The flame burning in the hearth creates an unusually cozy atmosphere. At the same time, this method of heating a room is irrational, since the heat is distributed unevenly and is wasted.
As a result, both in apartments and private houses, preference began to be given to imitation. Its decorative effect is the same, but at the same time, the “hearth” can be placed anywhere in the room and decorated in different ways. A biofireplace in the living room interior is one of the best attempts to reproduce a cozy atmosphere without sacrificing fire safety or comfort.
Buying guide - which biofireplace to buy?
If you can't install a traditional fireplace in your home, consider purchasing a biofireplace. It does not require connection to a ventilation system; room ventilation is sufficient. Don't know which bio-fireplace to choose? You will know everything after reading the buying guide.
Installation method
Based on the installation method, there are three types of biofireplaces: free-standing, hanging and built-in. The first, as the name suggests, can be placed anywhere, not necessarily next to a wall, and can also be moved from place to place. These types of biofireplaces are practical; among them you can find models that are small enough that you can even place them on a table.
They don't generate a lot of heat but are a great decoration. Hanging fireplaces are a little more difficult to install as they require drilling several holes in the wall. These models can be hung anywhere, they do not significantly limit the free space, so they are good for small spaces. Built-in biofireplaces resemble traditional ones. Often such models are suitable for installation in a corner.
Closed or open hearth?
Biofireplaces come with closed and open fireplaces. It is true that glass can limit the amount of heat released into a room, but it is a safer solution in homes with small children and animals. In an open hearth, the flame is not shielded, and getting too close to it can lead to burns. When deciding which fireplace to buy, you should consider the safety of your household.
Material of execution
The material of biofireplaces is usually made of stainless steel, so it is resistant to corrosion. It is powder coated in a variety of colors so you can easily find a model that matches the rest of your interior fittings. The fireplace door should be equipped with heat-resistant glass that is resistant to breakage and easy to keep clean. There are also models with an MDF body and a ceramic front panel, which look no less elegant. The most important thing is that the biofireplace is not subject to mechanical damage.
It is true that a biofireplace does not act as the main source of heat in the house, but after lighting a fire in the hearth, the room temperature usually rises by several degrees Celsius. The efficiency of a biofireplace depends on its thermal efficiency (expressed as a percentage) and heating power. In the case of smaller models, it will not be more than approximately 3000 W, but there are also much more powerful biofireplaces, more than 8000 W. Moreover, some allow you to adjust the heating power within a certain range, and this allows you to independently determine the efficiency of heating the room.
Dimensions and weight
By checking the overall dimensions of the bio-fireplace, you can make sure that you can install it in the previously chosen location. As a standard, the height of biofireplaces does not exceed 100 cm, as does the width. Their weight usually ranges from several to several tens of kilograms (but sometimes exceeds 100 kg). The heavier the model you choose, the more difficult it is to assemble it (often it is impossible to assemble it yourself).
Fuel
You need bioethanol to burn in a biofireplace. It can be in gel or liquid form. It is an odorless biofuel that, when burned, turns into water vapor and a small amount of carbon dioxide. Liquid bioethanol is sold in bottles ranging from 1 to 5 liters, and gel is sold in canisters, usually about 0.5 liters. How much fuel you will use primarily depends on the size of the flame and the capacity of the bio-charger. Sometimes it is 0.2 liters, and sometimes much more, even 2 liters. On average, one liter of bioethanol is enough for at least 1 and maximum 6 hours of combustion.
Safety
If the biofireplace is used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, you do not need to worry about your own safety and the safety of other household members. Care must be taken, especially when adding biofuel to the stove. It is recommended to fill no more than 50% of the biocharging capacity; this will prevent accidental spillage of bioethanol. It is also important not to add fuel while the stove is still hot, as it may explode. The best bio-fireplace has a special funnel, which makes pouring bioethanol much easier.
