Guide to Incorporating Ethanol Fireplaces in Your Home
Regardless if it is an apartment, a semi-attached, or a regular house with a yard, incorporating ethanol fireplaces can make any place of residence look more like home. By switching to ethanol there is no need for massive construction works, as it doesn't require a vent or a chimney. This is a clean source of energy, providing the same warmth and comfort of a solid fuel fireplace, but without any smoke, smell, or ash.
Unlike electrical fireplaces, and ethanol fireplace creates an authentic flame., while it is still possible to fire it up remotely. This authenticity provides a natural and vintage touch to the home without ever needing heavy firewood or costly renovations.
Choosing an Ethanol Fireplace for Your Home
The first part of incorporating an ethanol fireplace is to choose one. There are various models and products out on the market which can make it confusing to choose the best one. Here’s what you should consider while picking out an ethanol unit:
1. Space
The number one factor to consider is space. You need to decide where you want to install the fireplace and how much space it would take. If you are considering a freestanding unit, then you might also need to look for clearance.
For example, the PlanikaPrimeBox Freestanding Ethanol Fireplace needs at least 35 inches of clearance. Because this is a freestanding unit, you can install it virtually anywhere.
If you have a large room such as a living room, then you should go for a larger unit such as the DecoflameNewYork Empire Wall Fireplace.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to install it in a smaller space, then a simple tabletop unit such as the Planika Petit will be sufficient. It merely needs a clearance of about 10 inches and can be placed on any surface.
2. Safety
There are a couple of potential hazards that come with using an ethanol fireplace. One is the open fire itself. While things won’t get out control, you should still use a fireproof glass at the front. This is especially important if you have small children or pets. Ensure that they stay far away from the fire.
Most fireplaces from Planika such as the Planika Jar and the Planika Prime Fire come with glass casing to ensure safety and better protection. All in all, go for a fireplace with a glass casing if you have kids or pets.
3. Style
An important part of incorporating a fireplace into your home is to ensure that it fits well with your theme. If your home has a vintage feel to it, then go for a fireplace such as the Glammfire Lotus EVOplus that looks traditional. This can include buying fireplaces with gold, peachy tones or using an embroidered frame to give them a traditional look.
On the other hand, if your house has a contemporary style, then you should go for a black or white unit such as the Planika Pyramid. It features a conical style fireplace with a beautiful intricate design at the top. It is bound to tie in perfectly with your modern design.
Another contemporary style fireplace is the Ignis Circum which is red. It can help you tie in your look with a pop of color.
4. Budget
Next, you might want to consider the prices of these units. Most units widely differ in their burning capabilities and quality. For instance, products from Planika and GlammFire can often cost up between $3000 and $5000 while those from Anywhere or EcoFeu can cost under $1000.
However, just because something is expensive does not necessarily mean it will be of high quality. Carefully assess all parts of the unit and make your choice.
Installation Guide
Ethanol fireplaces are quite easy to install. Almost all of them do not require a vent, chimney, pipe, gas lines or even electric lines. In fact, you do not even need to install any fuel lines, since you can just pour the fuel into the fireplace.
Furthermore, some ethanol fireplaces do not need any assembly. Most of them come pre-assembled, leaving nothing else to do but to light them up. Each type has a different assembly. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular examples and how you can set them up.
A. Tabletop Fireplaces: Planika Petit Table Top Fireplace
The Planika Petit Ethanol Fireplace is perhaps the easiest to install. It already comes pre-assembled. Simply, insert the burner insert and put in fuel. Additionally, you can place it anywhere from a table to the middle of the room.
B. Freestanding Fireplaces: Planika Faro Commerce Freestanding Fireplace
The Planika Faro freestanding unit comes in three different parts. Grab a screwdriver and follow the instructions to know which part goes where. All in all, it will merely take 10–15 minutes to put all the pieces together. You only need to fix the steel cage on top, and the burner inserts inside the cage.
C. Wall-Mounted Fireplaces: Nu-Flame Ventana Due Wall-Mounted Fireplace
You can easily DIY install the Nu-Flame Fireplace. The installation is as simple as hanging up a picture or a TV. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you install the unit:
Step-by-Step Guide
Materials Needed
- Level
- Screws
- Stud Finder
- Drill Machine
Installation
1. Use the stud finder to find the studs.D. Recessed Fireplaces: Planika FLA 3 Recessed Fireplace
Recessed fireplaces are perhaps the hardest to install since they require construction. There are a couple of safety issues that you might need to consider before installing the Planika FLA 3. It is better if you hire a professional to do it. However, if you have a basic knowledge of carpentry then, you can give it a try.
Pre-requisites
1. Insulation/Fireproofing: The inside of the walls need to be lined with fireproof material such as cement board or wonder Otherwise, the smallest of incidents can lead to a raging fire.2. Clearance: You need to determine the proper clearance before installing the unit. The dimensions of the Planika FLA is 42 5/16”x24 1/2”x13 3/8”. Generally, the following clearance is needed:
- 3 feet away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, etc.
- 5 feet off the floor
- 3 feet below the ceiling
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