Skip to content
bioethanol fires FAQ

Bioethanol fires FAQ

WHAT IS A BIOETHANOL FIRE?

A bioethanol fire, also known as a biofuel fireplace, is a type of fireplace that uses bioethanol as a fuel source.

Bioethanol is a renewable, eco-friendly, and clean-burning fuel derived from plant-based sources such as corn, sugarcane or cellulose. Read on for more bioethanol fires FAQ information.

What is 'BEV' technology?

'BEV' stands for 'Burning Ethanol Vapour' and the technology is unique to the Planika range of bioethanol fires. This system uses the fuel inside the tank, heats it up and turns it into vapour, which is later ignited above the burner. This way, the heating process doesn’t generate smoke, ash, soot or any unpleasant smell, as well as doesn’t require the installation of chimney or flue as long as it has a free access to the oxygen.

HOW DO BIOETHANOL FIRES WORK?

Bioethanol fires work by burning bioethanol fuel, producing a real flame without the need for a chimney or flue. They typically consist of a burner unit or a fuel tray where the bioethanol is poured, and the flame is ignited manually or automatically, depending on the product. The fuel burns cleanly, releasing heat, water vapor, and virtually no emissions.

Are they good value?

Bioethanol fires are not expensive to run, although fuel costs (and quality) can vary. It is sensible to buy good quality fuel where there are discounts available for bulk orders. The fireplaces themselves can appear expensive, but the technology is very advanced, and installation costs are greatly reduced by the lack of need for a chimney or hard connections.

Which is the right fire for me?

Fires FAQ PDF

Download our comprehensive fires FAQ PDF to get insights across the differences and benefits of bioethanol fires, wood-burning stoves, gas fires and electric fires.

Bioethanol fires FAQ

.

BEV technology explained

Planika's fully controlled burning process

Planika's unique Burning Ethanol Vapours (BEV) technology involves heating the biofuel to vapour, which is then ignited above the burner.

The entire combustion process is automated and controlled by a microprocessor. The cool fuel is contained in a hermetically sealed tank. When switched on, the device draws only a small, necessary portion of fuel from this tank and transports it to the vapour generator. There, a small amount of biofuel is heated until it reaches a temperature where it turns into vapour, which is distributed throughout the burner and then burned.

The fire has no direct contact with the liquid fuel. Thanks to the insulated fuel tank, cooling fans and combustion chamber, the ethanol fuel temperature is always low and safe.

What are the benefits of bioethanol fires?

Environmental friendliness 

Bioethanol is a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel source, meaning it releases only the carbon dioxide that the plants absorbed during their growth. It produces no smoke, soot, or harmful emissions, making it a cleaner option for indoor or outdoor use.

Heat efficiency

Bioethanol fires generate a significant amount of heat, quickly warming up a room. They can often be adjusted to control the heat output, providing flexibility and comfort.

Easy installation

Since bioethanol fires don't require a chimney or flue, they can be installed virtually anywhere, even in apartments or spaces without existing venting systems. This is especially useful when integrating your fire into a media wall for example.

Flexibility in design

Bioethanol fires come in a variety of styles and designs, ranging from freestanding units to wall-mounted or tabletop options. They offer sleek, modern aesthetics that can complement any interior design scheme.

bioethanol fires FAQ

Convenience

Lighting a bioethanol fire is as simple as pouring the fuel and igniting it, generally via a control console, remote device or even phone app. There's no need for firewood, kindling, or tending to the fire, making it a hassle-free alternative. 

Safety

Many Bioethanol fires come with a comprehensive array of safety features, including automativ refuelling, auto-shut off, temperature and humidity sensors, active cooling system, self-diagnosis and even seismic and tilt sensors. The remote control is a safety device in itself.

Further questions

Please get in touch if you have any further questions, we'd be delighted to hear from you.