DIY Bio Fires and New Burners 2015-2016

Traditional Fireplaces Running On Bioethanol

Typically, if you are unfamiliar with the details of the industry, when you hear of a bioethanol fire, you imagine futuristic fireplaces in unusual shapes and possibly including some glass. This is mostly what you subconsciously registered when shopping in B&Q or Homebase. Such fires usually bring one thought: “It’s a great idea, this bioethanol, but it’s a shame the designs are so… ugly”. Not to criticise the mass market and cheap fires, they have their enthusiasts too, but truth to be told, you will not find hugely stylish fireplaces in any hardware store. You may find something contemporary that could do, but the traditional range of bio fires seems to be nearly non-existing.

A standard electric fire insert is only an immitation of a real flame.

At Bio Fires, we proud ourselves in delivering a wide range of traditional and classic designs of bio ethanol fireplaces. We put a lot of effort into creating fires that will blend in with old traditional fires but won’t be dated at the date of purchase. We believe in simplicity, too. This season we are very happy to announce our two new babies on the non-modern shelf: new improved DIY Replacement Insert for gas and electric fireplaces and Athena Grate.

The DIY Replacement Insert is something that plainly answers all the requests we had for years: “Do you have a fire that I could just put inside my electric fire suite instead of the actual electric fire?” “Yes, we do!” Here it is:

Fire Inset, Insert Fire or non-electric firebox for electric fires - call it what you please!

This has been such a hit and we feel that we have made many customers very happy with this product. Last year the product was sold out long before Christmas, now we are bringing you an improved version, which is even more universal, as it has an extra feature: a spacer bar. Popular with electric fires, this extra bit is going to be useful if your fireplace has virtually no depth as you can then hide the side of the inset fire with the spacer bar.

The spacer is suitable for fireplaces with less depth at the back while the heat shield pushes heat into the room.

The fire is created for existing openings, it works brilliantly as a replacement for electric or flueless gas fires, producing a lovely real flame for about 2-2.5 h per refill and it will leave you completely enchanted with your cosy evenings in.

Athena Grate is an alternative design among our basket line. So far we only had straight shapes and we recognise that traditional or classical fireplaces have so many more faces. Athena Fire Grate is a stunning and simplistic Greek-inspired fire basket, which is suitable for existing fireplaces. Light in design, it won’t overpower your fireplace and will also look very presentable when unlit, enhancing the atmosphere of the living space.

Athena Grate, a contemporary take on a smaller traditional basket, will enhance an old existing fireplace and bring style to any room.

Regulating Bio Container - Turn the Fire Down, Darling, I’m Getting Too Hot!

Ribbon bio fireplace container, creating a fashionable wall of dancing flame, has been one of our bestsellers for the past 6 years. This year we are introducing a brand new version of it, slightly longer and enriched by the regulating function, which will allow for a comfortable flame adjustment.

Regulating Bio Container - an easy and effective solution for long ribbon flame.

The regulation has been already long present in our basic range (and in our budget Small Burner), but the Bio Container was just on or off. Despite this, it creates the much desirable magazine look and it’s extremely wallet-friendly, given the quality of material and the detailed advice service we deliver along with the sale, so it continues to be extremely popular among designers and architects.

Two bio containers placed together to achieve the beautiful effect of a long linear flame.

We haven’t changed the narrow structure of this long fire insert, but we have added a regulating lid, safety tray and max level indicator. It’s still very affordable compared to many several-thousand long ribbon containers available on the high end of the industry. The Regulating Bio Container gives you just about the same look that most top-shelf linear bioethanol fires, and even though it is fully manual and won’t ignite by a remote control, let’s face it, you probably wouldn't mind taking a few steps from the sofa to your fireplace if it means you keep £4000 in your pocket...

Create your dream bio fireplace with any design you want.

After all, what really matters is the time spent by the fire once you actually turn it on!

New Contemporary Bio Fires 2015

Furniture and interior design industries have their trends, as does the gel fires industry. Fireplaces that have been in fashion a decade ago, like bulky gel fireplaces with canisters of jellified alcohol, now seem a little dated; instead a whole new range of shapes and styles wins our hearts and hearths today.

