An ethanol burner insert is a stainless steel fuel box that burns liquid bioethanol to make a real, ventless flame inside a custom firebox, an existing fireplace or a fire feature. Choosing one means matching the burner’s length and depth to the opening, picking a heat output that suits the room, and deciding between a manual burner and a remote controlled one with automatic refill. This guide uses the specs on the Bio Flame burners and grate kits we carry, which range from 6,900 to 61,500 BTU on the listings.
Ethanol burner insert types
Bio Flame sells three styles of ethanol fireplace insert, and each suits a different project:
- Built-in ventless burners: long, low boxes (about 4.5 inches tall on most sizes) that drop into a custom firebox or a non-combustible surround. You light them by hand and put the flame out with the supplied tool, as the manual describes.
- SmartFlame remote control burners: listed with remote control and a WiFi app, six adjustable heat settings, an automatic refill system and safety sensors.
- Grate kits: listed as inserts designed to convert existing wood burning, gas or decorative fireplaces to bioethanol, with a deeper footprint that fits a traditional hearth.
If you are still deciding between a real flame and an electric unit, our comparison of an ethanol fireplace vs electric fireplace covers cost, heat and ventilation side by side.
Bioethanol burner sizes and BTU
Here are the listed specs for the Bio Flame bioethanol burner range. Dimensions are height x width x depth.
| Burner | Heat output | Fuel capacity | Size (in) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bio Flame 13 inch burner | 10,600 BTU | 0.7 L | 1.96 x 13.39 x 5.12 | $645.00 |
| Bio Flame 24 inch burner | 14,400 BTU | 7.0 L | 4.5 x 24.15 x 8.5 | $1,895.00 |
| Bio Flame 48 inch burner | 29,800 BTU | 14.5 L | 4.5 x 48.94 x 8.5 | $2,895.00 |
| Bio Flame 60 inch burner | 37,000 BTU | 18 L | 4.54 x 60.0 x 7.6 | $3,795.00 |
| Bio Flame 84 inch burner | 61,500 BTU | 28 L | 4.5 x 84.0 x 7.6 | $6,495.00 |
| Bio Flame 30 inch SmartFlame | 10,200 BTU | 5.7 L | 11 to 14 hour listed burn time | $3,995.00 |
| Bio Flame 48 inch SmartFlame | 18,000 BTU | 10.3 L | 11 to 14 hour listed burn time | $5,395.00 |
| Bio Flame 24 inch grate kit | 21,500 BTU | 7.0 L | 6.3 x 29.7 x 15.7 | $2,195.00 |
Two things stand out. First, heat rises with length, so a long linear burner is also a strong heater; an 84 inch burner at 61,500 BTU is far more heat than most living rooms need. Second, the SmartFlame models list lower heat output than manual burners of similar length, in exchange for remote control, adjustable settings and automatic refill. All heat figures are manufacturer claims.
How to size a burner to your firebox
- Measure the opening. Record the inside width, depth and height of the firebox or surround cutout.
- Pick a length that leaves room around the burner. The burner should sit fully inside a non-combustible space with the gap your burner manual specifies on each side.
- Check depth. Manual burners list 7.6 to 8.5 inches deep, while the 24 inch grate kit lists 15.7 inches, which suits a standard hearth more than a shallow wall niche.
- Think about heat, not just looks. If the room is small, a shorter burner or a SmartFlame model with adjustable heat settings is easier to live with.
- Plan access for refueling. Manual burners are filled from above, so you need to reach the fuel opening safely when the burner is cold.
Converting a traditional fireplace? Our guide to an electric fireplace insert for an existing fireplace covers the same measuring steps and is worth reading if you are weighing both options.
Ventless ethanol burner safety
A ventless ethanol burner releases its combustion products, mainly heat, water vapor and carbon dioxide, into the room. That is why every maker calls for ventilation and clearances. EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplace safety and installation guide lists general rules that line up with most manuals:
- Make sure the fireplace is completely cool before refilling, and wait at least 30 minutes after the flame goes out.
- Light with a long lighter or the supplied lighting rod, and use the supplied tool to put the flame out.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance and never leave a lit burner unattended.
- Maintain the clearances to combustibles in your model’s manual, and use non-combustible materials for the surround.
- Ensure adequate ventilation, and treat an ethanol fire as a zone heater, not a primary heat source.
Store fuel in its sealed container away from the burner, wipe up any spill before lighting, and never pour fuel into a burner that is lit or warm. A working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm nearby are sensible for any fuel burning appliance. If you or someone in the home has a breathing condition, ask a doctor whether an open flame appliance is suitable.
Certifications and local rules
Bio Flame’s built-in burners and grate kits list CE approval and EN 16647 certification, the European standard for decorative appliances that burn alcohol based fuel. In the United States, EcoSmart cites UL 1370, the standard for unvented alcohol fuel burning decorative appliances. Rules on ventless appliances vary by city, building and condo association, so check with your local building or fire official before you build in a burner. Our article on a fire pit on an apartment balcony shows how fast those rules can change from one building to the next.
Fuel and running cost
Use only fuel made for ventless ethanol fireplaces. Bio Flame Fuel ($119.99) is listed as a high purity, plant based bioethanol for ventless fireplaces. Fuel use rises with burner size and flame setting, so a long manual burner on a high flame uses more fuel per hour than a SmartFlame unit on a low setting. The listed burn times on SmartFlame models (11 to 14 hours on the 30 and 48 inch) give a useful benchmark. See all models on our Bio Flame brand page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put an ethanol burner insert in an existing fireplace?
Yes. Bio Flame’s grate kits are listed for converting existing wood burning, gas or decorative fireplaces. Have the fireplace inspected first, and have a licensed gas fitter cap any existing gas line; the burner manual and local code have the final word.
Is a ventless ethanol burner safe indoors?
Used as the manual directs, with ventilation, clearances and a cool burner before refilling, ethanol burners are sold for indoor use. They are open flames, so supervision and local approval still matter.
How much heat does a bioethanol burner give off?
On our listings, Bio Flame burners range from 6,900 BTU (18 inch SmartFlame) to 61,500 BTU (84 inch manual burner).
Do I need a chimney for an ethanol fireplace insert?
No chimney or vent is needed, but the room still needs ventilation as described in the manual.
Comparing heat options? Start with our electric fireplace buying guide. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight, and smaller orders ship for a flat $200. Questions about an ethanol burner insert? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST, and see our return and refund policy.
