Ark 40 Fire Pit Table

How does an ethanol fireplace work?

EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplaces are self-contained, burning bioethanol fuel that is housed within the stainless steel container. A flame regulator controls and stabilizes the flame. With a designated filling area, and easy shut off mechanism, you can ignite the flame and turn it off in a matter of seconds. View this quick demonstration video to help illustrate the process.

How long does it take to assemble?

There is virtually no assembly. Our Freestanding and Fireplace Grates ranges are designed to be placed into the desired location, secured into position, and operated immediately. Our Fireplace Inserts are designed to slot into place, secured and built around with your preferred finish – again a quick and easy installation – so your builder or interior designer will love you!

The longest part of the setup process is trying to figure out where you want to place it – be sure it complies with our clearance requirements particularly with regard to moving objects like curtains, tree branches and so forth.

Can I extinguish my ethanol fireplace before the fuel has burnt?

Yes, you can turn your EcoSmart Fire ethanol burner off at any given time, even if there is ethanol still left in the burner. It is recommended however, that you leave it to burn until it completely runs out. The shut off mechanism is there for security and safety for those times when you need to leave the house, as it is not safe to leave a fire unattended. You need to wait until your appliance cools to room temperature (60 minutes) before re-igniting, this is because hot vapours are a hazard and may cause a strong, initial ignition if the ethanol has not cooled long enough. This is also to ensure that the flame has been totally extinguished and that the appliance is safe to refuel if the amount of fuel in the burner at that time is insufficient for your next ignition / use.

Which EcoSmart Fire is right for me?

Ethanol Burners - Our Ethanol Burners are at the heart of every EcoSmart Fire. They are both the containers of the clean-burning bioethanol and the source of the flame. Completely self-contained, the burners have no need for exterior tanks or utility lines and their stainless steel bodies make them suitable for both interior and exterior use. The XL burners offer a linear flame while the BK5 burner has a substantial and adjustable flame housed in a compact body. EcoSmart’s AB Series offers a round burner ideal for fire pits or other circular fireplace designs.

Fireplace Inserts - Fireplace Inserts are stainless steel enclosures that house EcoSmart’s burners. They can be installed into walls or cabinets and, just like the burners, are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. All of our fireboxes are zero clearance, meaning that the dimensions of the firebox are the exact dimensions of the opening you’ll need in your wall. The fireboxes, like all our products, are vent free and its zero clearance dimensions mean installation is hassle free.

Freestanding Fireplaces - Created as standalone units, the models in our Design Fireplaces range require little set up and no installation. These units are completely self-contained and offer the same clean burning flame as our fireplace inserts without any of the installation requirements. Used as a room centrepiece or even as a space divider, Design Fireplaces offer the luxury of fire without any of the restrictions. You can even move the units from room to room as your fire needs change.

Outdoor Fireplaces - Whether used on a table top or as glowing ambience set along a pathway, EcoSmart’s Outdoor Fireplaces offer a wide range of stylish fire feature options. Made of steel and glass, the outdoor units are designed and built to withstand the outdoors. Though styled for outdoor use, they are just as attractive when used in an interior setting, enabling them to be relocated when the weather permits. Every season is a good season to enjoy EcoSmart Fire.

All our products are highly versatile and designed to be used in any number of ways with a myriad of materials. There are, of course, safety considerations when working with fire and we do have minimum clearance and room size requirements, as well as material requirements, which can be found within each product's Technical Specifications. Still not sure which EcoSmart Fire is right for you? Give us a call and one of our product specialists will be happy to help.

What are some key benefits – compared to other heating options?

When you choose ethanol as your fuel source over gas or wood, you are totally simplifying your installation requirements and costs. There's no flue or chimney required when burning ethanol, which means that you have the ultimate in design flexibility to achieve an open fire in so many more areas of your home - both indoors and out.

Is their heat output similar to a gas heater?

Burning bioethanol is similar to gas, but the room doesn't dry out like it does with gas - a more gentle, softer heat is created. Heat-wise, it depends on the models being compared. Some of our bioethanol burners output 15,000 BTU and can heat up to 60sqm of living space. Bioethanol is not, however, on an adjustable thermostat. Some may be turned up and down, but you can't control the room temperature in the same way as you do with gas on mains

How do I clean my EcoSmart Fire ethanol burner?

Cleaning of the ethanol burner should be done only after you have used 50 litres of fuel or as soon as you notice a black residue forming around or on the burner. Before starting, make sure the burner is off, empty of ethanol, and at room temperature. Spray a multi-purpose cleaner on the surface of the burner and wipe with cloth, making sure to wipe in the direction of the grain. If material has fallen into the ethanol fireplace burner use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris through the burner opening. If your burner smells unusually strong after extensive use, remove the empty and room temperature burner from its surround and wash in hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly under running water and wait until the burner is completely dry before placing it back into its surround and reusing. View this video of the simple cleaning process here: https://youtu.be/VqHg9mXOc0U

Note: Stainless steel will rust or corrode over time if contamination or debris is not cleaned or removed immediately. When not in use, we recommend that you protect your ethanol fireplace from water damage or corrosion with a protective cover and the regular use of the burner lid included with your model.

Do bioethanol fireplaces produce heat?

Yes, although it does depend upon the size of the fireplace and also the size of the room itself. But a fire of an appropriate size can produce a good level of heat when considered properly in terms of its actual output and how it is positioned in the space. Bioethanol fires are a secondary source of heat that deliver a myriad of lifestyle benefits that can’t be achieved from primary heat sources such as radiators or reverse cycle air conditioning.