This is why we make an effort to bring fresh new products into our range every year. It's no fun to sell the same products over and over again. We love selling and promoting new designs the same way that our customers love to buy them! This season our contemporary range has been enriched by two new pieces: Phantom Flame and Globe Flame.

Both designs are a result of our in-depth study of contemporary interior trends and preferences, while at the same time they were created to outlast their time and blend in with any truly elegant space for much longer than temporary fashion.

Mirrored fireplace is a concept that had been emerging in the Bio Fires creative team for quite a while and we have finally decided to give it a bold entrance. Already a winner!

New Phantom Flame in Mirrored Finish for a luxury finish to your home.

It’s a beautiful fire, advanced in technology yet simple, large but not overpowering. The reflective surface will catch any light in your room and ‘shine’ it back, making the room much brighter. The ultra long flame will create a finished, luxurious fireplace feel and your guests will be really impressed. Phantom Flame features our new Ribbon Fire Regulating Bio Container, allowing you to adjust the height of the flame, the heat output and the burning time.

This mirrored fireplace of a neutral shape will at once draw attention and seamlessly blend in, depending on the available light. During the day it will add to the crisp design, at night it will multiply soft dimmed and moody glowing lamp-shades or flickering candles.

Bio-ethanol fire with premium mirror frame enhances the surrounding space.

Globe Flame is an option for those who like vivid and decided accents as it is not a shy fireplace and it will certainly stand out in your room. Its flowing circular shape can pair up with nearly every interior but will look best in a set up where a fireplace is a true centrepiece.

Round sculptural bio ethanol fireplace makes an alluring centrepiece.

This round bio fireplace makes a perfect frame for a living real flame, while two glass panels on each side of the opening improve the air flow, producing an amazing live flame performance that will certainly dazzle your guest and enliven your private evenings in, too.

The alluring, sculptural freestanding White Globe Flame Bio Ethanol Fireplace.

So, if your living room could speak - which one out of our two brand new contemporary bio fires would it call for?

Is your heating budget going up in smoke?

Is your heating budget going up in smoke?

The one thing we can always find to grumble about is the weather, particularly as we come out of another long and dreary winter. This winter, as you sat indoors and watched the rain, you probably found yourself wondering about your home heating, particularly as the so-called Big Six energy companies were, once again, under scrutiny for their pricing structures and tariffs. 

A traditional open fire, or a gas fire that mimics actual burning can be lovely and cosy. But have you ever stopped to consider that in most cases, the majority (60–85%) of the heat produced actually flies away up the chimney and you derive no benefit from it at all? It isn't just heat flying away up the chimney, it's your money. This is an issue that householders are beginning to take very seriously.

Compare gas and bio fires: heat efficiency diagram

However, there is a form of home heating that is 100% efficient. All the heat it produces goes directly into your living space. Bio Fires, which burn Bio Ethanol, are a stylish and efficient option for heating your home. And if you think that Bio Fires only come in modern styles that might not fit in with your décor, think again. There are lots of more traditional designs that will look perfectly at home in your restored or refurbished fireplace and be in keeping with the character of your living space.

A Bio Fire burns with a real flame, and the fires themselves range from small table-top pieces to wall or grate-mounted units that look fantastic and also warm the room. A Bio Fire is a real flame that burns a fuel derived directly from a renewable source. Agricultural food waste is treated with chemical enzymes to produce sugar, which is then turned into ethanol by micro-organisms. This is similar to the fermentation process used by the brewing and distilling industries. You don't need a chimney or electrical power and  a Bio Fire does not have to be installed by a qualified fitter.

How do they work? A Bio Fire is a free-standing unit that houses a container of Bio Ethanol. When lit, this burns with a warm flame that gives off no smoke and next to no smell – in fact, you can buy oils to add to the fuel to give your home a lovely, homely fragrance. Bio Fires require very little maintenance, unlike traditional fires, and you buy your fuel on an 'as you need it' basis, maybe even to supplement your existing heating system.

