Anyone got a Bioethanol fireplace?

[Bennie-Mac]

As title, while i appreciate that they look great, are they any cop at actually heating a room? Ive read mixed reviews on the subject but would be interested in hearing from anyone who uses one on a regular basis.

Also what are your running costs like? It seems unless you buy in huge quantities that require specialist underground storage tanks, that it can be quite expensive per litre, so rough burn rates would be good.

I live in an apartment with no option for a chimney so a biofuel fire seems like my only choice if i want real flames without knocking holes on walls for flues.

 

[Derek W]

you might want to reconsider

Are there are any building regulations related to these fireplaces?

Ventilation : All fires with a naked flame require some form of ventilation either a wall vent or you can use a window to allow some fresh air into the room.
Bioethanol fuel fireplaces must be installed and used inline with standard building regulations and clearances to combustible materials observed.
Any fireplace opening must be constructed of a suitable non-combustible material.
If in doubt contact building control at your local council.

Since you live in a flat I doubt you'll be wanting to install a non combustible hearth etc to adhere to the building regulation?

 

[Bennie-Mac]

I was looking at the freestanding ones Derek so no additional work required.

But doing a bit more research suggests that it will cost too much to run, the biofuel is over £3 a litre and depending on the fireplace will burn through a litre in 2-5 hours. Not ideal really. Shame as the idea of them is great.

 

[The_Abyss]

Decorative and only complementary to primary heating solutions. Don't rely on one as the sole source of heat for a room.