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ETHANOL VS GAS OPEN FLAME FIREPLACES

See why ethanol provides a better solution.

KEY DIFFERENCES

There are many key differences between ethanol and open fronted gas fireplaces. We compare both options so you can understand the features and decide which fireplace best fits your lifestyle and space.

Some of the key differences are:

- Installation requirements
- Flame and heat output
- Servicing and maintenance
- Design flexibility
- Fuel supply and running costs

INSTALLATION

INSTALLATION

ETHANOL

Ethanol fireplaces do not require any utility connections, fresh air-vents, a chimney or a flue, and with less subcontractors needed, this significantly reduces installation costs and time. Simply purchase an EcoSmart Fire fireplace, have it installed, and enjoy. Or unpack and position a freestanding fireplace, which requires no installation.

GAS

It costs more money to install an open fronted gas fireplace. For example, they require a fresh air vent, a flue (chimney), a gas connection point and electrical connection.

FLAME & HEAT OUTPUT

FLAME & HEAT OUTPUT

ETHANOL

Ethanol fireplaces produce a vibrant
orange ‘clean-burning’ flame. There is no heat loss because they do not require a flue or chimney, therefore all the warmth generated from the open flame is distributed into the room. A single ethanol burner can heat up to 65m2.

Ethanol is an excellent option for smaller spaces or for installations where ethanol will be used in conjunction with another source of heat.

*65m2 is based on using an XL1200 in an insulated room with a floor-to-ceiling height of 2.4m.

GAS

Gas fireplaces also produce a real flame, but not as vibrant as ethanol. The flame produced by an open fronted gas fire will burn hotter than ethanol, however, most of the heat generated is lost through the flue. Open fronted gas fires must have a fresh air vent for the room they’re installed into, due to the ‘acceptable level’ of carbon monoxide produced by the gas fire.

SERVICING

SERVICING

ETHANOL

Our ethanol burners are made from 100% stainless steel and have no inaccessible moving parts, which means no expensive replacement costs. They can be simply washed out by hand in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher.

GAS

All gas fireplaces need servicing every 12-18 months to maintain their warranty. Servicing needs to be performed by a qualified gas fitter and does not include the cost of replacement parts which can be expensive.

FUEL SOURCE

FUEL SOURCE

ETHANOL

e-NRG ethanol is an eco-friendly fuel source that can be ordered online and delivered to your door.

GAS

LP Gas and Natural Gas are not carbon neutral, and Natural Gas is not readily available everywhere.

DESIGN FLEXIBILITY

DESIGN FLEXIBILITY

ETHANOL

Because ethanol is clean-burning, EcoSmart Fire models do not need a chimney or a flue for venting. They can also be installed into a timber stud frame – in fact, almost anywhere!

GAS

It is not possible for every space to include a chimney, such as apartments or some commercial spaces.

RUNNING COSTS

RUNNING COSTS

ETHANOL

Average Cost $1.93/h
(Based on the BK5 Burner)

GAS

LPG Average Cost $1.91/h
NG Average Cost $1.67/h

*Gas prices do not include bottle hire/replacement fees ($340-$420 a year) or connection fees ($0.60-$0.90/day). The average cost of LPG was calculated by finding the average price per mj amongst 3 gas providers per state. NG average cost source: energy.gov.au report; 2017.

ETHANOL VS GAS OPEN FLAME FIREPLACES

See why ethanol heaters provides a better solution.

KEY DIFFERENCES

There are many key differences between ethanol and open fronted gas fireplaces. We compare both options so you can understand the features and decide which fireplace best fits your lifestyle and space.

Some of the key differences are:

- Installation requirements
- Flame and heat output
- Servicing and maintenance
- Design flexibility
- Fuel supply and running costs

INSTALLATION

ETHANOL

Ethanol fireplaces do not require any utility connections, fresh air-vents, a chimney or a flue, and with less subcontractors needed, this significantly reduces installation costs and time. Simply purchase an EcoSmart Fire fireplace, have it installed, and enjoy. Or unpack and position a freestanding fireplace, which requires no installation.

GAS

It costs more money to install an open fronted gas fireplace. For example, they require a fresh air vent, a flue (chimney), a gas connection point and electrical connection.

FLAME & HEAT OUTPUT

ETHANOL

Ethanol fireplaces produce a vibrant orange ‘clean-burning’ flame. There is no heat loss because they do not require a flue or chimney, therefore all the warmth generated from the open flame is distributed into the room. A single ethanol burner can heat up to 65m2.

 

Ethanol is an excellent option for smaller spaces or for installations where ethanol will be used in conjunction with another source of heat.

 

*65m2 is based on using an XL1200 in an insulated room with a floor-to-ceiling height of 2.4m.

GAS

Gas fireplaces also produce a real flame, but not as vibrant as ethanol. The flame produced by an open fronted gas fire will burn hotter than ethanol, however, most of the heat generated is lost through the flue. Open fronted gas fires must have a fresh air vent for the room they’re installed into, due to the ‘acceptable level’ of carbon monoxide produced by the gas fire.

SERVICING

ETHANOL

EcoSmart Fire ethanol burners are made from 100% stainless steel and have no inaccessible moving parts, which means no expensive replacement costs. They can be simply washed out by hand in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher.

GAS

All gas fireplaces need servicing every 12-18 months to maintain their warranty. Servicing needs to be performed by a qualified gas fitter and does not include the cost of replacement parts which can be expensive.

FUEL SOURCE

ETHANOL

e-NRG ethanol is an eco-friendly fuel source that can be ordered online and delivered to your door.

GAS

LP Gas and Natural Gas are not carbon neutral, and Natural Gas is not readily available everywhere.

DESIGN FLEXIBILITY

ETHANOL

Because ethanol is clean-burning, EcoSmart Fire models do not need a chimney or a flue for venting. They can also be installed into a timber stud frame – in fact, almost anywhere!

GAS

It is not possible for every space to include a chimney, such as apartments or some commercial spaces.

RUNNING COSTS

ETHANOL

Average Cost $1.93/h
(Based on the BK5 Burner)

GAS

LPG Average Cost $1.91/h
NG Average Cost $1.67/h

*Gas prices do not include bottle hire/replacement fees ($340-$420 a year) or connection fees ($0.60-$0.90/day). The average cost of LPG was calculated by finding the average price per mj amongst 3 gas providers per state. NG average cost source: energy.gov.au report; 2017.

Ethanol burners

With EcoSmart's clean-burning bio ethanol burner you can create a unique atmosphere with superior comfort & design. An ethanol burner gives your imagination the freedom to complement any living space. From fabulous foundations, you enjoy freedom to build beyond boundaries.

Fire Pit Bowls and Tables

Complete a great atmospheric entertaining experience with an bioethanol fireplace! A cosy and warm firetable or firepit will perfectly complement your contemporary indoor or outdoor space. Available in different shapes, sizes and finishes, you’re guaranteed to make memories around these fires

Flex Fireplaces

Providing endless design flexibility and installation freedom to interior designers, architects, builders, landscapers and homeowners, EcoSmart’s Flex Fireplace Series ensures your next commercial project or residential renovation includes a captivating fire feature.

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