Ethanol fireplaces, also called bioethanol fireplaces, are ventless fireplaces that burn ethanol, a type of alcohol also known as methylated spirits. It’s carbon neutral, uses renewable energy, and generates clean heat without smoke. As a result, you get the ambiance of a fire without any of the drawbacks—such as emissions, soot, smoke, or odor—of a traditional wood-burning fireplace.
Unlike traditional fireplaces, which can’t be put in locations like condos and flats, ethanol fireplaces don’t need any sort of piping, chimney, flue, or utility connection, making them extremely convenient. Designs can be made to be freestanding or built into an existing structure, and they might be used either indoors or outdoors in your landscape design.
Types of Ethanol Fire Pits
Ethanol fire pits come in many different forms, including freestanding, portable models, zero-clearance fireplace inserts that allow custom, built-in fire pits to be set up in non-combustible surroundings, and ethanol burners that can be set up on non-combustible surfaces (without posing any fire hazards).
Even standard wood fireplaces can be converted to burn bioethanol with the help of specialized grate systems. You can incorporate any of them into your landscape design for a beautiful and enjoyable environment.
Incorporating Ethanol Fire Pits into Your Landscape Design
While placing an ethanol fire pit in your landscape design, make sure you follow the tips below to pick the best location and seating arrangements.
Location
It is important to carefully select the location for your outdoor ethanol fire pit. The placement or construction of a fire pit on your landscape design can significantly affect your safety and enjoyment. A spacious area is required for setting up a fire pit. Make sure that plants, structures, and any combustible materials are not within reach of flames and sparks, depending on the type you install.
It is important to consider the direction of the prevailing wind on your property and any desired views you want to emphasize. Ethanol fire pits can be particularly effective when placed adjacent to other areas designated for socializing. For example, it is advisable to place your fire pit adjacent to your outdoor kitchen, spa, or patio.
The location of your fire pit, the time of its usage, and the type of wood you may burn are all subject to local codes and regulations. For information and details on building permits, it is recommended that you check with your town’s fire marshal.
Space Requirements
To determine the appropriate space for a fire pit and a seating area, it is important to determine the size of the fire pit. To select the ideal location and size for your fire pit, use either chalk or tape to mark the area in your yard. Once you have marked the spot, arrange your chairs around the marked area and assess how it feels.
To fully enjoy a fire pit, it is important to ensure that there is enough room for chairs to be placed all around it. This allows everyone to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience from any angle.
It is important to consider that individuals may have varying comfort levels when it comes to sitting close to or far from the fire. Therefore, it is advisable to provide some additional space for guests to move back in case they feel overheated or uncomfortable due to smoke. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that there is enough space for strollers to walk by safely while the fire pit is being utilized.
Generally, a fire pit needs 7 feet of clearance on all sides. There will be plenty of room for furnishings and foot circulation. Always lean on the side of caution and provide more space than is necessary. However, if you want the perfect amount of seating room for your personal needs, it is best to mark out the size of your fire pit and position seats around it.
Incorporating built-in seating adjacent to your fire pit requires careful planning of spacing. You wouldn’t want the seat walls, which are fixed and cannot be adjusted, to be in the wrong spot. If you build them excessively close to your fire pit, people will get too hot. If you build them too far away, your guests won’t be able to fully enjoy the warmth they give off. So, you need to be mindful of these facts.
Handling Ethanol Fire Pits
Operating and handling ethanol fire pits is a straightforward process that involves the following steps:
1. Before use, check the hob to ensure it is free of any foreign particles and not wet or hot.
2. Fill the burner with the appropriate safety feeder equipment up to the required level, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum limit.
3. Before igniting, make sure to place the jerry can at a distance of at least 1500 meters away from the burner.
4. To safely ignite the burner, refer to the operating manual and use the appropriate lighting device.
5. Initially, Blaze appears dim and predominantly blue. However, after approximately 20 minutes, it may begin to reach the optimal level of inflammation.
6. After the initial time, you may adjust the flame to your desired level.
7. It is important to ensure that the fuel storage area is located at a safe distance from the burner so that you may avoid any potential hazards.
8. To prevent accidental combustion, make sure to store fuel at a considerable distance. It must be at least 1,500 millimeters distant from the hob.
Final Words
An ethanol fire pit is an excellent addition to your landscape design as it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Gathering around the flames can be a fun and nostalgic experience, whether roasting marshmallows to serve s’mores on an evening in the summer or enjoying hot apple cider in the autumn. Now that you know where and how to place your ethanol fire pit, install it as soon as possible to enjoy the happiest moment with your family and friends in an entertaining environment.
