Bioethanol Burners 101: Clean Flames, Real Warmth, No Flue

Bioethanol fires are having a moment. They give you real flames without the hassle of logs, ash, or chimney work, and they look fantastic in style-led outdoor spaces. If you are planning festive hosting in a covered patio or
garden room with ventilation, a bioethanol burner can add instant atmosphere with minimal fuss. This guide cuts through the noise so you can decide if it is right for you.

What a bioethanol burner is, and where it shines

A bioethanol burner uses liquid bioethanol fuel to produce a clean, dancing flame. There is no plumbed gas, no electricity to wire in, and no flue. You pour fuel into the burner tank, light it, then enjoy the glow.

You will love bioethanol if you:

• Want real flame ambience with simple setup
• Value low maintenance and minimal smoke
• Need portability for seasonal styling or to refresh layouts
• Are creating a focal point for a covered terrace or pergola with airflow

For open patios and design-first spaces, bioethanol delivers the look and vibe without committing to a fixed gas line. If you lean toward sculptural centrepieces, explore contemporary options and compact pieces like
tabletop fire features. For a curated start, see our bio ethanol burner collection and matching bioethanol fire table designs.

Are bioethanol fires legal in the UK?

Yes. Bioethanol fires are generally legal to buy and use in the UK, including in Smoke Control Areas, because bioethanol is a clean-burning liquid fuel. You must use them responsibly and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions, including ventilation guidance. If you are placing a unit in a garden room, veranda, or partially enclosed area, ensure there is through-ventilation and observe all clearances and safety notes from the maker.

Do bioethanol fires need a flue?

No. Bioethanol fires do not create soot or ash in normal operation, so there is no flue to install. That simplicity is a major benefit for renters and anyone who wants a tidy upgrade before guests arrive. You still need airflow to
disperse water vapour and trace combustion gases, so avoid sealed rooms and follow the ventilation guidance in your manual.

Heat output versus gas and wood

Think of bioethanol as an ambience-forward heat source. You will feel a warm halo near the flame, perfect for taking the edge off on cool evenings, but it will not match a dedicated gas patio heater or a large wood fire pit for
sheer heat. Typical bioethanol burners reach around 2 to 4 kW depending on size and setting. Gas patio heaters and bigger wood pits can exceed that, so if peak heat is your priority, consider those alternatives for open,
chilly nights.

If your aim is a stylish flame feature that complements blankets and layered seating, bioethanol fits beautifully. For deep winter warmth on exposed terraces, pair your fire feature with blankets and wind protection or
consider supplementary heat.

Do bioethanol fires heat a room?

They add noticeable local warmth in a small or moderately sized covered area with ventilation. Do not expect whole-room primary heating. Treat bioethanol as a mood-setting secondary heat source that makes the
immediate seating zone feel comfortable.

Running costs and how long 1 litre lasts

Burn time varies by burner size, aperture setting, and airflow, but a good rule of thumb is:

1 litre of bioethanol typically lasts 2.5 to 4 hours

On low settings you may exceed that, and on high you may be closer to 2 hours. Cost per hour depends on your local fuel price. As a guide, many UK buyers find the running cost comparable to frequent candle use or a
modest electric heater on a low setting. If you often entertain, buying fuel in multipacks usually brings the cost down.

Do bioethanol fires give off carbon monoxide?

Any open flame can produce carbon monoxide if oxygen is limited or if the flame is disturbed. Modern bioethanol burners are designed to burn cleanly with the correct fuel and good airflow. Use only approved bioethanol
fuel, never adulterate it, and always operate in a space with ventilation. We recommend a carbon monoxide alarm in adjacent indoor areas or garden rooms as an extra safeguard. Follow the maker’s guidance on room size
and air changes.

Do bioethanol fires smell?

Quality bioethanol burns with very low odour. You may notice a slight alcohol scent at ignition and extinguishing, similar to lighting a clean lamp oil or chafing fuel. If you smell more than a trace, check that:

• You are using high quality, denatured bioethanol fuel
• The burner is clean and free from spills
• The flame aperture is set correctly and there is adequate airflow

Wipe any drips before lighting and let any spilt fuel fully evaporate.

Safety basics you will actually use

• Place the unit on a stable, level, non-combustible surface
• Keep clearances to walls, fabrics, and foliage as specified by the manufacturer
• Provide through-ventilation, never operate in a sealed space
• Keep children and pets outside a set perimeter
• Only refill when the burner is completely cool
• Store fuel upright, capped, and away from heat sources
• Consider a CO alarm in nearby enclosed spaces

If you are styling a timber deck or composite terrace, pair your fire with a suitable base or heat shield if your model requires it.

How do you turn off a bioethanol fire?

• Use the supplied shutter tool or lid to fully close the burner’s fuel aperture
• Wait for the flame to go out completely
• Do not blow on the flame and do not use water
• Let the unit cool fully before touching or refuelling

To shut down mid-evening, close the aperture gradually to reduce flame height, then slide the lid to smother the flame.

TV above, and placement tips

Heat rises. Many bioethanol flames throw gentle heat compared to wood or gas, but you should still respect clearances. If you want a TV above, follow these steps:

• Check the manufacturer’s clearance chart for your exact model
• Test run the unit and feel the wall temperature above after 30 minutes
• Use a heat deflector if the brand offers one
• Maintain generous vertical distance and avoid recesses that trap heat

For most outdoor settings, you will get the best effect by placing the fire at coffee-table height in front of seating, or as a sculptural centrepiece clear of overhangs. In covered areas, maintain airflow on at least two sides.

Are bioethanol burners worth it?

If you want instant ambience, tidy operation, and flexible placement, they are an excellent choice. You trade maximum heat for design freedom and low maintenance. For style-led entertaining where conversation and
candle-like glow matter most, they deliver. For raw heat on a frosty night, a larger wood pit or a gas patio heater remains the heavyweight option.

Garden Chefs, curation and support

We curate design-forward burners that are simple to live with. If you are exploring a bio ethanol fireplace or a compact bioethanol fire table for a covered terrace, we can help you choose the right size and talk through
ventilation basics and accessories. All orders include tracked UK delivery, backed by our love-it-or-100% refund promise if it is not right for your space.

Prefer to mix flame and food on the same patio plan; pair your fire feature with thoughtfully chosen grills and accessories when you are setting up for guests. If you want a signature sculptural feature for open-air
gatherings, see our modern fire pits for larger focal points, or explore outdoor fire pits for more choices.

Key takeaways

• Legal in the UK with sensible use and ventilation
• No flue needed; minimal odour with the right fuel
• Expect 2.5 to 4 hours burn time per litre, depending on setting
• Adds cosy, local warmth; not a substitute for high-output heaters
• Operate with airflow, keep a CO alarm nearby in garden rooms, and follow clearances
• Shut down by closing the burner aperture with the supplied tool, then allow full cool-down

Planning a festive get-together; speak to our team for guidance on sizing, fuel, and placement so your bioethanol feature looks the part and works safely from the first light.