FAQ - Frequently asked questions about ethanol fireplaces

Here you'll find the answers to all the maintenance and safety tips and questions we frequently come across in our work! Everything you always wanted to know about organic fireplaces, but were afraid to ask ...

What is a bio ethanol fireplace ?

Smokeless, flue-free, odourless and maintenance-free, our fireplaces give you unprecedented pleasure. Whether you own a house or a flat, our wood-free designer fireplaces require no work to install. See all our models in our catalogue and discover just how many possibilities they offer for interior design that combines originality and well-being. Both stylish and mobile, they can be moved and integrated perfectly from one room to another, according to your wishes.

What fuel should I use ?

Bio stoves run on a biological alcohol or agrofuel: pure ethanol. We recommend a quality fuel that will ensure smooth operation. This environmentally-friendly alcohol is distilled from cereals such as wheat, and from farm produce such as sugar beet and sugar cane. The alcohol obtained from this distillation is 96% pure, and receives an additive so that it cannot be drunk, in accordance with current legislation.

Please note that any product labelled "ethanol" is not necessarily compatible with combustion in an organic fireplace: for example, you can find E95 ethanol at petrol station pumps. If this fuel is suitable for petrol cars, it could cause serious damage to your chimney - or even fatally poison you.

Finally, you should know that bioethanol is available in gel or liquid form. While gel has an annoying tendency to leave deposits at the bottom of the burner, liquid ethanol is easier to maintain. If you're still unsure about your choice, please give us a call or read this article.

What happens during combustion ?

As it burns, the bio-alcohol releases mainly water vapour and CO2. As there are no flues to connect, 100% of the heat is returned to the room.

Is it reliable in terms of safety ?

While it is true that carbon monoxide can be released by the fuel used, you should not think that ethanol fireplaces are dangerous: this gas can be emitted when the fireplace is extinguished, when the ethanol is still hot. Good practice dictates that a fireplace should only be filled with fuel before it is lit, and that combustion should be allowed to complete without extinguishing the flame (which generally lasts between 2 and 4 hours): in this case, no monoxide can be produced, as it will be burnt off by the combustion. Also, make sure that there is a minimum of exhaust air before and after combustion (by opening a window or a ventilation system, for example).

What is the flash effect ?

You've probably heard of the famous flash effect during your research. It is often criticised, so we have decided to deal with it in this "safety" section. The fuel we use in the burner is quite volatile, and heavier than air: during evaporation or just after refuelling, a sort of invisible ball of vapour forms at the burner outlet. When you want to light a fire in the chimney, this ball ignites. It's a bit like the famous "flambée" that many cooks perform, by throwing hot alcohol into their frying pan to set it alight. Of course, this flash effect can be dangerous: you can imagine a sleeve or other fabric bursting into flames, and the damage that goes with it. For your own safety, don't let children light the fire alone, and use a long safety lighter. You can find one in the "accessories" section of our site.

What will I receive with my order ?

Our models are made from stainless steel and cold-rolled steel for the fairing.

Each fireplace comes with an adjustable rectangular burner, made from thick stainless steel, often with lined walls. All adjustment and extinguishing equipment is of course supplied.

How do I install it ?

Depending on the model you choose, you can choose between 2 types of installation: Floor-standing or wall-mounted. You can also renovate an old, disused fireplace, even if it has no flue. In this case, you should opt for a single burner or a small floor-mounted fireplace.

How do you create a wall installation ?

The chimney must be fixed to a solid substrate using wall plugs suitable for the substrate. Use molly plugs for plasterboard walls. Only use the plugs supplied for walls made of hard materials. For fixing instructions, please refer to the wall-mounted fireplaces practical sheet.

What should I do to use my underfloor fireplace ?

Check that the surface is flat and that the floor is non-flammable (do not lay fireplaces on carpet or linoleum-type flooring). Avoid draughty areas and places where there is a lot of foot traffic. For more information, see the floor fireplaces page.

I'd like to have a fully glazed and closed fireplace. Is this possible ?

No. For the simple reason that your bio fireplace is not connected to an exhaust: a completely closed fireplace would not allow the oxygen in the air to pass through, which is essential for any form of combustion.

Is there a procedure for filling the burner ?

When you first start up, only fill the tank halfway. Check that you have not splashed or spilled any fuel around the tank or on the floor. Wipe up any spillage with a paper towel or cloth to dry the excess. Do not throw away the paper towel or rag, but leave it to dry in the open air away from fire, children and animals. To avoid irreversible stains, avoid contact between ethanol and any painted, lacquered or varnished surface. For the following combustions, fill the burners to 2/3 of their maximum capacity using a funnel. Light the fire with the 15/20 cm Barbecue lighter from the side, not from above. Do not use paper or any other material to light the fire. If you want to relight an extinguished burner, make sure there is no residual gas left in the burner: just leave it open for about ten minutes before lighting it. When lighting, do not keep your fuel can nearby, and make sure it is closed.

How is ethanol stored ?

Store your ethanol in a dry, well-ventilated place that is not too cold. Make sure it is not stored near a source of heat or potential flame. Similarly, avoid storing large quantities of ethanol.

Can I turn it off before the end of the burn ?

Never extinguish the flame with water! If possible, leave the bioethanol to burn out completely: the tank will then be empty and young children, for example, will not be able to relight it. If you still wish to extinguish your fireplace, use the accessory supplied and ventilate the room for 5 to 10 minutes. Muffle the flame by blocking the burners one after the other. Before relighting the remaining fuel, wait at least 15 minutes for the bioethanol to cool.

What are the precautions for use ?

do not swallow or inhale ;

keep out of reach of children and pets ;

keep away from sources of ignition ;

ethanol is a highly flammable liquid. It is reserved solely for use as a heating fuel for fireplaces and suitable burners ;

do not smoke when handling the product ;

spilled fuel can create dull patches on parquet floors ;

fuel must be stored at room temperature to facilitate ignition and away from any flame (minimum 2 metres) ;

do not place fuel near the fireplace ;

never pour fuel over an open flame ;

never fill the burners when the chimney is in operation or still hot: allow them to cool for at least 20 minutes before refilling ;

ethanol needs oxygen to burn, so make sure the room where your stove is installed is well ventilated ;

never leave your bio stove unattended ;

do not touch the burner during operation ;

keep an eye on children to prevent them from getting close to it and burning themselves ;

keep children and pets away during operation and for one hour after switching off ;

caution: Flammable fuel! Take every precaution to avoid endangering people or property.

The organic hearth presents no danger if it is used in accordance with safety rules and precautions for use.