There are repeated reports in the media about the danger of bio-ethanol fireplaces. In almost all known cases of accidents with ethanol fireplaces, however, the accidents occurred as a result of inferior products or incorrect operation. We will inform you about the handling of the chimneys – because with a few small safety instructions the dangers can easily be minimized:

What is bio-ethanol?
95-98% of bio-ethanol is obtained from vegetable alcohols. The fuel is obtained from plants containing sugar or starch such as corn, grain or sugar beet. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly product. You can find out more about the use and origin of bio-ethanol here.

Is bio-ethanol dangerous?
Bio-ethanol is a highly flammable substance, which should always be handled with care. However, if you follow a few guidelines, the risks can be easily minimized so that you can relax and enjoy your fireplace.
Pay attention to the degree of purity so that bio-ethanol burns safely and without residues. It should have a high degree of purity, as the addition of other substances makes the ethanol “dirtier”.

What are the dangers?
Deflagration – If ethanol gases collect and then ignite, a deflagration can occur. Our burners are designed in such a way that there are hardly any cavities in which these gases can collect. A deflagration is therefore as good as impossible. However, you should always use a stick lighter to light the fire.

If you spilled ethanol next to it when filling the burner, clean these areas first. Only fill the burner when it is cold. If the burner is still hot because it has just been operated, wait a few minutes first. When filling, make sure to fill the burner with the intended amount in order to avoid the above-mentioned displacement effects. Ignite it only when you have made sure that there is no ethanol next to the burner and that the burner is completely full. If you follow these guidelines, you can use your ethanol fireplace more safely and relaxed.

What should I consider when purchasing an ethanol fireplace?
All precautionary measures are void if the product is of insufficient quality and manufacturing defects. We therefore recommend refraining from “cheap imports” from abroad or products that have not been developed in accordance with the DIN standard. The DIN makes specifications on the topics of leakage protection, stability, the design of fuel containers, etc., which are essential for the safety of the chimneys. A safety burner is usually equipped with an absorption function, i.e. a material is built in that absorbs the ethanol and protects it from deflagration or spilling over.

Is there any danger from children or pets?
As with a wood-burning fireplace, ethanol fire is an open fire that can cause burns. When choosing a product, therefore, consider which fireplaces are suitable for you. If small children live in the household, for example, wall-mounted fireplaces that are placed at a height that is not accessible.

What else is there to consider?
We recommend that you do not place the fireplace directly next to easily flammable objects such as curtains.