Running cost - GENERAL IDEA: £1/h for a proper fireplace containers

This could be more or less expensive depending on type of container, usage and amount of fuel bought.

There isn't one simple answer to a question about running cost of all bio fireplaces as this depends very strictly on the type of container used inside the fire. To give you an idea, we will present running cost and some key facts for two most popular products, but also do refer to each product page where you will find some basic info about the capacity of the container, burning time etc.

SMALL BIO BURNER

• Running cost: depending on your fuel purchase, but if fuel bought in bulk, the running cost is about £0.80 - £1 per hour, this will go up if you only buy a small amount of fuel in one go.
• Burning time: 3-5 h per refill
• Fuel capacity: between 1 and 1.3L
• Heat output guidance: 2 - 3kW (This is more than electric fires and comparable to most flueless gas fires.)
• Flame Regulation: yes
• Heat adjustable: yes
• Fuel Suitable: Bio Ethanol Fuel (maximum ethanol content: 96%). NOTE: Gel fuel is NOT suitable.

BIO CONTAINER

• Burning time: 3-4 hours per refill
• Fuel capacity: 1L (medium container) or 1.5L (large) of Bio Ethanol fuel
• Effective running cost: £0.80-£1 per hour (based on buying fuel in bulk, Annual Pack for £110)
• Heat output: approx. 3kW
• Flame regulation: no
• Heat adjustable: no
• Fuel Suitable: Bio Ethanol Fuel (maximum ethanol content: 96%). NOTE: Gel fuel is NOT suitable.
  

   

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FACTS FOR ALL BIO FIRES:

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• Fumes or smoke produced: none (if flame is not obstructed)
• Flue needed: no
• Smell: virtually any (it is a real flame, so you will smell it when you enter a room as nothing that burns can be completely odourless, but the scent is barely present and does not bother 99.9% of people)
• Do I need any ventilation: no. You may want to open a window after having the fire on for couple of hours, but nothing more.
• Can I use Bio Fuel bought elsewhere: yes, but you must make sure it is the right one, with ethanol content not greater than 96.6% and designed specially for fireplaces. Also - be very weary of buying your fuel in 5L containers as, although it is cheaper, the weight of it makes it hard to fill up precisely and you are much more likely to spill the fuel. Never light the container that has been overfilled.
• Can I use jellified fuel with it: no, because you cannot wash it and gel leaves residue
• Does the top of container discolour after time: slightly, it is a real flame, so the top of the container will eventually tarnish a bit, this is completely normal and cannot be prevented