Bio Ethanol Fuel and Gel Fuel, the Differences
There are a number of differences between Bio Ethanol Fuel and Gel Fuel and these need to be considered when choosing the type of bio-fuel burner or fireplace that you want to use in your between Bio Ethanol Fuel and Gel Fuel can include properties the viscosity, the colour, smell, how it is to be used, where it should be used and also the emissions that can be generated from the fuel. There is also a difference in how the fuel burns.
Viscosity
The obvious difference 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 a green gel fuel that are sold.
Smell
All Bio-ethanol Fuel types have a smell it is generally not noticeable however in some environments it may be noticed as stronger by some people than others.
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Burning Quality
Both fuels burner 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 clean until it reaches the point at which it is starting to run out. The gel during biting creates a residue on the top of the fuel which once the fuel starts to run out and the flame reaches the residue on the bottom of the burner the residue can generate smoke. This can be quite strong and can be harmful if inhaled. For this reason generally gel fuel is used in smaller burners and small quantities. Personally I will not use it 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.
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Summary
Overall Bio-Ethanol fuel is the best option however the down side is that it is a liquid which is highly flammable 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.
Suppliers of Bio-Ethanol Fireplace
- Bio-Blaze Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces
- Bio-Fires Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- Campo24 Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- Deka Interieurbouw Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- DRULINE Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- Ignis Products Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- InterWorld 24 Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- ItalPol Produkt Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- Kratki Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- oneConcept Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
- Purline Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces
- Tristar Bio Ethanol Fireplaces
More Bio-Ethanol Fireplace Technical Pages
- Bio Ethanol Fuel and Gel Fuel, The Differences
- Bio-Ethanol Fireplace Explained, Operation and Use
- Bio-Ethanol Fireplace Fuel Explained
- Choosing a Freestanding Bio-Ethanol Fireplace
- Guide to Adding Pebbles to a Bio-ethanol Fireplace
- Guide to Buying a Table Top Bio-ethanol Fire
- Guide to Buying an Outdoor Bio-ethanol Fireplace
- Guide to Choosing a Bio-Ethanol Burner
- Guide to Choosing a Bio-Ethanol Fireplace
- Guide to Installing Wall Mounted Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces
- Guide to Using and Storing Bio-Ethanol Fuel
