1. What is Bioethanol?
Bioethanol (or simply ethanol) is a renewable, alcohol-based fuel made by fermenting plant sugars and starches — typically from crops like:
- Corn
- Sugarcane
- Wheat
- Sugar beets
- Agricultural waste (like straw or wood)
It's essentially the same type of alcohol found in beverages, but it's denatured (treated to make it undrinkable) and used as a clean-burning fuel for heating or energy.
2. Types of Bio Ethanol Appliances
| Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding | Apartments, rentals, moveable décor | No installation needed; just place and light |
| Wall-mounted | Modern interiors, small spaces | Installed on brackets; great for saving floor space |
| Built-in / Recessed | Custom installations, clean aesthetics | Needs a niche or false wall; professional install advised |
| Tabletop / Portable | Outdoor patios, ambient indoor zones | Very compact; mostly decorative, not a primary heater |
3. Why Bio Ethanol?
Bioethanol burns very cleanly:
- Fast & Quick installation
- Flexible installation
- Retro fit installation
- Efficient heating source
- No smoke
- No soot
- No ash
- No chimney or flue needed
- No maintenance
When it burns, it produces:
This makes it ideal for vent-free fireplaces and indoor use, as long as the space is well-ventilated.
4. Key Features of Bioethanol Fuel
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Renewable | Made from plants — not fossil fuels |
| Eco-friendly | Lower emissions compared to wood or coal |
| Liquid form | Sold in bottles or cans; usually poured directly into a burner |
| Energy content | Around 21–24 MJ/litre (~6–7kWh/litre) — less than gas, but decent |
| Odourless (when burning) | Good-quality fuel burns clean with little to no smell |
5. Key Features – Bio Ethanol Appliances
1. Fuel Capacity & Burn Time
- Typically range from 0.5L to 2.5L
- Burn time ranges from 2 to 8 hours per fill
- More capacity = longer burn, but slightly larger unit
2. Heat Output
- Usually between 1kW to 3kW
- Not meant to heat an entire house — think supplemental zone heating
- Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or garden rooms
3. Build Quality & Materials
- Look for stainless steel, tempered glass, or powder-coated steel
- Burner should be double-walled and include a ceramic wool insert (safer and more efficient)
4. Safety Features
- Snuffer tool to extinguish flame safely
- Spill tray or safety trough around burner
- Certified to EN16647 (Europe) or other safety standards
- Some high-end models include CO2 sensors, flame guards, or auto shut-off
5. Design & Aesthetics
- One of the biggest selling points — bioethanol stoves look stunning
- Choose from sleek modern, industrial, Scandi minimal, or even traditional stove-style designs
- Wall-mounted models often come in black, white, or brushed steel finishes
6. Ease of Use
- Manual ignition (long lighter) vs. remote/electronic ignition
- Some smart models offer app or remote control, timers, and auto refill systems (in luxury ranges)
6. Price Guide
| Stove Type | Price Range (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Tabletop/Portable | <£1000 |
| Freestanding | <£1000 |
| Wall-mounted | £400–£700 |
| Built-in / Luxury | £600–£2000+ |
Fuel typically costs £4 per litre and burns for 2–5 hours, depending on the burner size.
7. Pros of Bioethanol Stoves
- No chimney or flue needed
- Clean-burning – no smoke, soot, or ash
- Quick and easy to install
- Eco-friendly fuel
- Adds ambient light and warmth
- Stylish and modern
8. Important Considerations - Things to Keep in Mind
Key Points:
- Not a primary heat source (more decorative)
- Needs proper ventilation (not a sealed room)
- Must store fuel safely
- Never refuel while hot — wait for it to cool down fully
- Check local regulations (some places have rules for unvented combustion appliances)
9. Top Brands to Check Out
- Arada – Hamlet Solution Bio Ethanol [Stoves]
- Henley Bio Ethanol [Stoves, Wall Mounted, Table Top]
10. Are bioethanol appliances safe?
Great question — safety is a top concern when it comes to any open-flame appliance. Here’s a clear and honest answer:
Yes, bioethanol appliances are safe when used correctly and responsibly. They are designed with safety in mind and burn cleanly, producing no smoke, soot, or harmful gases — just heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. Since they don’t require a chimney or flue, they’re often safer than traditional wood or gas fires in terms of indoor air quality.
However, like any real flame appliance, they do come with important safety considerations:
Built-in Safety Features
- Many models include snuffer tools to safely extinguish the flame
- High-quality burners are made from stainless steel with spill trays
- Some advanced models offer automatic shut-off, CO2 sensors, or remote ignition control
Usage Safety Tips
- Never refill the burner while it’s still hot or burning
- Always use approved bioethanol fuel (≥95% purity)
- Keep away from flammable materials, children, and pets
- Place the unit on a stable, heat-resistant surface
- Ensure the room is well-ventilated, as the flame consumes oxygen
Good to Know
- Bioethanol stoves do not emit carbon monoxide in significant amounts if burning clean fuel properly
- There’s no risk of gas leaks or creosote buildup like in other fuel types
