There are a number of differences that you need to consider when you decide to buy bioethanol fuel or buy gel fuel and these need to be considered alongside what type of bioethanol burner tray or gel burner you have purchased. The initial step is to decide on what type of fireplace you are looking for. If it is something very small and decorative like a tabletop fireplace then it is most likely you will choose a gel burner product. If you are wanting a fully functioning fireplace product you will most likely be buying a bioethanol fire. There is no real difference between the fuel, they are both alcohol based, made from sustainable sources and clean burning however there are big difference in how you will use the fuel and where is best to use it.
Bio Ethanol Fuel and Gel Fuel, the Differences
As stated above both fuel sources are alcohol based. The differences between bio ethanol fuel and gel fuel can also include properties like the viscosity, the colour, smell, how it is to be used, how it burns, where it should be used, inside or outside and also the emissions that can be generated from the fuel.
Viscosity
The first obvious difference between these biofuels is the viscosity of the product. The viscosity is an indication of how easy it is to pour the fuel. Bio-ethanol Fuel is very much a liquid which means it is easy to pour, and unless great care is taken, also easy to spill. Gel fire fuel is a thick liquid, more like a syrup, so it is difficult to pour unless you squeeze the bottle, which also means it does not spill easily.
Colour
Bio-ethanol fireplace fuel tends to be sold as a clear liquid. This means that it looks a lot like water. Gel fuel is typically sold as a yellow fuel however there are some cans that contain coloured fuel like blue or green gel fuel that are sold.
Smell
All Bio-ethanol Fuel types have a smell it is generally not noticeable however in some environments the smell may be noticed by some people than others.
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Burning Quality
Both fuels burn relatively clean when compared to carbon based fuels (Gas, Coal, Wood etc) however it has been noticed that when gel fuel is burnt, it will burn cleanly, until it reaches the point at which it is starting to run out.
The gel fuel, during burning, can creates a residue, or scum, on top of the fuel. Once the fuel starts to run out, the scum starts to line the sides and bottom of the burner, once the flame reaches this residue it can start to generate smoke. This can be quite strong and can be harmful if inhaled.
For this reason generally gel fuel should be used in smaller burners or inside the small fuel cans it is bought. Personally, I will not use a gel fuel indoors, I only use bio-ethanol fuel indoors in my bioethanol burner.
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Type of Burner
If you use the wrong fuel you can damage the burner so read the manufactures instructions for the fireplace. Bio-ethanol fuel can be used in a wide range of burners including remote control bio-ethanol fireplaces.
Gel fuel tends to be used in smaller cans, burners and outdoors. Sometimes bioethanol burners can include ceramic foam sponge which reduces the fuel usage. Gel fuel should not be used with the sponge due to the reason given above. Read the guide to adding ceramic sponge to bioethanol burner trays
Summary
Overall bioethanol fuel is the best option however the down side is that it is a highly flammable liquid which is and easy to spill. As it is a clear liquid these spillages may not be noticeable before lighting the fire. Therefore great care must be take on the filling of the burner and cleaning up and spillages before lighting. Gel fuel as it is thicker is much less likely to be spilt but it is still flammable so any spillages must also be cleaned before lighting. Overall my advice is use bio-ethanol fuel indoors and use gel fuel outside as then the problem with residue and smoke will not be noticed.
Buy Bioethanol and Gel Fuel
Listed below are some example of bioethanol and gel fuel suppliers that are available to buy online from different suppliers. Click on the link to be taken to a page where you can read the technical specification and place your order.
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Suppliers of Bio-Ethanol Fireplace
We have selected some of the best bioethanol fireplace designer, manufacturers and suppliers from across Europe and listed these below. Click on a link to find the most suitable for you. If you are looking for expensive and high specification check out Planika bioethanol fires, if you a want a well made and reasonably priced bioethanol product check out Kratki bioethanol fires. All the others are listed below. Check out as many as you can.
- Aflamo Bioethanol Fireplaces (Poland)
- B2C Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- Bio-Blaze Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces
- Bio-Fires Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- BLOMUS – Outdoor Gel Fires Garden Bioethanol Fireplace
- Campo24 Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- Casa Padrino Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces
- Deka Interieurbouw Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- DRULINE Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- Ignis Products Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- Imagin Fires – Bioethanol Fireplaces
- InterWorld 24 Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- ItalPol Produkt Bio Ethanol Fireplaces (Poland)
- Kaminbau Mierzwa Bio Ethanol Fireplaces (Germany)
- Kratki Bio Ethanol Fireplaces (Poland)
- Muenkel Design Bio Ethanol Fireplaces (Germany)
- oneConcept Bio Ethanol Fireplaces (Germany)
- Planika Bioethanol Fireplaces – Modern Ethanol Fires
- Purline Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces
- Regal Flame Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- Retailers of Bioethanol Fireplaces and Gel Fires
- Tecno Air System Bioethanol Fireplaces (Italy)
- Tristar Bio Ethanol Fireplaces (Germany)
More Bio-Ethanol Fireplace Technical Pages
We have written some more technical help guides regarding bioethanol and gel fires, these are shown below.
- Bio-Ethanol Fireplace Explained, Operation and Use
- Bio-Ethanol Fireplace Fuel Explained
- Choosing a Freestanding Bio-Ethanol Fireplace
- Converting a Traditional Fireplace to Bioethanol Fuel
- Gel Burners and Gel Fuel Cans – Buying Guide
- Guide to Adding Pebbles to a Bio-ethanol Fireplace
- Guide to Bioethanol Fireplace Running Costs
- Guide to Buying a Table Top Bio-ethanol Fire
- Guide to Buying an Outdoor Bio-ethanol Fireplace
- Guide to Ceramic Sponge Wool Use in Bioethanol Burners
- Guide to Choosing a Bio-Ethanol Burner Tray Insert Firebox
- Guide to Choosing a Bio-Ethanol Fireplace
- Guide to Installing Wall Mounted Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces
- Ventilation for Bioethanol Fireplaces and Gel Burners
More Styles of Bio-Ethanol Fireplace
- Bio-Ethanol Burner Trays, Firebox Inserts
- Bio-Ethanol Fire Grate Burner Designs
- Bio-Ethanol Ribbon Burners
- Bioethanol Fireplace Insert, Bio Burner Trays
- Bioethanol Flueless Fire Designs
- Built In Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces
- Buy Bioethanol Fires Online – Sustainable Heating Solutions
- Buy Gel Fires Online – Sustainable Heating Solutions
- Flueless Bioethanol Fireplaces, No Chimney Required
- Freestanding Bio-Ethanol Fires
- Hole in the Wall Recessed Bio-Ethanol Fires
- Outdoor Bio-Ethanol Fires (Garden Fireplace)
- Portable Bio-Ethanol Fireplace Designs
- Round Bio Ethanol Fire Designs
- Table Top Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces
- Traditional Bio-Ethanol Fireplace Style
- Two Sided Bioethanol Fireplace Double Sided Fire Designs
- Wall Mounted Bio-Ethanol Fires
- Wood Burner Style Bio-Ethanol Stove Designs