The Ultimate Guide to Bioethanol Fire Pits

The Ultimate Guide to Bioethanol Fire Pits

We are delighted that you want to learn more about bioethanol fires. As a special offer just for you, not only will we offer free fuel with our bioethanol fires, but if you use the code S9MWHV at check out, you will automatically get a 10% discount on the bioethanol fires. Just use this code at checkout, we will also send free fuel with the order!

It’s good to know that bioethanol fire pits are becoming more and more popular for indoor and outdoor living spaces and with so many benefits, it's easy to see why. We take a deep dive into bioethanol and take a look at the following questions:

• What is Bioethanol?

• Are Bioethanol fire pits eco-friendly?

• What are the benefits of using Bioethanol?

• Is Bioethanol sustainable?

• Are Bioethanol fire pits expensive to run?

• Are Bioethanol fire pits safe to use indoors?

• Do Bioethanol fire pits give off heat?

• Why choose bioethanol?

• How to fill a Bioethanol fire pit?

• How do I light and extinguish?

What Is Bioethanol?

To put simply, Bioethanol is a renewable liquid fuel produced from agricultural by-products that burn clean.

Bioethanol fire pits are a real flame fire that uses bioethanol as its fuel source rather than wood, charcoal, or gas.

So, this means you have no smoke, no sparks and zero fuss.

Bioethanol is a natural, renewable, and green energy source made by fermenting the sugar and starch components of plant by-products (mainly sugarcane and crops like grain) using yeast.

It's also made from corn, potatoes, milk, rice, beetroot and most recently grapes, bananas and dates depending on the country's agricultural strength. Incredible right? 

Are Bioethanol Fire Pits Eco-Friendly?

Environmental concerns are rightly at the forefront of our minds these days, with a drive to find any and every way we can to reduce our impact and carbon footprint.

There’s no denying that while a wood-burning fire pit is aesthetically pleasing and more traditional, its environmental impact can be considerable.

That’s why many are turning to bioethanol fire pits as an alternative.

So, are bioethanol fire pits eco-friendly?

The short answer is, yes!  Of all the fire pit fuel options that are out there the only one that really ticks the box for being eco-friendly is indeed bioethanol.  

In fact, there are many reasons why bioethanol can be considered an eco-friendly fuel source:

No toxic emissions

First and foremost, bioethanol is an emission-free burning gas.

Unlike wood-burning fire pits, bioethanol gives off next to zero CO2, and it doesn’t produce any carcinogenic substances or any other harmful gasses either, which is great for the environment (and for those sitting around the fire enjoying the heat!).

The main by-products of burning bioethanol are heat and water.  Which is incredible!

Heat Retention

Because there are no harmful toxins or smoke is given off when burning bioethanol there is no need for any sort of ventilation system or chimney for the fire pit.  This makes them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

An added benefit of this is that none of the heat generated is lost up a chimney or through ventilation.  If you are inside this means that 100% of the heat stays in the rooms, heating it quicker and keeping it warm for longer.

When outside it also means that the heat it is giving off is far more efficient meaning you will use less fuel to feel the benefits.

Is Bioethanol a Renewable Resource?

Bioethanol is a renewable resource, because it is created through the natural fermentation process of sugars and is made using corn, maize, and sugar cane (among other crops), it is a fuel that many consider being a direct conversion of the sun's energy.

Crops like this, we know, are renewable and can be planted year after year, which is great!

This is a far cry from using fossil fuels like gas, and far better for the environment than wood.

Is Bioethanol Carbon Neutral?

Some do in fact consider bioethanol to be carbon neutral.  After all, the plants that are grown to create it absorb far more CO2 than is given off when your burn it.

A deeper consideration including the conversion process and the transportation of the fuel itself around the world probably tips the balance a little in favour of not being completely carbon neutral.

However, there is absolutely no comparison on its environmental impact to that of fossil fuels, and for that, it’s an absolute win in our books.

Not All Biofuels Are Made Equal

As with anything, there will be better quality products within the bioethanol options on the market.  

This is something that is worth considering when looking for the right bioethanol fire pit, as many are built to be used with a particular bioethanol fuel.

For us the absolute gold standard bioethanol available on the market at the moment is e-NRG.

