Bioethanol Fuel: Everything to Know Before Buying

Whether you have a bioethanol fireplace or are looking to purchase one, it’s important you understand the fuel that powers your fireplace and how to store it.

What Is Bioethanol Fuel?

Bioethanol is a renewable, plant-based liquid fuel produced through the fermentation of crops such as sugarcane, corn, wheat, and other biomass. Traditionally UK bioethanol is made using sugar beets, and when used in a bioethanol fireplace, it produces a clean flame, meaning there’s no soot or ash.

Because bioethanol burns cleanly, it means bioethanol fireplaces don’t require a chimney or flue, so they can be fitted or retrofitted into any home.  

How Does Bioethanol Fuel Work in a Fireplace?

This depends on the type of bioethanol burner you have in your fireplace, but the two most popular ways in which it works are:

1  Automatic burners

These are what might be more commonly referred to as a ‘smart home’ piece of equipment. The bioethanol is stored in a tank within the burner and has instant on/off controls via a phone app or remote control (SERO One uses both). The SERO One bioethanol is boiled within the tank until the vapours and released, which are ignited, creating a real fire you can control the intensity of. 

2      Manual burners

This is the most traditional method, where the tank inside the fireplace is filled by pouring bioethanol directly into this, then lighting with a safety lighter. This ensures a consistent flame, but without any control via an app or remote. If the fireplace needed to be turned off, you would cover the flame with a flame snuffer to prevent any further burning of bioethanol.

It's important to note that while both options offer real fire and warmth, the key difference is the control you have over the fire, safety features and the ability to change the intensity of the flames with an automatic burner.  

Bioethanol Costs

This varies depending on your source and the purity of the bioethanol. We recommend using 96%-97% purity to ensure the cleanest flame and the best ‘burnability’ for your money. Most fuels range between £3-5 per litre. Buying in bulk is beneficial as buying 1 litre at a time not only costs much more, but means constantly topping up your fuel supply, rather than having a steady supply in your home. SERO bioethanol fireplaces use around 1 litre per hour, but this can go higher if you have the fireplace on its highest setting all the time.

Final Safety Tips

• Only purchase 96% - 97% purity to ensure the best quality flames (never 100% purity).
• Never refill a manual burner while the fireplace is still hot or lit.
• Keep your fuel in a cool, dry location away from your fireplace.
• Use only fuels made specifically for use in bioethanol fireplaces.

Still looking for a bioethanol fireplace? See the SERO range.