A Bio Fire can rest on any flat surface or be wall-mounted. It does produce a real flame, so some forethought would need to be given to positioning, but that said, the unit can be placed more or less anywhere and will provide a uniquely modern, eye-catching talking point wherever you put it. You an also add accessories to your Bio Fire for that extra decorative effect.

The range of designs available now is astonishing, so if you are refurbishing or renovating, or simply thinking about how best to combine style and comfort in your living space, a Bio Fire could be the answer, particularly if you're looking for a replacement for a traditional fire. And best of all, you'll enjoy the extra warm glow of knowing that 100% of the heat produced is going into your room, not up the draughty old chimney.

Happy Customer review for our Bio Ethanol Small Burner!

We love getting email like this! A review form a customer who finally has a fireplace working thanks to our product!!!

Redundant chimney does not have to mean that you cannot have a glorious warming fireplace, even in a traditional grate!

"16 years after our builder made a mess of our chimneys, we found out about bio-ethanol fireplaces and got the DIY kit from your website. Just what the doctor ordered! See a photo at https://www.dropbox.com/sc/tnbr87ut2lqj8or/p5JDKmw_uk"

Redundant chimney and old fire grate brought to live with ethanol burner! How cool!

www.gelfireplaces.com

Hollywood style flueless fire!

Our fireplace was used in a new TV show - Hollywood Me!

Top Hollywood designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard has transformed a home of 28-year-old paediatric nurse Jenny Maine and has gone on full power with 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' inspired 60s chic.

It fits so beautifully in the mirrored set - we drew one big conclusion - OUR FIRES ADD SOME HOLLYWOOD TO YOUR LIFE! :-)

VIEW FULL EPISODE HERE: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/hollywood-me/4od#3536194

Get your glamorous, modern electric style fireplace with a real flame here: 

www.gelfireplaces.com

Lovely room set up from a customer!

We got a lovely picture from our customer Paul Flanagan - thank you Paul! 

Don't you think that our Jet Flame II fireplace just fits in here perfectly? Well, we love it!

www.gelfireplaces.com

Black wall hung bio fire with glass - doesn't it just make this room?

 

HAVE A TOASTY WARM NEW YEAR!

New Year is coming!

The world has not come to an end in the end... so we can continue delivering warmth to our happy customers.

Gift-giving season is about to finish and we're all - whether we want it or not - and - whether the weather wants it or not (it's quite miserable outside in London...) - in a celebration mood.


Some of us will probably go to a wild party, but others will simply stay at home and raise a New Year toast with the loved ones...  And what can be nicer than welcoming a New Year, full of hope, joy and wonderful undiscovered adventures by a gentle fire, dancing in front of our eyes...!

Whichever way you chose: HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

DIY bio fire that smells like a log fire..? Yes!

 

Imagine that this little bottle holds the magic of a real fire! 

Aura Oil is our new best-seller: no wonder! The sophisticated and realistic woody aroma when you burn one of our bio or gel fires and use the oil and look at the dancing flame.... It simply cannot be put into words. 

Do you know the lovely "Feu de Bois" Diptyque candle...? The one that makes your friends sigh deeply when they enter your house for a dinner party in a cold winter evening and the cosy aroma is literally melting them....?  

Well, we have something just like that - except that our Blazing Wood Fire bio fires fragrance oil can be used together with our Bio or Gel fireplaces, which makes the impression so much more realistic and beautiful. 

A real fire which smells like a real fire. 

That's what we can give you. What else do you need for those long and chilly winter nights...? Ok... a cosy blanket and a mug of mulled wine is at your own discretion :-)

www.gelfireplaces.com 

Bring to life your empty fire! DIY fireplace using bio ethanol or gel fuel

If you have or you know someone who has an empty fireplace filled with candles - give them a shout about this article!
-----------------------------------

Existing Fireplace or Grate - How to convert your empty fire into a working Bio or Gel Fireplace?