Design
Some biofireplaces look modern, while others fit well into a classic interior. They are all varied in design, so everyone will surely find something to their liking. Very often, accessories are attached to a biofireplace that add elegance to it. This could be, for example, decorative stones for the hearth or ceramic logs that imitate wood.
Biofireplaces at good prices
For a small bio-fireplace that can be placed on a shelf or table, you will pay no more than 18,000 rubles. If you are interested in a much larger bio-fireplace, you should prepare to spend up to 35,000 rubles. Factors that influence the price of this type of product are primarily: brand, material, size and design.
Materials, body design
Glass
The stylish design with glass will look harmonious in a modern interior. In addition, the glass gives a complete view of the flame. The body uses reliable heat-resistant glass.
Ceramic body
This type is most often used in the manufacture of small structures, such as a tabletop biofireplace. Ceramic matches the flame beautifully. The design of the body can also be made of ceramic tiles.
With a plasterboard portal
Plasterboard construction is a fairly economical design method. You can make the design yourself or purchase a ready-made one. The size, shape and finish can be almost any.
Marble body
A bio-fireplace in a marble casing is a luxurious and expensive piece of furniture. Natural marble or high-quality imitation will look perfect in any interior.
Wooden body
Wood is a beautiful and noble material. The design can be in classic, country or Provence style. The wood must be treated with a heat-resistant coating.
FAQ
Q1: Does the bio-fireplace provide heat?
Biofireplaces are usually considered mainly as an elegant decorative element of the interior. However, it turns out that they can also heat the room and thereby increase the comfort of staying in it. It is true that bio-models are not as efficient as traditional fireplaces, but they are ideal for small spaces and those where there is no proper chimney installation.
Q2: Biofireplace - how does it work?
The biofireplace does not require constant addition of firewood, pellets or coal. It runs on bioethanol. This is a special type of alcohol-based fuel that can be in the form of a gel or liquid. The biofireplace does not emit odor or smoke; it requires oxygen to operate. Almost 100% of biofuel is burned, and the resulting thermal energy is completely released into the environment.
Q3: How much heat does a biofireplace produce?
How much heat a biofireplace will give off depends primarily on its power. Typically it ranges from 1000 W to 3000 W. Many people believe that biomodels are inefficient, but on average they provide the same amount of heat as a regular radiator in a central heating system. With the help of a biofireplace you can heat a room up to 30 m2.
Q4: How to light a bio fireplace?
Lighting a bio-fireplace is so easy that it shouldn’t be a problem for any of us. This is done by filling the tank with biofuel and lighting it, preferably with a long match or lighter. If you are careful, you will definitely avoid burns. If you accidentally spill bioethanol while filling the tank, you need to clean it.
Symmetrical corner fireplaces
This fireplace has both corner sides of the same size. It can be either a clear triangular or semicircular shape. Suitable for almost any interior and any type of room - a wide variety of models will allow you to choose exactly the fireplace design that will harmoniously complement the space of the room.
In the photo: Symmetrical corner fireplace
When integrating such a fireplace into the interior of a room, it is worth paying attention to symmetry in the design of the entire space.
Biofireplace - what is it?
Archiexpo
Biofireplace is a beautiful interior decoration, but not everyone has the opportunity to install it at home, especially in an apartment in an apartment building. For this reason, biofireplaces that do not require, for example, pipes for exhaust gases, are becoming increasingly popular. Below we will explain what a biofireplace is and how it works.
What is a biofireplace?
A biofireplace is a special type of fireplace that is powered by a special biofuel, rather than wood and coal. This makes it possible to install it in any room of the house without the need for extensive installation. It is enough to make sure that the room is well ventilated. Biofuel, or bioethanol, comes in liquid and gel form and burns almost 100%. The combustion process produces small amounts of water vapor and carbon dioxide. To get rid of them, it is enough to regularly ventilate the room. Oxygen is necessary for the bio-fireplace to function properly, so sometimes it is necessary to open the windows.
