Bio ethanol fireplaces

[Krupkrups]

Posted in property but only got two answers and not from anyone who has ever owned them.

Does anyone have any experience of these?
After coming full circle on a log burner, hating the type of heat and noise of an electric fire and gas just being polluting and so expensive it seems like a good option.

DH has read a blog though which disparages them saying they do release fumes into the room (need to read actually what as that was one of the cons of a log burner) and they cause a lot of condensation in your room on the wall and windows because the burning of the ethanol releases a lot of water vapour.

Just want some irl experiences.

I was looking at a log burner style one, and at the time they were saying that the price of the fuel is going to go up considerably, and that you don’t get lots of heat like a traditional fire. They seem to be more of a nice thing to look at than practical.

Mmmm I had heard that initially but we’ve been looking at them for over a year and the fuel price is about the same .

it won’t be the primary heat source. We have a radiator its just a north facing room so need to something to help take edge off on a chilly eve and we do want to keep a fireplace of some sort aesthetically.

I have one sat in my fireplace in an east facing chilly room. It gives a warming glow but doesn't particularly heat things. It just makes it look more cosy and warm. I've had no issues with fumes or damp however it is sat in a functional fireplace and is well vented. If I do need actual heat it comes out and I use coal.

We have one that we've used about twice! We were told they didn't really give out any heat so they could be on a wall with the TV above. I felt it was actually giving out quite a bit of heat so was worried about the TV so we haven't used it since! I ought to try again, it did look nice. I would say at this time of year it would take the chill off the room.

I’ve got a log burner and a bio ethanol burner.
The bio ethanol is for looks really with a tiny bit of heat. There is also, most definitely , a slight smell.

I bought a small one for a fireplace that had a non working chimney and it gives it a focal point. It gives a tiny bit of warmth but nothing even approaching a log burner. I am glad I didn’t spend a lot of money on it and wouldn’t buy one again. Also the storage of the flammable bottles (I keep mine in garage) gave me pause for thought.

Yes this. My friend has one, it looks so pretty, especially at Christmas. She has not had condensation but her house is a bit drafty.

I sit right next to it and have to say it's a piddly amount of heat coming out. Havent noticed any fumes but as I said, her house is a bit old and drafty.

We have one. Get the high quality fuel and it’s pretty much odourless, maybe a slight whiff when you first light it but it’s not unpleasant or anything and fades quickly. The air quality seems fine- we also have one of those dyson air purifiers in the room that would definitely tell us if the air was bad e.g. it gets upset if you light a scented candle anywhere nearby. No issues with condensation but we typically keep the trickle vents open on the living room window year round so maybe that helps IDK. It does kick out a fair amount of heat. Downside is we have to buy the liquid fuel which isn’t cheap plus very bulky, then store it somewhere, then get it and pour it into the fire before using it which is a faff compared to say gas and perhaps more comparable to wood but without the attractiveness of a log store (think loads of ugly plastic containers). Mostly we view as an aesthetic thing with the fireplace as the focal point of the room and occasionally we light it like if we’re having people over in the evening. I’m pretty pleased with it but I don’t think it would suit if you wanted it on nightly.

I have one in an oak/glass extension and I find it does kick out a lot of heat and I often have to extinguish it after a while as it makes the immediate area quite warm. Mine is from Imagingires, a tall woodburner effect one and I love it. I think it’s better in terms of heating than our real log burner.