If you have your own fireplace or an existing grate and would like to have a real fire without spending a lot of money, this is the right section for you.

I. Small Burner Conversion - when you have enough space for the burner
II. Gel Fuel tins - if your fireplace is really tiny


I.
SMALL BURNER running on Bio Ethanol (pure liquid). We recommend that you use our Small Bio Burner and accessories to cover it. This is both: the simplest and the most advanced solution, giving you the best flame result and is also the most economical to run. If you buy your fuel in bulk, the effective running cost of the Small Bio Burner on full power is about £0.75 - £1 per hour, which is comparable to an electric fire. The heat output is also significant and comparable to an electric fireplace, we estimate there is about 2-3 kW of heat emitted into the room when a bio fire with our Small Burner is in use. You will really feel the heat as there is no need for chimney and therefore there is also no 60% heat loss through the chimney (as with gas fires).


To set up the Small Burner Conversion you first need to measure your existing space inside your fireplace. The burner itself is inserted in an external safety box, as there may be some vapour condensation while burning. The total dimensions of the unit are:  

28.5 cm long x 12.5 cm wide x 8 cm high (11.22" L x 4.8" W x 3.15" H). 

You have to make sure that the surface you will be putting your burner on is fireproof. If your fireplace is redundant but it used to be a proper log fire, it will most likely have a stone hearth, but if you have a fireplace which has been built for decorative purposes only and it does not have a stone hearth, you need to make sure that you line it with something fireproof, like stone, ceramic, brick etc. The Small Burner is not to be placed on MDF!

Once you know that you have enough space you have to judge how many and what sort of accessories you will need. We have created special CONVERSION packs for your comfort, so once you know the size of your fireplace, you can simply select the pack that suits you visually the most. You are free to combine your own pack from other accessories but if you have some doubts please do send us an email or simply give us a call. We are happy to help! You can use any of our accessories: pebbles, stones, coals, all types of our logs and driftwood, and most of the ones used in gas fires. You can only put them AROUND the container, never on top of the flame opening. This is the nature of the product: in contrary to gas fires, when burning bio fire, nothing can obstruct the flame otherwise you will get soot and smell.



When you set up your fire and you are happy with the look of it, all you need to do is to fill up the burner with the fuel, using funnel provided in a set. Be careful not to spill any fuel around and make sure you have enough light when filling up - if needed use a torch.

There are two ways of lighting the Small Burner: either use long-end lighter (gas stove or BBQ type, available widely in stores) or using the regular lighter - dip the end of the flame control tool in the fuel, lift it, light and carry the flame to the inside of the Burner igniting all of the fuel. The fuel makes a little noise when igniting that is why we recommend you always keep at a safe arm's distance.

You can enjoy the lit fire for 3-4 h with full opening or longer if you reduce the opening by sliding the lid across it slightly. 

Our Small Bio Burner has a new Fragrance Diffuser fitted into the lid of the burner: add a bottle of our Aura Oil and get AROMA OF A REAL LOG FIRE in your home! This is as simple as it can be and our Aura Oil comes in three amazing fragrances: Blazing Wood Fire, Forest Log Cabin and Christmas favourite Winter Cinnamon and Orange.

 

II.

GEL TINS are running on Gel Fuel (jellified ethanol). If your fireplace is very small, like some Victorian fires, you may need to use an alternative solution: Gel Fuel Tins.



We have prepared some GEL CAN CONVERSION PACKS, too.


This is how to do it: you simply place cans with gel (usually 3 of them) on your existing grate or on the floor of your fireplace, surround them with logs or coals and light the gel! The flame and the heat are instant, full cans will burn for 3 hours. Heat output is about 1kW per can, so the fire set-up with three cans will produce 3kW of heat. Gel does not burn as cleanly as Ethanol, so there is slight residue. Remember to wash your cans every few uses to prevent building of the residue and get the best flame result. The cans should be replaced as soon as any sign of cracks or corrosion is visible.

Approximate running cost depends on the amount of fuel you purchase in one go, but if you buy in bulk, we estimate it is about £2 per hour when you have all three cans burning (If you only have one can burning, it is £0.70 per hour).


