Key takeaways
- Bioethanol fuel is a renewable alcohol fuel made from plants; it burns without smoke, soot or ash.
- 1 litre burns for around 3-5 hours depending on the device and flame setting.
- Fuel purity matters more than price: low-grade ethanol can smell, smoke and damage your burner.
- Use fuel made for fireplaces (like Fanola) - never spirits, gasoline or industrial alcohol.
If you own an ethanol fireplace - or you are thinking about one - the fuel is half the experience. The right bioethanol fuel gives you a full, quiet, odourless flame. The wrong one gives you a weak fire, a chemical smell and residue on your burner. This guide covers what bioethanol fuel actually is, how it burns, how much it costs to run, and how to choose a fuel that keeps your fireplace working like new.
What is bioethanol fuel?
Bioethanol is ethyl alcohol produced by fermenting plants: corn, sugar cane, beets or potatoes. The "bio" prefix means it comes from renewable biomass rather than fossil sources. For fireplace use, the raw alcohol is purified and denatured (made undrinkable), and quality brands fine-tune the formula for a stable, bright flame.
When bioethanol burns, it produces heat, water vapour and small amounts of carbon dioxide - comparable to burning a few candles. No smoke, no soot, no ash, no chimney required. That is why bio ethanol fireplaces can be installed in apartments, hotels and offices where a wood or gas fireplace is not an option.
How long does bioethanol fuel burn?
As a rule of thumb, 1 litre of quality bioethanol burns for 3 to 5 hours. The exact time depends on three things:
- Burner size: a large flame line consumes more fuel than a small tabletop bowl.
- Flame setting: on adjustable devices, a low flame can double the burn time.
- Technology: Planika's BEV (Burning Ethanol Vapours) devices heat the fuel and burn its vapours instead of the liquid surface - a more complete, more efficient burn than open-tray burners.
What does it cost to run an ethanol fireplace?
With fuel at roughly 5-7 EUR per litre in economy packs, an evening of fire (2-3 hours at a medium flame) costs about 3-5 EUR. There is no installation, no chimney maintenance and no service contract - fuel is essentially the only running cost.
Which bioethanol fuel is safe for your fireplace?
This is where most mistakes happen. Three rules:
1. Use fireplace-grade bioethanol only
Never burn methylated spirits, gasoline, or generic industrial alcohol in a fireplace. They burn unpredictably, smell, and can leave harmful residues. Fireplace bioethanol like Fanola is formulated for a clean, controlled flame.
2. Check the purity
Quality fireplace fuel is around 95-96% ethanol. Cheaper fuels cut the ethanol content with water or additives - the result is a weaker flame, more odour and deposits on the burner.
3. Match the fuel to your device
Automatic fireplaces with pumps and sensors (like Planika BEV devices) are calibrated for a specific fuel quality. Low-grade fuel can clog nozzles and sensors and shorten the life of the device. Fanola is the fuel Planika burners are designed and tested for.
How to store and handle bioethanol
- Store bottles closed, upright, away from heat and out of children's reach.
- Never refill a burning or hot fireplace - let it cool down first (automatic devices enforce this for you).
- Wipe up spills before igniting.
FAQ
Is bioethanol fuel eco-friendly?
It is renewable and burns without smoke or particulates. The CO2 released roughly equals what the source plants absorbed while growing.
Does a bioethanol fireplace give real heat?
Yes - all the energy goes into the room instead of up a chimney. A typical device delivers 2-4 kW, enough to noticeably warm a living room.
Can I use bioethanol fuel indoors?
Yes, in a fireplace designed for it. Ventilate the room occasionally, as you would with candles or a gas hob.
What is the difference between 1L and 5L packs?
Only convenience and price per litre. Fanola 12x1L is easier to pour by hand; Fanola 4x5L is the best value and works well with the automatic fuel pump.
Planika has been designing and manufacturing bioethanol fireplaces for over 20 years, with patented BEV technology used in homes, hotels and restaurants in more than 90 countries.