Fireplace Inserts

Three zero-clearance bioethanol series, three distinct design intents. Flex is the format-flexible range for bespoke and commercial builds, Heritage reimagines the traditional hearth for compact and high-rise settings, and Frame delivers low-profile linear flame for contemporary and retrofit interiors.

Where they diverge:

• Flex offers the widest format choice: 12 single-sided sizes from 378 to 4,030 mm [14.9 to 158.7 in] viewing width, available across eight configurations (single-sided, left corner, right corner, bay, double-sided, peninsula, island, and bench). The viewing area is all live flame. Select models include an optional decorative box and copper log set. Single-sided models share a 365 mm [14.4 in] depth.
• Heritage is the single-sided traditionalist. Three sizes, 860 to 1,624 mm [33.9 to 63.9 in] wide, with the tallest proportions and deepest 539 mm [21.2 in] profile of the three. A SECC steel grate and toughened glass fire screen come standard, creating the classic log-fire read inside a modern firebox. Zero-clearance, ventless installation makes it suited to compact living spaces and high-rise buildings.
• Frame is the shallowest and lowest-slung, at 363 to 403 mm [14.3 to 15.9 in] deep and 598 mm [23.5 in] high. Five single-sided sizes, toughened low-iron glass for clearer flame, and a design that lets wall finishes be updated without disturbing the insert.

Flex for design freedom. Heritage for traditional proportions without the infrastructure. Frame for linear, low-profile statements and renovations.

Minimum footprints by range:

• Frame (surface-mounted, zero clearance): 746 mm x 798 mm, 403 mm deep
• Flex (recessed cavity): 488 mm wide x 730 mm tall, 365 mm deep
• Heritage (hearth alcove): 860 mm wide x 910 mm tall, 539 mm deep

EcoSmart Fire's zero-clearance bioethanol fireplace inserts do not require professional installation. They are designed for confident DIY completion with comprehensive instructions.

The process has three steps: construct a timber-framed cavity to specified dimensions, mount the insert via the included mounting holes, and finish the surround with approved non-combustible materials. No structural modifications or specialist trades are needed.

Many customers choose to involve a qualified builder or interior designer, and this is where professional input earns its value. A tradesperson brings precise placement, tight integration with bespoke cabinetry, and a polished finish that elevates the overall design. If you're building or renovating, they can also coordinate installation timing across other trades on site.

EcoSmart Fire's trade specialists offer a free drawing review to validate your plan before work begins, giving you expert oversight without the cost of full professional installation.

Building permit requirements vary by jurisdiction; confirm local regulations before starting work.

Yes, a wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace can be installed in a rental property, provided you have written consent from your landlord or property manager.

Bioethanol models have a clear advantage in the rental context: no gas line, no flue, and no electrical connection are required. The fireplace runs entirely from bottled fuel, so there is no permanent utility infrastructure to negotiate. This removes the primary obstacles that would make a gas or wood-burning installation impractical or impossible in most rental agreements.

Installation does involve physical wall work. A recessed model requires a framed wall cavity; a surface-mounted model requires anchor fixings. Both create modifications that most tenancy agreements require prior landlord approval for. Obtain that consent in writing before any work begins.

EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplace inserts cost significantly less to install than traditional gas or wood-burning fireplaces because they eliminate structural modifications, gas line installation, and chimney work. Installation focuses on securing the insert in a framework and finishing the surround, a zero-clearance design that removes expensive building work.

The cost advantage comes from simplicity: no venting requirement, no electrical wiring, no combustion air ducts. Installation typically completes in under an hour once the framework is ready, keeping labour costs lower and timelines shorter. Many homeowners invest in professional finishing work, but the fireplace insert itself requires minimal specialist input.

EcoSmart Fire reports up to 70% in cost savings compared to gas fireplaces across the full installation journey. This includes the insert and surrounding build work. The remaining costs reflect design choices: cabinetry finishes, materials, and architectural integration, decisions that would apply regardless of fireplace type.

Once installed, running costs are minimal. A 9-litre fuel refill burns for 8–13 hours depending on heat setting, making it one of the most economical focal point options. Total cost of ownership, including installation and fuel, typically proves competitive with traditional alternatives.

Bioethanol fireplace inserts are designed as supplemental heat sources rather than primary heating systems for whole homes. EcoSmart Fire's zero-clearance inserts effectively heat individual rooms ranging from 35 to 65 square metres [377 to 700 square feet], depending on burner configuration and room volume. This focused heating strategy is intentional: inserts deliver 90 per cent efficiency because ventless design retains all heat within the room, rather than losing it up a chimney.