FAQ

WHY DO I NEED MORE CANS?
Cans are washable but still they do need replacing every few months, depending on the frequency of using. As soon as you see any signs of corrosion, you should replace the cans.

HOW DO I WASH THE CANS?
It's easier if you wash them more frequently, so the residue will not build up. Leave the cans to soak with soappy water and then scratch with a dish brush or a brillo pad (treat them as slightly burned pots). If you wash your cans more often, it is fine to put them in your dishwasher.

CAN I REUSE THE GEL LEFT IN THE CANS?
Yes, although you need to top up the fuel level for the best flame results. Generally we suggest that if you do have any leftover gel, cover the cans with the lids once they cool down and before re-lighting, stir after topping up, so the 'old' gel mixes through with the fresh one.

CAN I USE THE OIL WITH THE CANS?
Yes, although the result will not be as good as with our Fragrance Diffuser. You can put some if our Aura Oil around the opening in the rim of the can, but as the oil will be closer to the flame, it will heat and evaporate a bit faster and you will use slightly more of it.

Empty Fireplace Ideas

We've had so many inspired customers who either followed our suggestions or came up with their own variations on how to create a stylish fireplace.

Here are several pictures for what they came up with - USING OUR PRODUCTS!

1. Picture courtesy of Deborah, whose central heating was playing up last winter, so she needed a bit of an extra boost from a fire, but had no time to plan a proper fireplace job. The whole fireplace was already in the property, but the chimney was blocked and the fire just stood empty. Deborah used on of our discountinued Large Line of Fire burners (it was on a Clearance Sale!), but there is a very similar alternative for it, with a longer burning time and no maintenance - Small Burner with Holder.

2. This is a beautifuel feature made by Mel Painter, who kindly sent us some pictures as part of our Fuel for Pictures promotion. Product featured is Large Crescent Burner. Budget solution when compared to proper fireplaces costs, but equally (if not more!) visually effective.

3. This is a slightly more classical take on our Black Satin Basket with Ceramic Logs in an empty fireplace with a mantelpiece. Picture courtesy of Clarisse Cornuau.

4. One of ours and our customers' favourite - a fireplace by Craig Gardner, who kindly left us some comments and assisted any future customers with valued piece of advise on building his fireplace. Product he bought from us is Large Bio Container.

5. The same Large Bio Container in Paul Rourke's version. Lovely and clean fire.

If you (or anyone you know) have an empty fireplace and you have used one of our products or a similar type of solution, do let us know, we are keen on building an "ideas bank" for our customers as there is so many ways to get it right!

Bio fire safe for dogs!

We often get questions whether our fires are safe for pets or children.

Bio Fires are like any other fires - they are dangerous if you put something in the flame or when you try to test if the fire burns for real... well - it does! The burning temperature is not as hot as gas fires, but it is still real flame and it will certainly burn your hand or any flammable objects.

Dogs do not seem to have a problem with our fires though! Just imagine - people have used real fire indoors for centuries...!

Fireplace features is own-made by one of our colleagues in private apartment. The product used was our Large Bio Container for £225, which is inserted into a specially-built opening in the wall. The opening is insulated properly so the TV is safe. The fascia of the fire is in limestone finish. Note: the opening for hot air inside is taller than the surround. Accessories used are Driftwood branches.

Aren't they cute? :-)

Showhouse magazine

We are in ShowHouse Magazine with our most-popular Bio Container for building your own DIY bio fireplace running on eco-friendly Bio Ethanol.

Cutting costs in building your fireplace

We are being recommended in an aricle published in Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine.

http://www.homebuilding.co.uk/feature/cutting-costs-reducing-material-costs

New gel fire picture from customer

We have received a new lovely picture from a customer!
Great solution for an empty fireplace or when your chimney is redundant, simply buy the burner, unpack it, position it in your fireplace, fill up with fuel from the bottle and light!

Gives off quite a lot of heat, too, so it will warm you up in those chilly evenings.


