February 3, 2025

How Much Does a Bioethanol Fire Cost to Run?

Thinking of a bioethanol fireplace but worried about running costs? Good news—it's surprisingly affordable! On average, it costs 50p to £2 per hour, depending on flame size and fuel quality. But is it worth it? Let’s break down the costs, benefits, and sneaky savings you might not expect! Keep reading!

Understanding Bioethanol Fire Running Costs

Bioethanol fires are the sleek, smoke-free alternative to traditional fireplaces. They bring warmth and style to your home without the faff of gas connections or chimney maintenance.

But how much do they really cost to run?

Unlike gas or electric fires, they rely on liquid fuel, and several factors influence their efficiency. Let’s explore what affects the cost and how to keep your fire burning without burning a hole in your wallet.

What Factors Influence Running Costs?

Several things come into play when calculating your bioethanol fire's running costs. Here’s what you need to know.

Fuel Consumption (Litres per Hour)

Most bioethanol fires burn 0.3 to 0.7 litres per hour, depending on the model and flame setting.

Think of it like a car—some models sip fuel, while others guzzle it. If your fire has an adjustable burner, you can tweak the flame to use less fuel while still enjoying the cosy glow.

Bioethanol Fuel Price per Litre

Bioethanol fuel costs between £2 - £4 per litre, depending on the brand and quality.

Higher-purity fuels burn cleaner, with no nasty odours or soot. If you're buying regularly, look out for bulk-buy discounts—you could slash your costs significantly.

Burn Time (How Long Does a Refill Last?)

A 1-litre tank typically lasts between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the flame setting.

Crank it up to full power, and you’ll burn through fuel faster. Keep it on a lower setting, and you’ll enjoy a longer-lasting, more cost-efficient burn.

Size and Type of Bioethanol Fireplace

Larger fireplaces and multi-burner models consume more fuel.

A small tabletop fire might only sip 0.2 litres per hour, while a large freestanding unit could burn 0.7 litres or more. Choose wisely based on how much warmth and ambience you need.

Room Size and Insulation

A bioethanol fire doesn’t belt out heat like a wood burner.

If your room is well-insulated, you’ll keep the warmth inside, making the fire more efficient. In a draughty, high-ceilinged space, you might burn through fuel faster just to feel the difference.

Frequency of Use

Using your fire for ambience rather than constant heat will keep costs low.

If it’s on for a couple of hours in the evening while you relax, your fuel bill will stay reasonable. But if it’s running all night, every night, expect to stock up on fuel more often.

Calculating Your Bioethanol Fire Running Costs

Let’s put the numbers into perspective.

Example Calculation: Cost per Hour/Week/Month

Low usage (0.3L/hour, £2 per litre) → 60p per hour, £4.20 per week (7 hrs), £18 per month (30 hrs)
Medium usage (0.5L/hour, £3 per litre) → £1.50 per hour, £10.50 per week, £45 per month
High usage (0.7L/hour, £4 per litre) → £2.80 per hour, £19.60 per week, £84 per month

The actual cost depends on how often you use your fire, the flame intensity, and where you buy your fuel.

Bioethanol Fuel Cost Comparison (Different Brands/Suppliers)

Premium bioethanol (high purity, clean burn) → £3.50 - £4 per litre
Standard bioethanol (decent performance, slight residue) → £2 - £3 per litre
Bulk bioethanol (multi-litre purchases) → Prices drop to £1.50 - £2 per litre

Shopping around and buying in bulk can make a big difference to your annual costs.

Bioethanol Fuel: Types, Prices, and Efficiency

Types of Bioethanol Fuel

Liquid Bioethanol vs. Gel Fuel

Liquid bioethanol is more common, burns cleaner, and is generally more efficient.
Gel fuel burns slower but can leave more residue and be harder to extinguish.

Purity and Quality of Bioethanol (Impact on Cost & Performance)

Higher purity (97%+ ethanol) → Can Burn quickly through evaporation, and can burn too hot for your burner.
Correct purity (96% - 97%) → Burns cleaner, lasts longer, costs more.
Lower purity (90-95%) → Cheaper but may produce more soot or slight odours.

Where to Buy Bioethanol Fuel

Online Retailers

FlameCrafters.co.uk - We supply what can be considered the best Bioethanol fuel which is developed specifically for BioEthanol Fires.

Local Suppliers

DIY stores and garden centres stock fuel, but prices vary.

Bulk Buying Discounts

Purchasing 10 litres or more at a time can bring the price per litre down significantly.

Comparing Bioethanol Fires to Other Heating Options

Bioethanol Fire Running Costs vs. Gas Fires

Gas fires cost around 5p to 20p per kWh—cheaper per hour but require gas connections.

Bioethanol Fire Running Costs vs. Electric Fires

Electric fires cost around 30p per hour, but rates fluctuate.
Bioethanol fires have zero electricity costs.

Bioethanol Fire Running Costs vs. Wood Burning Stoves

Wood burners are cheaper to run but need logs, storage, and chimney maintenance.

Tips for Reducing Bioethanol Fire Running Costs

Choosing an Efficient Bioethanol Fire Model

Pick a model with an adjustable burner to control fuel consumption.

Optimising Burn Time and Fuel Usage

Lower flame settings last longer without sacrificing ambience.

Proper Ventilation and Insulation

Keeping the room insulated reduces the need for higher flames.

Sourcing Affordable Bioethanol Fuel

Bulk-buying and comparing brands can halve your fuel costs.

Are Bioethanol Fires Cost-Effective?

The Pros and Cons of Bioethanol Fires

✅ No installation, chimney, or gas connection required
✅ Stylish, eco-friendly, and odour-free when using high-quality fuel
✅ No electricity or gas bill increases
❌ Fuel costs can add up over time
❌ Less heat output than traditional fireplaces

Considering the Aesthetic and Practical Benefits

Bioethanol fires are a design statement, offering real flames with zero smoke or soot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often do I need to refill a bioethanol fire?

Every 2-5 hours, depending on the flame setting and tank size.

Is bioethanol fuel expensive?

It varies, but buying in bulk can reduce costs significantly.

Are bioethanol fires cheaper to run than gas fires?

Per hour, gas is cheaper, but bioethanol is hassle-free with no installation costs.

Is bioethanol environmentally friendly?

Yes! It’s made from renewable plant sources and burns clean with no harmful emissions.

Final Thoughts

A bioethanol fireplace is an elegant, eco-friendly way to create warmth and ambience. While running costs are higher than gas, careful fuel choices and efficient burning can keep expenses down.

Want a stylish, smoke-free fire that’s easy to install? Bioethanol might just be the perfect fit. 🔥