It is specifically designed for safety and efficiency, two things at the top of your list for a bioethanol fire pit.  Their bottles are filled with a flame arrester for safe refilling of your fire pit and pour 8x faster than the competition so you’re not exposing it for too long either.

It burns with a beautiful orange flame and, as you’d expect, it’s clean burning.

For all these reasons, it is our bioethanol of choice, and our range of EcoSmart Fire Pits runs off of nothing but e-NRG.

If you are looking for a fire pit that also aligns with your environmental values, then bioethanol fire pits should be right at the top of your list. 

What Are the Benefits of Bioethanol?

We have already described the eco-friendly credentials of a bioethanol fire pit, this on its own for many is enough of a reason to choose bioethanol over other fuel sources. But there are many other benefits.

• Eco Friendly - No toxic emissions, Heat retention, renewable resource, and carbon neutral.

• No Gas and No Electricity needed - Bioethanol fire pits will run purely on Bioethanol fuel, so you won't need any more power or fuel sources from gas or electricity, keeping it simple. They will also function fully should you lose power.

• Easy Installation - Because the fire burns cleanly with no smoke or fumes, there is no need for a flue. This makes them easy to install and depending on your fire pits configuration (indoor or outdoor) you can put your firepit pretty much anywhere.

• Simply Stunning - There is no denying that Bioethanol fire pits are visually pleasing. As well as all the other benefits, you get a contemporary and stylish fire pit that looks incredible and will be the focal point of your garden. 

Why Is Bioethanol Sustainable?

The combustion of Bioethanol results in a clean emission: heat, steam, and a small amount of carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants. It is then processed via photosynthesis to help the plant grow.

This infinite cycle of creation and combustion of energy makes Bioethanol a carbon neutral fuel source.

Are Bioethanol Fire Pits Expensive to Run? 

When compared to the running and installation of gas or wood firepits then the answer is no.

There is need for installation costs such as installing gas pipes and no annual servicing required. When used inside there is no need for a chimney so they can be used in many more spaces and all of the heat stays in the room and not up the chimney.

When used inside gas fires need an air vent and an electricity connection, none of this is required for a bioethanol fire pit.

We do however recommend that you use a higher quality fuel. Some Bioethanol fire pits will only be compatible with a certain brand of fuel so be sure to check that in the product description or manufacturers guide before purchasing.

A higher quality fuel will help your fire last longer with a better flame which will save you money in the long run, as lower quality fuel will burn faster. 

Are Bioethanol Fires Safe to Use Indoors?

Yes, but always make sure the model you choose in configured for indoor use. Not all Bioethanol fire pits will be designed for indoors and may have to be specifically designed for that purpose. 

While bioethanol fires do produce carbon dioxide, this substance is only produced in very small amounts and is a natural by-product of any real fire.

Also, bioethanol fires are much safer to use indoors than traditional fires because they don't produce any smoke, ash, or carcinogenic substances, so you’re not breathing in any of these harmful fumes in your home.

As with any fire or flammable fuel, always take care whilst handling the burner and fuel. Follow all instructions and guidelines to ensure maximum safety. 

Do Bioethanol Fire Pits Give Off Heat? 

Yes, Bioethanol fires produce real-burning flames that give off plenty of heat, making them an excellent alternative for traditional gas or wood fires for heating homes and gardens.

Bioethanol produces a vibrant orange ‘clean burning’ flame, there are no artificial flames or heat-free imitations, just a beautiful, dancing flame keeping you warm and cosy. 

When used inside there are no flues needed and all the heat stays inside the room.

Why Choose Bioethanol?

If you've ever asked the question "Why should I choose Bioethanol?" 

Bioethanol is the fuel of the future. It's eco-friendly, clean, and renewable, put that together with elegant design, durable materials, and real dancing flames, and you have the EcoSmart Fire Bioethanol fire pit range. 

Here are five of the best reasons! There are many more...

1 - Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Bioethanol is a natural, renewable and green energy source made by fermenting the sugar and starch components of plant by-products (mainly sugarcane and crops like grain) using yeast.

Bioethanol fires are much more eco-friendly than a traditional fossil fuel like coal.

Bioethanol fuel is plant based so the flames burn cleanly, so they don't release any harmful substances into the air.