The Line of Fire burners are on clearance sale at the moment,  
a real bargain ladies and gentlemen...!

www.gelfireplaces.com

Courtesy of customer Deborah C.

bio fire discount! Create own fire for less :-)

24 coupon deal for Small Burner with Holder - get £60 OFF

Normal price of the unit is £135, only for the next 24h you can buy it with £60 disocunt!

Coupon: SBwH-24-60-N3 - valid until 5pm 31st January 2012.  

This coupon is for online orders and is only valid for Small Burner with Holder fireplace, any other orders with the coupon will be cancelled within 24h.

You can simply put it in you existing empty fireplace, use it on your patio or anywhere else in the house. This is a perfect fire for a conservatory, too!

Use it in your empty basket to instantly create a stunning focal point!

 www.gelfireplaces.com 

Please note: we manually check all of our orders, although the system may allow you to process the coupon with another item, it will not be honoured. This is a genuine trade offer - only issued for Small Burner with Holder fireplace. Delivery within 7 days from purchase, free of charge for UK mainlnd customers (read more about our Free Delivery). Valid only for 24 h or until allocated stocks last.

DIY fireplace - how to make your fireplace working?

January came and a lot of us look around their homes after Christmas frenzy and think: we need a change. So.... why not to make a fireplace where so far you only had an empty wall...? Or why not make use of your redundant fireplace or an empty hole in the wall where you've had this dubiously attractive candle-arrangement for far too many years ...?

You can of course go to a gas showroom, get your existing chimney fixed or open the flue. You can go to a DIY store and look through a range of electric fireplaces, maybe there will be one which doesn't look all that bad and will kick off a little bit of extra heat, too. But you can also do a better thing - get yourself a bio fireplace - a real-flame-fireplace running on biofuel.

There are many options, here we will only talk about one, but you can see many more designs of all-in-one fireplaces, electric fireplace alternatives or a small gel burners and gel bowls which will act as a good upgrade from candles and will still fit easily within your budget.  See all the rest of products and look for inspiration at www.gelfireplaces.com

Back to empty fireplace or empty wall solution. Come to think about it - it costs a fair bit to get a fireplace working. Let's do some comparisons:

• redundant chimney repair can cost you even £8000 (it depends on many factors but is never cheap)
• buying a gas fireplace - can cost between £600-£5000 + installation cost and gas you are using
• flueless gas fires can go for affordable prices of £400-£700 but the flame impression is gently speaking not the best... If you've ever dreamt of having a roaring, playful flame, you may drop the idea of having flueless gas fire before you get yourself into a depth of disappointment. Flueless fire will give you a flame like this:

• electric fireplace may cost as little as £199 or £300, but as a result you are getting something that looks like that:

which is not exactly the most appealing look; the "fake flames" can put a lot of people off. Quite rightly to be honest, because you can use the same money to get a bio fireplace and your friends won't stop appreciating it. It's guaranteed. Full stop.


We're talking about a fuel container here, which you can drop in the hole in the wall or your fake chimney breast built for that purpose. The actual cost of the unit you need is £245 (medium) or £295 (large). It's called Bio Container. Building your biofuel fireplace from scratch can close in a budget as low as £400-£600, all depends on who will do the work, what is there to be done and what materials you use.

Fuel box "Bio Container" - bioethanol burner by Gel Fireplaces Ltd

If you don't have a fireplace yet, but would like to get one built, there are companies who can do the work for you, a handyman could quite easily build the fire, too. If you want to do the work yourself, there are few things you need to know:

