Technology has improved so much over the past few decades, so we are no longer limited to just one type of fireplace for our home. Many people opt for a “fake” fireplace over a traditional wood-burning fireplace, because they create the same ambiance without requiring as much maintenance.
Two of the most popular types of fake fireplaces are the ethanol fireplace and the electric fireplace. Both of these fireplaces are great options for those who don’t want a traditional fireplace. However, there are some key differences between these two fireplace models to consider. Let’s take a look at these fireplaces to determine which one is right for you!
What is the Difference Between Ethanol and Electric Fireplaces?
Ethanol and electric fireplaces are actually similar in many ways. They are both good options if you’re looking for a freestanding fireplace because they do not require a flue. They can also be mounted on the wall if you prefer. You won’t have to worry about ashes or any carcinogens coming from the fireplace, as both are very clean burning.
The biggest difference between bio ethanol fireplaces and electric fireplaces are their fuel source. As the name implies, a bioethanol fireplace uses ethanol, a natural gas, as its fuel source. To use, you’ll put the fuel into the reservoir before use and simply turn it on. You will need to refuel every so often, and it’s very important that you don’t do this while the fireplace is on.
Electric fireplaces plug into an electric outlet and use electricity instead of fuel. The flame is produced using a heating coil. These fireplaces are very easy to turn on and off with a switch and are very low maintenance.
Pros and Cons of Ethanol Fireplaces
The biggest advantage of using an ethanol fireplace is that they are very environmentally friendly. Bioethanol is made using renewable agricultural resources like corn. It’s also very clean burning – while it produces a very small amount of carbon dioxide, it produces no carcinogens, dangerous fumes, or other toxins that will have an effect on the air quality in your home.
Additionally, tabletop ethanol fireplaces are very easy to install. There are both freestanding and wall mounted options available, and you can put them virtually anywhere in your house. There’s very little maintenance involved, and they are very safe when used correctly. Despite this, these fireplaces can be quite powerful, producing strong flames and a decent amount of heat.
In fact, ethanol fireplaces can be a good source of heat and light if you lose power in your home. They don’t require any electricity to run, so as long as you have access to ethanol, you will be able to keep using it.
The downside to using an ethanol fireplace is that ethanol can be quite expensive. It’s important to make sure you’re using high-quality bio ethanol fireplaces that is designed for indoor use, but this can often come with a higher price tag. If you’re using your fireplace on a regular basis, you will likely have to repurchase the ethanol at least a few times per year.
Pros and Cons of Electric Fireplaces
The advantages of electric fireplaces are similar to those of ethanol fireplaces. They can be placed anywhere in your home as long as you have access to an outlet. It’s easy to find freestanding or tabletop electric fireplaces that are completely portable. This means they are a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want to permanently commit to a larger fireplace or wants to be able to take it with them.
Electric fireplaces are also very affordable to purchase, so they are a great way to make your home feel cozier if you are on a budget. They are also very low maintenance – you don’t need to worry about cleaning them or refueling them. You can turn them on and off with the touch of a button or through a remote control, which means that you won’t need to spend time trying to get logs to light or trying to put the fire out when you are ready to leave.
The downside of an electric fireplace is that it can increase your electric bill over time. If you do opt for an electric fireplace, you will want to be mindful of how often you’re using it and how that will affect your bill.
Both ethanol and electric fireplaces are very reliable choices.
These are a great way to make your home feel warmer and cozier without a complex installation process. Ultimately, your decision will come down to the type of fuel you prefer.