Best Bioethanol Fires UK 2026: Complete Buying Guide

Real flames without a chimney. No smoke, no ash, no permanent installation. Bioethanol fires have become increasingly popular in UK homes, offering the warmth and ambiance of a genuine fire in places where traditional fireplaces aren’t possible.

Whether you’re in a modern flat with no flue, a period home where you’d rather not touch the original fireplace, or simply want flames in a room that doesn’t have a chimney - bioethanol fires open up possibilities.

We’ve researched the bioethanol fire market in the UK to help you find the right option for your space.

How Bioethanol Fires Work

Bioethanol is a renewable fuel made from plant materials - typically corn, wheat, or sugar cane. When it burns, it produces only water vapour, CO2, and heat. No smoke, no soot, no harmful particulates.

The burner is essentially a container filled with bioethanol fuel, often with a ceramic fibre insert that absorbs the liquid and controls the burn rate. You light it, adjust the flame height, and enjoy. When you’re done, close the lid to extinguish.

Key advantages:

• No flue or chimney required - Install anywhere with adequate ventilation
• No smoke or ash - Clean burning, no cleanup
• Portable - Move between rooms or take outdoors
• Real flames - Genuine fire, not a simulation
• Eco-friendly fuel - Carbon-neutral renewable source

Considerations:

• Running costs - Fuel is more expensive than gas or wood
• Ventilation needed - Adequate airflow is essential
• No heat control - Flames on/off, limited adjustment
• Refuelling - Must be cool before adding fuel

Best Bioethanol Fires for UK Homes

Imagin Fires Stow

The Stow has become one of the UK’s most popular bioethanol fires, offering a traditional fireplace aesthetic without the chimney requirement.

What we like:

• Classic fireplace surround design in white or grey
• 2kW heat output - genuinely warms a room
• British company with UK customer service
• Freestanding - no installation required
• Affordable entry point to bioethanol

What to consider:

• MDF construction won’t suit ultra-modern spaces
• 1-litre burner needs refilling every 3-4 hours
• Traditional styling not for minimalist tastes

Price: Around GBP300-400

Best for: Those wanting a traditional fireplace look in a room without a chimney.

Bio Fires Whisper Flame

Bio Fires is a UK manufacturer based in Manchester, and their Whisper Flame range offers sleek, contemporary designs.

What we like:

• Modern ribbon flame design
• UK-made with quick delivery
• Range of sizes from 400mm to 1500mm
• Wall-mounted or recessed options
• Larger fuel capacity for longer burns

What to consider:

• Higher price point for larger models
• Installation required for recessed versions
• Contemporary styling only

Price: GBP400-1,500 depending on size

Best for: Modern interiors wanting a statement flame feature.

EcoSmart Fire XL900

If budget isn’t a constraint, EcoSmart Fire from Australia makes some of the most refined bioethanol burners available. The XL900 is their mid-size option.

What we like:

• Premium stainless steel construction
• Clean, minimal design
• Can be built into furniture or walls
• Industry-leading safety features
• Impressive 8.5kW heat output

What to consider:

• Significant investment
• Burner only - requires housing/installation
• Premium fuel consumption at full output

Price: Around GBP2,000-2,500 for the burner

Best for: High-end projects and bespoke installations.

Planika Fires Primefire

Planika is a Polish manufacturer with innovative technology, including automatic ignition and smartphone control on premium models.

What we like:

• Electronic ignition on some models (no manual lighting)
• BEV Technology for cleaner burning
• Wi-Fi control available
• Range from simple to high-tech
• European quality standards

What to consider:

• Electronic models are expensive
• Simpler models compete with cheaper UK options
• Spare parts may take time from Poland

Price: GBP500-4,000+ depending on model and features

Best for: Tech-forward buyers wanting automatic ignition and smart control.

JHY Design Tabletop

For those wanting a smaller flame feature - perhaps for a dining table, coffee table, or outdoor use - tabletop bioethanol fires offer portability and affordability.

What we like:

• Affordable entry point (under GBP100)
• Completely portable
• Works indoors or outdoors
• No installation whatsoever
• Great for ambiance without major commitment

What to consider:

• Minimal heat output
• Small fuel capacity (frequent refilling)
• Build quality varies significantly
• More ambiance than warmth

Price: GBP40-150

Best for: Tabletop ambiance, outdoor dining, or trying bioethanol before committing to a larger fire.

Bioethanol Fire Comparison

What to Look for When Buying

Heat Output

Bioethanol fires are rated in kilowatts (kW). As a rough guide:

• 1-2kW - Takes the edge off, supplementary warmth
• 2-4kW - Heats a medium room (15-25m²)
• 4kW+ - Significant heat, larger spaces

Remember that bioethanol fires are typically chosen for ambiance first, heat second. If primary heating is your goal, consider other options.

Fuel Capacity and Burn Time

Larger fuel reservoirs mean longer burn times without refilling. A 1-litre burner runs 3-4 hours; a 3-litre burner might last all evening. Consider how you’ll use the fire - short atmospheric sessions or long winter evenings?

Installation Type

Freestanding: No installation, maximum flexibility. Move between rooms. Wall-mounted: Fixed position, clean look, keeps floor space clear. Recessed/built-in: Seamless integration, requires construction work. Tabletop: Completely portable, minimal commitment.

Safety Features

Look for:

• Spill-proof fuel reservoirs
• Flame regulators
• Automatic fuel shutoff
• Heat-resistant materials
• CE marking

Bioethanol Fuel: What to Buy

Bioethanol fuel is sold in 1-litre to 20-litre containers. Buying in bulk reduces the per-litre cost significantly.

What to look for:

• 96%+ purity - Higher purity burns cleaner
• Denatured alcohol - Required by law, can’t be consumed
• UK supplier - Faster delivery, easier returns

Avoid:

• Industrial ethanol not intended for domestic burners
• Fuel with additives or fragrances (unless specifically designed for fires)
• Suspiciously cheap fuel of unknown origin

Typical costs:

• 1 litre: GBP5-7
• 5 litres: GBP20-25 (GBP4-5/litre)
• 20 litres: GBP60-80 (GBP3-4/litre)

Safety Considerations

Bioethanol fires are safe when used correctly, but they involve real flames and flammable fuel. Follow these guidelines:

Room size and ventilation:

• Minimum 20m³ room volume per kW of heat output
• Crack a window for extended use
• Never use in bathrooms or very small spaces
• CO detector recommended

Operating safely:

• Never refuel when lit or hot - wait 15 minutes after extinguishing
• Use a funnel when refuelling to prevent spills
• Keep fuel container away from the fire when in use
• Never move a lit bioethanol fire
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance

Placement:

• Minimum 1 metre from combustible materials (curtains, furniture)
• Stable, level surface
• Away from drafts that could affect the flame

Our Recommendation

For most UK homes, the Imagin Fires Stow offers the best combination of price, aesthetics, and performance. It delivers genuine warmth, looks like a traditional fireplace, and requires no installation. British customer service is a bonus.

If your space is contemporary and you want a statement piece, Bio Fires Whisper Flame offers UK manufacturing with modern design at reasonable prices.

For those wanting to test the concept before committing, a tabletop bioethanol fire under GBP100 lets you experience real flames with minimal investment.

Whatever you choose, bioethanol fires solve a genuine problem - real flames in spaces where traditional fires aren’t possible. No chimney, no flue, no landlord approval. Just fire.

Looking for other fire features? Explore our fire features collection including smokeless fire pits, fire pit tables, and outdoor fireplaces.