• Bio Container needs to be inserted in a completely fireproof and heatproof material like stone, slate, metal, brick, cement or Vermiculite Board. For the latter we highly recommend Vitcas store, specialists in providing refractory materials (we have consulted the laboratory data sheets for Bio Container with a specialist from Vitcas). Vermiculite Board can cost as little as £29.90 for a 510x610x25mm panel. Regular fireboard is not suitable for lining your opening.
• The top and back of your fireplace opening must be also made of a completely fireproof/heatproof material as all the heat produced from the flame (approx. 3kW or more) will be pushed there before going outside on to the room. Regular fireboard or MDF are not suitable!
• The sides of your opening must be fireproof too, but are less exposed to the heat so you could use a regular fireboard.
• There should be approx. 500-600 mm clearance for the flame (if you don't have that much, you could reduce it slightly, but you must make sure the entire hole is lined with stone, slate, brick etc.)
• No pebbles, logs or other accessories may be put across the flame. The nature of the product is that it needs to be clean in order to burn clean, so if you are looking to use i.e. ceramic driftwood pieces, you may arrange them around the flame opening and from a little distance it will make the right visual impression of a flame coming through the branches.
• Whatever material you use to cut a hole to drop the Bio Container in - you always need to leave about 2 mm extra space around for the air flow and metal expansion. This means that your container should be loose within the slot and it should sit (hang) on the steel rim around it, rather than sit on the floor of the cut slot. FAILING TO DO THAT MAY CAUSE YOUR LINING TO CRACK.
• A lot of people decide to use granite or other stone to line their fire with. When using natural stone, you have to use as thick layer of it as possible as the fire will produce a lot of heat and thin layers are prone to cracking.

testing the bio container in a hole in the wall, it works!

building and finishing the hole in the wall

final look: Bio Container inserted into a hole in the wall. Decorated with ceramic Stones. TV above is absolutely safe, providing you insulate the wall properly and use solid materials like stone, slate, brick or vermiculite board to build or line your hole.

When you build your own fire with our ethanol fuel box Bio Container you need to make sure that you are inserting it in a completely fireproof material. The slot cut in the base of your opening must not be made of MDF. 

Facts about our Bio Container:

• burning time: 3-4 hours per refill
• one refill takes: 1L (medium container) or 1.5L (large) of Bio Ethanol fuel
• effective running cost: £0.80-£1 per hour (based on buying fuel in bulk, Annual Pack for £110)
• heat output: 3KW or slightly above
• flame regulation: no
• flue needed: no
• fumes or smoke produced: none (if flame is not obstructed)
• smell: virtually any (it is a real flame, so you will smell it when you enter a room as nothing that burns can be completely odourless, but the scent is barely present and does not bother 99.9% of people)
• do I need any ventilation: no. You may want to open a window after having the fire on for couple of hours, but nothing more)
• can I use Bio Fuel bought elsewhere: yes, but you must make sure it is the right one, with ethanol content not greater than 96.6% and designed specially for fireplaces. Also - be very weary of buying your fuel in 5L containers as, although it is cheaper, the weight of it makes it hard to fill up precisely and you are much more likely to spill the fuel. Never light the container that has been overfilled.
• can I use jellified fuel with it: no, because you cannot wash it and gel leaves residue
• does the top of container discolour after time: slightly, it is a real flame, so the top of the container will eventually tarnish a bit, this is completely normal and cannot be prevented

Here are several pictures of our happy customers who designed and built their own fireplaces using just our simple Bio Container.

Picture courtesy of our customer Paul Rourke

Picture courtesy of our customer Julia Solovyev, featuring 2 x Large Bio Container

Picture courtesy of our happy customer Craig Gardner

www.gelfireplaces.com

Have you built your own fireplace and learned something that may be useful for other readers? Feel free to comment and share your experience.

Thinking about our container? Are you in the process of building you fire? Ask a question in the comment to this article and we will do our best to help.

candles in a fireplace versus bio ethanol fireplace - DIY easy solution for empty fireplaces

Which look do you prefer: candles in the fireplace or living, playful fire...?

 To achieve this look in already existing fireplace all you need is a Bio Container and a Holder (sold separately), then some stock of fuel and you can have a fireplace working within 10 minues form getting delivery.


Running cost of a Bio Fire pictured on the right depends oin how much fuel you buy, but generally speaking oscillates around £0.80 - £1 per hour. You are getting about 3-4 hours per one 1L refill of Bio Ethanol fuel. Fuel comes in 1L bottles and you can buy it form us at

www.gelfireplaces.com