The combustion of Bioethanol results in a clean emission: heat, steam, and a small amount of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants. It is then processed via photosynthesis to help the plant grow. This infinite cycle of creation and combustion of energy makes Bioethanol a carbon neutral fuel source.

The clean burn of the fuel means you can choose an EcoSmart fire pit for your indoor or outdoor space. 

2 – Durable

The EcoSmart Fire range are created using the most incredible, long-lasting materials. 

Fluid™ Concrete is incredibly strong yet relatively lightweight, EcoSmart’s concrete products incorporate revolutionary Fluid Concrete Technology.

Fluid features a stain and impact-resistant barrier that protects the concrete from environmental weathering – even under extreme conditions and long UV exposure

Pair with a toughened glass fire screen, which stabilises the flame in windy conditions.

3 - Low Maintenance

The beauty of choosing an EcoSmart Bioethanol fire pit is that there are no gas canisters, no servicing needed, and very little cleaning needed.

No ash and no coal debris, leaving you with an easy to maintain fire pit. 

Bioethanol is a liquid fuel, pour this into the burner, light it and you are ready to enjoy. 

You can leave outside during the winter months and all you need is a winter bag cover to protect your fire pit. 

4 - Easy Installation 

With no installation or building works required, simply unpack, put into position, and off you go.

The EcoSmart Fire fire pits and tables feature 360º height-adjustable articulating feet, so you can achieve a perfectly level and stable model before operating the fireplace.

No Gas line installation or gas bottle storage needed. The liquid fuel is completely safe to store at home. 

5 - Stylish

So many different models to choose from, you will find a fire bowl or table to fit your needs. 

Available with a stainless steel or black burner.

3 fluid concrete colours to choose from so you can pick the colour that's best for your outside or inside space.

The stunning concrete models come with decorative black glass charcoal. 

These elegant and stylish models will add a contemporary vibe and are guaranteed to be the focal point of your space.

How To Fill a Bioethanol Fire Pit?

Different types of Bioethanol fire pits will have different ways to add fuel. Always ready the manufacturers guide so you fill correctly and safely.

To give you an example of how easy it can be, the EcoSmart Fire Mix 850 has an AB8 burner and here's a breakdown on how to fill. (The tools are included in this model so no need to purchase separately)

• Make sure you attach the adapter to the safety spout.

• Attach the Safety Spout with adapter to the e-NRG bottle and ensure it is securely fastened. You are now ready to approach the burner (the burner must be in an off/cold state).

• Extend the lighting rod and use the hook at the end to lift and remove the outer lid.

• Carefully position the bottle of fuel and remove the safety nozzle cap.

• Insert the nozzle into the burner filling point and push the button.

• The nozzle will automatically stop filling once the reservoir is full.

• Replace the safety nozzle once complete.

You can watch a video of filling up a bioethanol fire pit...

How To Light a Bioethanol Fire Pit?

Lighting is just as easy, again we will use the EcoSmart Fire Mix 850 AB8 burner as an example.

• Extend the lighting rod and use the hook at the end to lift and remove the outer lid.

• Dip the end of the lighting rod into the burner to wet with fuel.

• Light the lighting rod and dip back into the burner to ignite the flame

To extinguish the flame, use the hook at the end of the lighting rod to lift the burner lid and cover the burner. 

If you extinguish with fuel still in the burner, make sure to leave for 60 mins to allow time for the fuel to cool before re lighting.

Additional Tips:

• Do you need a fire screen?

They can certainly be an extra safety measure, but more usefully on a very windy evening the screen will protect the flames. 

• Consider a cover

EcoSmart fire pits will have been made from the very best and most durable materials.

However, it's always best to cover when stored outside to protect the longevity of the fire pit/table. 

• Use the burner efficiency ring (where applicable)

This will decrease and stabilise the flame and increase the efficiency of the burner.

Always allow the burner to cool fully before adding or removing the efficiency ring.

• Indoor or Outdoor?

Before you purchase a bioethanol fire pit, if you want to use it inside, make sure to check the model specifications.

Indoor EcoSmart bioethanol fire pits are configured slightly differently, they include an additional splash tray to conform to UK and EU safety requirements.

• Follow manufacturers guide to fuel

As we previously mentioned, some bioethanol fire pits will be deigned to use a specific type of fuel. This information will be found on product specifications. 

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