All of these featured fireplaces run on ethanol, a biofuel that is clean-burning, renewable and environmentally-friendly. Here are a few of the many advantages of biofuel:
- Compared to wood, biofuel is 40% more energy efficient.
- It does not emit smoke or unpleasant odor when burning; and only produces steam and a little amount of carbon dioxide, so does not contribute to greenhouse gases.
- It is not messy to use because no ashes are left after burning.
- No installation is needed and no maintenance is required because of the absence of ashes and dirt.
- Biofuel burning fireplaces are generally less expensive compared to traditional fireplaces.
- Cocoon Fires Hanging Fireplace Set is my favorite of the ceiling-mount models and burns up to 6 hours depending on the adjustable heat setting. The Cocoon is customizable to six height positions, available in chrome or black, and starts at $2,990.
- Inspired by the look of two burning logs, the Wahrmann Tabletop Fireplace, designed by Gido Wahrmann for Carl Mertens Germany, features two stainless steel oil lamps resting on a 10" x 14" slate base and sells for $418.
- Also from Carl Mertens Germany, the Apollo Tabletop Fireplace, designed by Wolf Wagner, features 18/10 satin stainless steel and tempered glass, measures 13.8"H x 11"L x 4.7"D, and sells for $825.
- Bioflame produces several ventless designs, including the free-standing Blocco, combining a concrete base available in natural, charcoal and white, 8mm tempered glass, and a 16" burner. The Blocco measures 27"H x 48"L x 36"D and begins at $2499.
- Also from Bioflame is this wall-mount model, the Avante, which consists of a stainless steel firebox with brushed aluminum panels, includes 3 fuel canisters or a 13" burner, measures 23.8"H x 33.4"W x 6.6"D, and starts at $1299.
- EcoSmart produces several high-end ventless fireplaces in space-age designs. The Zeta Fireplace, designed by John Dimopoulos, is so-named because of its elliptical shape that pays homage to its Greek 'origins'. A clever fusion of timber, leather and stainless steel, this portable fireplace sits on a brushed or polished stainless steel swivel base, and will set you back $10,900.
- The EcoSmart Q Fireplace takes futuristic fireplace design to a new level. The Q is created from weatherproof fiberglass, stainless steel and glass, and is portable so can be used both inside and out. The base allows rotation of the fire box and the package is available in black or white for $5695.
- The Ponton Fireplace by Wolf Udo Wagner combines tempered glass and stainless steel and burns for 1.5 hours. At 11"H x 7"D, it's compact size makes it highly portable and storable; $495.
- For a completely flameless solution, I love the whimsical Match Light, designed by Chaiyut Plypetch. Looking like a giant matchstick leaning against your wall, the wood and plastic lamp measures 70"H x 6"W x 6"D and comes with both a red and white tip and 25W bulb; $339.
- There are several DVDs available which deliver the crackling fire experience on your TV, and my favorite is Light The Box - The Ultimate Fire DVD, which includes a stunning selection of traditional and contemporary firestyles playing on a seamless loop; $19.99.
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Sometimes I think apartment therapy is just for rich people. I love the idea of a fireplace option for my apartment but would never be able to afford most of these options. Any ideas for us with tighter budgets?
You don't have to spend that kind of money to get a ventless fireplace. Here's two examples:
http://www.premierefirepits.com/ardore_tabletop_fireplace-p-8739-l-en.html
http://www.premierefirepits.com/anywhere_tabletop_lexington_fireplace-p-8044-l-en.html?utm_campaign=Base&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=Google.com%2Fproduct
Both steam (water vapour) and CO2 *are* greenhouse gases, so it's just plain inaccurate to claim that burning biofuel does "not contribute to greenhouse gases." You could say it has a less significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, or that it has less of a carbon footprint than other fuel-burning fireplaces, but I'm afraid what you've written does not make sense.
I got one from Germany few years ago. Love it. Beautiful design and it keeps me warm.
You definitely don't have to spend $1K+ on a ventless fireplace, just do a little google research. We're thinking of this one from Sears for our basement remodel. It's nice and modern and reasonably priced at under $600.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM3223835501P?sid=IDx20101019x00001a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=SPM6000062201
Hands up, those who want the Eye of Sauron in their living room!
I thought this was an interesting article on ethanol. I have my doubts about it, including that the more common method is to use corn, a crop that's highly subsidized by the government and uses huge amounts of nitrogen fertilizer (from oil I believe) to produce. Off my soap box.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2006/tc20060519_225336.htm
As someone who works in the green building and energy efficiency field, I would not label these as "eco friendly". Repeating marketing tag lines from the manufacturers doesn't give the readers here a full picture. Producing steam in your home is not a good thing, and you can still have combustion safety issues with these products.
See the link from a former colleague's building science blog:
"n a nutshell, the reason folks who understand building science oppose vent-free appliances is that:
Even when working perfectly, they put a lot of water vapor into the house. (See my recent article on combustion.)
Drafts, fans, candles, and tight houses can mess up the combustion process.
Many homeowners don't understand how to operate or maintain them."
http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/48762/Bob-Vila-and-the-Vent-Free-Gas-Fireplace-A-Sorry-State-of-Affairs
Love the first four.
Doesn't production of ethanol typically burn more fossil fuels than those it replaces? Or something very close? I really do not believe ethanol should be considered green.
Irry, you are hysterical!
Ventless fireplaces' produce moisture.
Without "venting", that Moisture can cause mold.
Mold is a cause for Environmental Remediation.
Do you really want to have your Home or Apartment "remidiated" in exchange
for some cool looking fire?
These are so cool. I had no idea there were so many different variations. My neighbor has one and I thought it was peculiar that she had a fireplace but without a chimney. Growing up we had a wood burning fireplace and it was always smokey and black. These are great alternatives for apartment living. Gotta have it.
I like the Q. Even if it looks like an old iMac.
@robert s
Hm... maybe one could get by without the humidifier in winter?
Do the math. The biofuel is not expensive. Can cost $10-$15 an hour to burn.
@quiltmaster
... and that's not expensive?
Interesting - have not seen this before!
I've been lusting for this for about a year now: http://www.homedosh.com/piet-indoor-stove-by-fredrik-hylten-cavallius/
'Ethanol' is a renewable energy source made by fermenting the sugar and starch components of plant by-products - mainly sugarcane and crops like grain, using yeast. It is also made from corn, potatoes, milk, rice, beetroot and recently grapes, banana and dates depending on the countries agricultural strength.
Today, bioethanol has many uses: It is blended with petrol to make a truly sustainable transport fuel, it's used in cosmetic and other manufacturing processes, and it creates the clean burning, beautiful dancing flame in fireplaces.
Because the combustion of bio ethanol is clean you can lose the chimney and the flue and keep the heat - so most of the heat generated by the combustion of bioethanol gets to stay in the room - that's what makes burning bioethanol so efficient and effective.
Bio Fuel fireplaces are ideal for smaller spaces, wall-mounting, or for those who require portability. And they provide a fair amount of heat, to boot. For people with allergies, bio-fuel is a boon, as no smoke or airborne particles are released.