fire from us or you are considering buying one, it is important to understand the fire risks that can appear when using an ethanol fireplace. This article will be concerned with the three most common hazards a biofire may cause and how you can avoid them.

How Bioethanol Fires Work

Bioethanol fires operate by burning bioethanol fuel, which is poured into a specially designed burner and ignited. The combustion process of bioethanol is remarkably clean, producing only carbon dioxide and water vapour as by-products. This means there’s no need for a flue or vent, simplifying the installation process significantly.

Unlike traditional wood fires, bioethanol fires do not produce soot, ash, or smoke, making them a cleaner and more energy-efficient alternative. The heat output from bioethanol fires is also impressive, providing a cosy warmth that can enhance the comfort of any room. By choosing a bioethanol fire, you are opting for a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly heating solution.

Safety Considerations

While bioethanol fires are generally safe when used correctly, there are some important safety precautions to consider to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Installation and Maintenance Safety

When installing a bioethanol fireplace, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously. The fireplace should be placed on a stable, non-flammable surface and kept away from flammable materials such as curtains or furniture. Regular maintenance is also crucial to ensure safe and efficient operation. This includes cleaning the burner and surrounding area to prevent any buildup of residue and checking for any signs of damage or wear and tear. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enjoy the warmth and ambience of your bioethanol fireplace with peace of mind.

Air Quality and Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial when using a bioethanol fireplace, as burning bioethanol produces carbon dioxide. Ensuring good airflow in the room is essential to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide and maintain good air quality. This can be achieved by opening a window or using a ventilation system. It’s also recommended to use a bioethanol fireplace in a well-ventilated area, such as a living room or kitchen, rather than a small, enclosed space like a bedroom or bathroom. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of your bioethanol fireplace while keeping your indoor air quality safe and healthy.

Spilt Liquid During the Filling of the Burner

A common problem with having a bio fireplace is the spilling of bioethanol fuel outside of the burning chamber during filling or refilling. Bio ethanol fuel can behave differently than other liquids when pouring. Furthermore, it can be tricky to pour directly into the opening of the burner without spilling.

If you ignite an ethanol fireplace where bioethanol is spilled outside the burning chamber, you may risk having an uncontrollable flame that you cannot put out.

Therefore, in order for you to avoid spilling bioethanol outside the burning chamber, we recommend using either a funnel or a bioethanol pump. See our collection of funnels and pumps.

If you already have spilled some bioethanol fuel outside the burning chamber, it is important to quickly wipe away the bio ethanol fuel and make sure you do not have any bioethanol residues on your clothes or hands.

You can find our guide to filling a bioethanol fireplace here.

Filling bio ethanol fuel into a hot burner is something that you must never do or experiment with. When igniting bioethanol fuel it is the fumes that burn. Therefore, if you fill bioethanol into a hot burner the evaporation will begin before you can ignite the burner. This can result in a spurt of a flame effect that can be very dangerous.

Therefore, we recommend to always adhere to the following instructions when filling a burner with bioethanol:

1. Put out the flame by pulling the lid on top of the flame.

2. Wait for a minimum of 10 minutes after the bio fireplace has been turned off before you start the filling of bioethanol fuel.

3. Use a funnel or a bioethanol pump when the burner needs to be filled or refilled.

4. Check that no bio ethanol fuel has been spilled outside the burning chamber during the filling.

If you follow these simple steps, you ensure that:

- You do not pour bioethanol fuel into a hot burning chamber.

- You do not pour bioethanol fuel into an ignited bio fireplace.

These are some simple steps you should follow under all circumstances to minimise the chance of a dangerous situation to occur during filling / re-filling of the bioethanol fire.

The third hazard is also related to the filling and refilling of the burning bio ethanol burner. In order to avoid this hazard, it is important to follow the instructions that are enclosed with the bioethanol fire. The majority of the burning chambers are attached with a MAX indicator which shows the maximum amount of bio ethanol fuel you are allowed to fill in the burner.

If the burning chamber is not fitted with a max indicator that shows how much bioethanol fuel you are allowed to fill in, a good rule of thumb is not to fill the chamber more than you can see 1 cm of the edge.

If you overfill the burning chamber with bioethanol fuel, you may risk causing an uncontrollable flame which can be difficult to put out. Furthermore, if you overfill the burning chamber you also risk spilling some bioethanol outside of the chamber when the biofire is accidentally pushed.

Many of our bio fires are build to prevent the spilling of bioethanol on the table or floor when the chambers are accidentally overfilled. Instead, the bioethanol fuel will run into another container that the burning chamber is placed in.

Furthermore, every burner and burning chamber is equipped with fibre cotton that aids at retaining the bioethanol fuel in the chamber. This precaution minimises the risk of spilling bio ethanol fuel if the biofire is accidentally pushed.

We have further safety information in this guide.

Conclusion

So is a biofire dangerous? Not more than a regular fireplace. As long as you use your common sense, follow the instructions, and handle the open fire with care, you should not have to be afraid to install an ethanol fireplace in your home. Ethanol fireplaces use renewable and sustainable bioethanol fuel sourced from agricultural by-products.

Every biofire sold at bioethanol-fireplace.co.uk is approved and certified with the German security clearance TÜV. Therefore, if you buy your bioethanol fire at bioethanol-fireplace.co.uk you will receive a safe product that has been tested and approved by the current regulations.