Thanks to marketers and sales people, ethanol fireplaces are now more popular than ever. One notable fact about these fireplaces is that most people buy them blindly without getting to know both the advantages and disadvantages of the same. This is mainly because salespeople will only tell you why you should buy an ethanol fireplace, but never disclose the disadvantages of having the same. You however should know everything (including the drawbacks) about the ethanol fireplace before making the final decision on the same. This article outlines both the pros and cons to help you make a more informed choice.
The Advantages of an Ethanol Fireplace
Once confident that the cons of ethanol fireplaces is something you can live with, you can then learn about all the benefits and great things about ethanol fires. If looking for a safe, functional, and better source of heat for your house, you can still get a quality ethanol fireplace from a certified supplier. Meanwhile, some of the main advantages of ethanol fires are:
- No chimney is needed
An ethanol fireplace doesn’t need a chimney to remove soot or smoke. This is because denatured ethanol burns completely hence doesn’t produce smoke or carbon monoxide. Many people prefer ethanol fireplaces to the traditional ones simply because there’s no risk of smoke or soot in their homes. In addition to this, you never have to worry about paying someone to put up a chimney or for installations.
Aside from the floor models, most ethanol fireplaces are portable. This means you can take it wherever you are in the house, be it the bedroom or the balcony.
- It does not produce dangerous fumes
While fireplaces that use coal or wood for fuel produce carbon monoxide/dioxide, ethanol fireplaces do not produce such dangerous fumes. This is mainly because ethanol burns completely producing very little carbon dioxide and vapor. Using the fireplace in a properly ventilated room, however, reduces the percentage of carbon dioxide even further. All you need to do is ensure there’s enough oxygen in the room.
- No ashes or residue
One of the reasons ethanol fireplaces have gained popularity is the fact that it neither produces soot nor ashes. The fuel burns cleanly producing only vapor and very very little amount of smoke. The fact that there’s no soot is a significant benefit, particularly with people with allergies. Asthmatic and individuals suffering from COPD can, therefore, use the fireplace without risking their lives.
- Ease of use
The best thing about investing in an ethanol fireplace is that it is very easy to set up and use. All you need is a bottle full of ethanol, the burner, and a long lighter. Traditional fireplaces, on the other hand, are complicated to set up and require chops of wood or coal to work. Some of these ethanol fireplaces can even be placed on a table – look at these great tabletop fireplace options for ideas. If looking for a great alternative for traditional fireplaces, then this is a perfect way out.
The Cons
Just like anything else, the ethanol fireplace is not flawless. You therefore should/need to know about most of these flaws to avoid being disappointed in the long run. These are:
- It generates low amounts of heat
While an ethanol fireplace does give out heat, the heat produced isn’t enough to keep the entire house warm. Experts say that an ethanol fireplace only provides 3kW of heat. This is an equivalent of a radiator. This is unlike the traditional stove that produces much more heat.
- It burns
It is a shame how most people are oblivious to the fact that ethanol fireplaces burn. If there’s anything to respect about a fireplace, it is the fact that the flame burns, and this could be catastrophic if taken for granted. Just like any other fireplace, take all precautionary and safety measures when using the fireplace.
- Cup burner systems consume oxygen too
While the salesperson may insist that the ethanol fireplace is safe to use in a closed room, this is not the case. For the fuel to ignite and continue burning, it needs air (oxygen). Using an ethanol fireplace in a closed room would therefore be a risky venture, you would be competing for the constant ingredient, oxygen. Consider opening a window or door to allow fresh air in when using any fireplace.
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