For whole-home heating, consider two approaches: combine multiple inserts in key gathering spaces (living areas, gathering spaces), or use your existing central heating system with inserts adding warmth and ambience to high-use zones. A single insert won't replace your primary heat source, but it reduces energy demand in the room it occupies whilst delivering the aesthetic benefits of real flame. This targeted approach suits luxury residential design where thoughtful zone heating aligns with sustainable living principles.

A zero-clearance ethanol fireplace insert is a self-contained bioethanol fire unit designed to drop into a wall cavity or an existing hearth, delivering a real flame without a chimney, flue, gas line or electrical connection. It burns liquid bioethanol fuel cleanly, producing only heat, water vapour and a small amount of CO2, with no smoke, soot, sparks or ash. That clean combustion is what sets it apart from a wood or gas insert, and what allows the unit to sit directly against timber or metal studs.

EcoSmart Fire builds ethanol inserts across three ranges, each suited to a different architectural setting:

• Frame: recessed wall inserts for indoor or outdoor single-sided viewing, built around a Grade 304 stainless steel burner and toughened glass screen.
• Heritage: a contemporary take on the traditional hearth and firebox, designed for classic fireplace openings.
• Grate: drop-in bioethanol grates that convert an existing wood-burning fireplace into a clean-burning fire, suitable for retrofit projects.

All ranges are safety-certified and designed for use in adequately ventilated indoor and outdoor spaces.

EcoSmart Fire wall-mounted fireplaces are engineered for integration into most wall constructions, though the backing material and clearances matter. Suitable substrates include brick, stone, plastered masonry, fire-rated plasterboard, tile, and concrete. Stud walls work when lined with fire-rated plasterboard and hollow-wall anchors; fabric and wallpaper directly behind the unit must be avoided.

Recessed installations require non-combustible cavity backing, such as vermiculite board, fibre cement, or steel framing lined with fire board, to maintain safe operating temperatures. The Flex Series is purpose-built for architect-led recessed integration and uses specified mounting brackets and spacers to create the necessary air gap for heat distribution.

Installation details vary by model, so the manufacturer's installation manual governs clearances to combustibles and any structural considerations.

The maximum width available in EcoSmart Fire wall-mounted fireplaces is approximately 4,232 mm [166.5 in], with a viewing area of approximately 4,031 mm [158.7 in], achieved in the Flex range's largest single-sided configuration. This makes it the widest wall-mounted option in the EcoSmart Fire portfolio.

The Flex range spans 12 sizes, starting from approximately 457 mm [18 in], giving you flexibility to scale from compact living spaces to dramatic feature walls. The Heritage range offers three compact sizes up to approximately 1,422 mm [56 in], suited to apartments and smaller interiors. The Frame range provides four size options within the 600–1,500 mm series for architectural installations.

Because EcoSmart Fire fireplaces use bioethanol fuel, they require no flue or chimney. This ventless design eliminates the structural constraints that limit traditional fireplaces, enabling you to specify truly expansive widths without engineering challenges. All sizes are engineered as zero-clearance, true built-in constructions and meet international safety standards including UL 1370, EN 16647, and ACCC certification.

For exact dimension specifications across all ranges, visit the EcoSmart Fire website or speak with a design specialist to confirm availability and lead times for your specific project requirements.

Yes, ethanol fireplace inserts are straightforward to install compared to traditional fireplaces. Unlike wood-burning or gas fireplaces, there's no flue, gas line, or electricity connection required, which eliminates most of the structural and trade complexity. The zero-clearance technology means the appliance mounts directly against standard timber framing without additional wall spacing, giving you genuine flexibility in placement.

The installation typically follows three phases: build the framework to the specified opening dimensions, slide the appliance into the cavity and secure with standard screws, then complete your wall panelling and finishes. Single-sided inserts follow a 10-step sequence, from framework construction through media positioning, while fire pit kits simplify to 6 steps. Basic tools suffice: a power drill, screwdriver, and level. Models range from 25.7 kg [56.5 lbs] to 222.1 kg [488.6 lbs], and heavier units benefit from a second pair of hands, though no specialist trades or custom engineering is needed.

Flexibility is where ethanol fireplace inserts stand apart. Zero-clearance installation removes traditional constraints, so you can incorporate the fireplace at any renovation stage: before wall lining, mid-construction, or even as a retrofit into existing openings. Your finishing materials (marble, timber, concrete, or custom millwork) can be chosen independently, and the appliance fits into interior walls, under cabinetry, or recessed niches. After installation, fill with e-NRG bioethanol, ensure adequate room ventilation, and test the ignition.