The smart way to keep warm this winter
There’s nothing like sitting down beside an open fire on a cold winter evening, but for many of us, the reality of urban living has meant that it’s just not been practical. There is now, however an eco-friendly alternative for those who want a real flame but none of the mess or fuss.
Ethanol fireplaces are turning the dream of a warm winter fireplace into a reality for millions of people around the world – and can be found in the funkiest apartments and condominiums to some of the greenest homes on the planet.
Based on the old spirit stove concept, ethanol fireplaces open up a whole new world of affordable home fireplace design ideas and installations, and since the early naughties, they’ve been gaining popularity in Australia and overseas. Fuelled by denatured ethanol – a renewably energy – ethanol fireplaces don’t need a chimney, or flue or a hard connection to a utility, giving them the design flexibility that other forms of heating don’t have.
“Design flexibility was key in our thinking,” says Stephane Thomas, director of The Fire Company, creator of the EcoSmart Fire and the new Blu Box Fireplaces range.
“Ethanol fireplaces are chimney free, easy to install and simple to operate, plus they allow you to enjoy the warmth and ambience of an open fireplace in any room. Relaxing and entertaining in front of your very own open fire has never been easier.”
The modular nature of the fireplaces means they’re versatile enough to fit into a wide range of home settings and they don’t need any form of permanent fixture or fitting, so they’re completely portable. In other words, the fireplace can move when you do. The fireplaces have also been designed to look like a piece of furniture and can be customised to suit your individual décor.
Ethanol fireplaces run on denatured ethanol, more commonly known as methylated spirits. “Denatured ethanol is renewable and made up completely of biological products such as sugarcane, potatoes and wheat,” explains Stephane. “It’s easy to use and buy, and produces no smoke and no harmful emissions, which means you can have all the beauty and benefits of a real open fireplace without the worry.”