Frequently asked questions about bioethanol

ebios-fire® fires are clean burning. The burning of bioethanol generates heat, water vapour and CO₂. This kind of combustion renders any flue or chimney obsolete. The use of a bioethanol fire follows the earth’s natural cycle. CO₂ is first absorbed by plants, which are then harvested, with the waste substances then employed to make renewable products such as bioethanol.

Most ebios-fire® bioethanol fires have an average energy efficiency rating of at least 95%. This is because they are not connected to a chimney or flue, so not heat is expelled to the outside atmosphere. Modern gas or wood fires are typically around 80% efficient, particularly if they are room-sealed models.

Flames from bioethanol fires are real, just like those from gas or wood fires. The difference is the flames are gentle and flowing and therefore more relaxing. Bioethanol burns slowly and evenly, so the flame picture remains consistent and easy to control. With some of our automatic models, you can adjust the strength of the flames and the heat output using a remote control.

There is minimal risk having a bioethanol fire inside or outside of the home or commercial premises. You simply must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and treat the appliance with care. Remember that bioethanol fires have real flames, requiring extra caution. Be careful not to spill the fuel, overfill the tank, use the fire to ignite other objects or refill the tank while the burner is still hot. And finally, always keep children at a safe distance. 

All ebios-fire® bioethanol fires are made in Germany and rigorously tested in our own laboratories and by TÜV Germany. TÜV are the pe-eminent international organisation that awards safety and quality manufacturing certificates for all products produced in Germany or made for importing into Germany. This quality standard is also recognised in the UK and throughout the EU.

Freestanding bioethanol fires require no installation, you can place them anywhere you choose around the home. Because the fire contains fluid, it should be situated in a stable and secure location. 

A wall-fitted fire should be screwed to the wall using the strong screws and fixings provided, just like any other heavy, wall-hung object. Always make sure that the wall is strong enough to take the weight and if necessary add extra support.

A built-in bioethanol fire, although it requires no flue, still needs installing by an experienced fireplace engineer to ensure that it meets all necessary safety standards and can operate to its full potential.

Flat-screen TVs can be safely installed above most bioethanol fires, if the appliance is sealed at the top. Some wall-mounted bioethanol fires are open at the top with a glass screen in the front. They are NOT appropriate for installation under a TV because the direct heat would damage the TV. 

If the distance between the bioethanol fire and the TV is quite small, you should recess the fire into the wall or false chimneybreast and reinforce the recess with solid fireproof material. You could also recess the TV to make a heat-resistant barrier between the fire and the TV. 

Bioethanol fires generally have a maximum 3.5 kW heat output for every half metre of the fire line. They are principally decorative fires and not designed to be the main source of heat in the room, however, given the right conditions they do provide a pleasant degree of warmth. 

If a home has no ventilation, such as for example in a modern eco house, then a bioethanol fire will deplete some of the air in the room, which means that some ventilation is required. All you need to do is simply open a window or door occasionally for a short time to allow air to circulate.

The only current stipulation governing bioethanol fires is that they must contain a non-combustible chamber for the fuel in line with standard building regulations. The European Union is working on a European Safety Standard for bioethanol fires that will be like the current Eco Design standards for gas, wood and electric fires. This regulation is not compulsory, but it will lead to greater understanding and produce some standards for manufacturers to comply with. 

We provide an extended 2 years manufacturer's warranty for all fires and stoves, including ebios-fire® bioethanol fires. Our warranties are supported by our approved dealers and, in some cases, by our national technical support team.

Some ebios-fire® bioethanol fire models are designed to be used in the garden as a pleasant and atmospheric outdoor feature, in the same way you would use a garden stove. Please be aware that the heat generated outdoors is very limited and that the fires are primarily for visual appeal. Also take care not to place the fire next to flammable items and always protect the appliance from rain and general bad weather.