Nesting, An Ageless Urge - a story from a customer

Nesting, An Ageless Urge

A recent conversation with a friend reminded me that home nesting is a strong urge that can happen at any age.

Sarah’s parents were downsizing from their three-bedroom, suburban house to a smaller flat in the city. Comfortable in their retirement, James and Lucy realised that the beloved family home was turning into a bother.

“We all loved the old house. My sisters and I grew up there, but Mum and Dad have an active lifestyle with lots of travel. The house upkeep was becoming challenging, so they started looking at newer and smaller places near the centre,” said my friend.

Sarah explained that James and Lucy brainstormed the layout, furniture, and décor in a new house that would support their current busy retirement and a gradual slowdown due to age. A master bedroom with walk-in shower. An open kitchen with an island. An office converting to a second bedroom for the visiting grandson. One level and no stairs.

Additionally, James and Lucy wanted a wood-burning fireplace to complete their retirement nest.  Sarah knew that her parents enjoyed a roaring fire during family holidays and they would often build a fire for themselves.

“So many important family events happened with a crackling fireplace in the background, and my parents did not want to give that up.” Unfortunately, they had to scrap the idea after seeing several open houses. 

“Many newer developments or flats don’t offer the big, wood-burning fireplaces. They can be messy and smoky in smaller living rooms. We said goodbye to our old house and its fireplace.”

Despite that disappointment, Sarah said her mum settled into nesting mode as the new flat move-in construction neared completion. She relished creating a comfortable space that would support her and her husband’s active lifestyle.

“Everything was coming together nicely, and Mum was passionate about making this as reflective of their lives as possible. She felt, however, that something was missing in the living room along one wall. She and dad did not need a large entertainment system, since they are pretty comfortable with streaming stuff. And they did not want to build their new nest with a TV smack in the middle.”

So Lucy decided to research alternatives to wood-burning fireplaces in modern homes and discovered bio-ethanol fireplaces offered by Bio Fires company. Self-contained, real-flame fires burning from eco-friendly ethanol fuel, Bio Fires fireplaces require no gas connection or power supply. 
Sarah explained while some bio-ethanol fireplaces can be free-standing, her parents chose a model that hung on the bare wall in the living room, instantly making the house feel complete.  

Contemporary Living Room by London Fireplaces & Stoves Bio Fires

Traditional Living Room by London Fireplaces & Stoves Bio Fires

The low maintenance and self-containment of the Bio Fire fireplace were all attractive to Sarah’s parents, but the real fire flame sealed the deal.

James and Lucy also liked having an “on demand” fireplace easily lit with a long match, allowing them to recharge by the fire after a long flight home or at the end of a normal day.

“Mum and dad are healthy right now, but we know that over time carrying and lifting logs would become impossible. This kind of fireplace allows them to enjoy their nest regardless of their age. ”

My friend said her parents continue to enjoy the perfect final piece for their retirement nest.

Modern Living Room by Atlanta Architects & Building Designers Peace Design

Weekend bio ethanol fireplace deal on Facebook - can bio ethanol fires be used in a garden?

THIS WEEKEND 

We have a fragrant deal on our summery FRAGRANCE OIL FOR ETHANOL FIRES! 

Gorgeous 'Oriental Green Tea & Citrus' - Aura Oil No 7

Have a look here: 

https://www.facebook.com/biofires

 

Bio fire burner - customer review

A while back we were really surprised by one of our customers, Michael, who sent us a video review of a burner he purchased from us. He has bought our table top bio burner Cube II and created an ethusiastic video review!

Michael normally reviews electronic equipment but when he bought his Cube (on a very good sale price - lucky!) he liked it so much that he spend his time and energy sharing his thought with others!

We were delighted to see it and hear his positive comments and thoughts, we have then rewarded him with another burner and got another brilliant review! The second table top burner, Bow, showed beautifully on photographs as well, and Michael was very happy with the product.

Many of our customers wonder:

- are bio fires as good as they say?
- how easy is it to set up a table bio fire?
- how to fill it up and light table top burner?
- how is a glass bio fire packed?

Michael Thornber provides some answers to those and many more questions. The value of the unbiased, private and spontaneously shared opinion of a neutral customer, buying a product online as everybody else is huge!! We are very pleased.

Have a look for yourself:

Picture courtesy of Michael Thornbear

Picture of top of Bow Burner courtesy of Michael Thornbear

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

Bio fire review! New customer opinion about our bio fireplace!

We're very glad that we got a new review from Chris and Tracy briefly telling why they love their fireplace.