Requirements for the premises when installing a fireplace and operating rules
Although biofireplaces are not connected to the hood, which is convenient for city apartments, it is necessary to ventilate the room where they are installed. For rooms whose area exceeds 20-25 square meters, natural air exchange through open windows is sufficient. In small rooms, man-made ventilation is needed for regular air circulation, as carbon dioxide will accumulate in dangerous concentrations. Its excess negatively affects the human body and can lead to health problems. A pleasant and necessary addition would be to decorate the room with indoor plants in pots, which will “distill” it into oxygen.
When lighting a fireplace, the fuel may emit a specific “alcohol” odor, which dissipates very quickly. To avoid this, add a couple of drops of aromatic oil to the tank, which “will not spoil the porridge.”
Is biofireplace safe?
If you follow a few basic rules, the bio-fireplace will definitely not threaten the safety of your household. In addition to ventilating the room, it is also important to be careful when adding fuel to the firebox. Bioethanol can only be added when the fireplace is extinguished and cooled down. If the fire has already gone out and you want to relight it, you must wait until the fire goes out. Otherwise, when adding biofuel, you may get burned or cause a fire due to the unexpected explosion of flammable vapors. If bioethanol spills, you should wipe it up before lighting the fireplace.
To avoid putting yourself and your loved ones at risk, you should also choose good quality biofuel and store it properly. In particular, it is not recommended to purchase bioethanol that is not intended for combustion in a fireplace. This soot-producing mixture of ethanol and gasoline can also explode suddenly. Because biofuel is a flammable liquid, we must store it away from sources of fire and out of the reach of children and pets.
What are biofireplaces made of?
Several different materials are used to produce biofireplaces. The most common are glass, stainless steel, concrete, stone and MDF. This affects not only the appearance of the product, but also its durability. Many people do not know which biofireplace is recommended for reliability. The main thing is to choose a model with a heat-resistant case. Although it does not have direct contact with the fireplace, it should be designed to allow the fireplace to be used safely.
Design
How is the fireplace constructed? The design of the case can be almost anything, depending on personal preferences. The main requirement is compliance with safety rules, or rather the required minimum distance from the flame. The top of the flame should be at least 80 cm from the surface of the body, and the distance from the side should be at least 20-25 cm.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of biofireplaces?
As already mentioned, it is suitable for installation both in a house and in an apartment. In addition, there are many products that cost less than 10,000 rubles, so buying a biofireplace should not burden your home budget. This is an original interior decoration, and the fire in the hearth adds coziness and a unique atmosphere to the room.
We should not forget that biofuel is environmentally friendly. However, biofireplaces are not without their drawbacks. They do not work well as the main source of heat in the home because their heating output is too low. In addition, regular ventilation of the room can become unpleasant, especially on frosty days and evenings. However, this is necessary for your safety.
Types and diagrams of burners
As for the description of the burners, they can be of several types and have different characteristics, but they all operate on the general principle, evaporative atmospheric. That is, the fuel evaporates in a heated chamber in the absence of air, and the vapors released into the atmosphere burn in the air.
For this operating principle, there are three types of burners:
- capillary,
- wick,
- gravity flow.
The capillary burner has a simple design, but there are a number of disadvantages. When starting up, you may smell ethanol; the filler in the burner tank becomes clogged over time and requires replacement, and it is also necessary to provide a barrier and adjust the flame height, since at the beginning of operation the fire burns hotter.
The wick burner is easier to use. Filling the container with fuel is done “by eye”. The flame of this type of burner is stable, without sudden changes, so a barrier is not required, except for various flame effects, but it is worth providing for the presence of a divider grille.
A gravity burner produces a stable flame during operation and does not emit vapors when warming up, since a supply of them is formed in the evaporator and this is enough to start. In addition, this type of burner can be produced in a round shape, provides long operation, up to 4 hours, and is also suitable for a fireplace of any power.