Tuesday, 21 May 2013, Chris & Tracy

"We love our Onyx Flame fireplace, it is a real feature in our living room and a talking point for any visitors. Easy to put up and has kept the fuel bills down this winter. Also no maintenance or cleaning required and can be turned off in seconds if we go out."

Reviews are very helpful to our customers and we will reward anybody taking their time to write few sentences about their fireplaces that they bought form us with a FREE BOX OF FUEL. Just check if we still sell your fireplace and have it in stock and write to us what you think about your fire in 50-150 words. Send your reviews to: info@gelfireplaces.com

If you get us some pictures of your fireplace and we will use them on our website, we will reward you with FREE AURA OIL, Blazing Wood Fire. More info about HOW TO TAKE PICTURE, here.

How do you like Onyx at Chris & Tracy's place...? We love it - it certainly is a place of warmth and love, the fireplace just fits in perfectly!

Onyx Flame Bio Ethanol fire at a customer's house

Bio Fire with glowing fibres

www.gelfireplaces.com

Bio Fires Showroom - customer discovers new fantastic combination!

Recently while showing a Geo Flame to a couple of customers in the showroom we got so inspired and so thrilled with the lovely flame that we made two quick videos!

Geo is featuring few branches of Driftwood and Glowing Fibres, but looks equally gorgeous with White Pebbles. We discovered this look only because of our customers, for some reason we were showing (and selling) this fire mainly without any accessories brecause of its unique shape.

But this just looks lovely, don't you think?

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.

Holiday Postcard!

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? :-)

Giveaway!

We have prepared a lovely Give-away - Crescent Black Medium with 1 bottle of Pure Gel Fuel!

FOUR ways to enter the give-away draw:

1. Like us on Facebook. You can also comment on one of links/posts on our timeline.
2. Follow us on Twitter
3. Follow us on Blogger (if you have an account)
4. Leave a comment to this post or to any other on our Blog (with your opinion on pictures, posts or general thought about our products) as Anonymous, giving your email in the comment.






 

This Giveaway offer runs for a week, until 27th Aril 2012 12noon, we will then draw one person who will receive their burner within 7 days! For UK customers only. Scottish Highlands, and off shore locations will require delivery supplement.



We will contact you either by email (if from a comment) or by the relevant service - Facebook, Twitter or Blogger, if you do not reply within 48 h we will select another winner, so make sure you check your social media stuff over next weekend!

Lovely Crescent burner - for indoors and outdoors.

Gel Fire or Bio Ethanol fire? Comparison

We have prepared a table of comparison between two types of fuel that we are selling based on a sample of two similar style fires, one running on Gel Fuel and one on Bio Ethanol. The differences apply to any fireplaces using our standard 1.3L Bio Ethanol container and 3 x 500ml cans of gel.

The table is also published on our website: www.gelfireplaces.com

Getting ready for eating outdoors?

Patio, terrace, balcony, restaurant with outdoor areas...? All of those will benefit from a little warming flame.

Something like this for instance :-)

WHITE GLASS CUBE BURNER - picture does not include decorative stones, normally included in the box. Please have a look on our website for more picture and details, or to buy:

www.gelfireplaces.com

Original Mother's Day gift

If you want to surprise your Mum this year and give her an unusual and beautiful gift, why not give her one of our lovely Gel and Bio Burners?

They can be used in existing fireplaces or simply on a coffee table, but they also work perfectly well on a patio or terrace, in a garden or even on a small balcony. Everywhere where you may imagine your Mother sitting and having her afternoon tea, or entertaining guests.

These small burners are guaranteed to get attention of your Mum's friends and make her special day even more special!

www.gelfireplaces.com

White Glass Cube - a charming garden decoration.

White Large Crescent on a garden table.

Crescent Medium Black in the garden.

Small gel fire with an anfternoon tea

A cosy Crescent gel burner producing some warmth to add to the quiet charm of an afternoon tea. And how lovely tea that was... mhmmmm :-)

CRESCENT BURNER IN A SHOP  

Valentine gift for Him and Her

Our burners make fantastic gift, especially now - during the Big Freeze of 2012 - there is nothing nicer than a warming, comforting sight of a flickering, real flame in your home... Really affordable prices, too. See for yourself:

www.gelfireplaces.com

Luxurious line of fire for less

We all love luxury. The stunning elegance, accomplished look, full of chic and style. We all would like a bit of that in our lives, but we are not always so keen on spending the hair-raising sums of money for the very up-market products... We love the image from Vauni fires (http://www.vauni.com/) and we may have a suggestion of how to achieve a similar look with smaller budget. Our Bio Container is probably the best-priced, laboratory tested piece for creating your own line-of-fire style fireplace.

To buy or to view go to www.gelfireplaces.com