Electric and ethanol fireplaces are both excellent alternatives to traditional gas and wood models. Neither ethanol or electric fireplaces need a vent or flue which make them an outstanding choice. That means that either of these options can work well in your house. However, it can often be difficult to know which type if best to suit your needs. This is why I am going to be comparing these two types of fireplace options and provide you with some help so that you can make an informed decision.
To help keep things concise and clear I will be guiding you through each option’s pros and cons.
Ethanol Fireplace
In case you don’t know how ethanol fireplaces work already, let me go through a quick rundown of some of the basics that are involved. Ethanol fireplaces don’t need a vent or flue since bioethanol is the fuel that is used. This type of fireplace provides a great deal of heat and creates a very cozy atmosphere almost instantly.
Ethanol Fireplace Advantages
– Produce a great deal of heat
– Do not require any electricity
– Since these fireplaces are ventless, no ash or soot is created
– No dangerous fumes or particles are emitted
– A real flame is created
The major advantages that an ethanol fireplace offers are the heat that is provided and the real flame that is produced.
Ethanol Fireplace Disadvantages
– Heat is produced at all times when burning
– Very little oxygen is consumed
It is easy to understand the disadvantages; real flames always produce heat. You can install a fan or open a window to eliminate the extra heat when you don’t need it. If you’re still interested, check out this ethanol fireplace guidebook.
Electric Fireplace
Most everyone is already aware that an electric fireplace plugs in. They come with a built-in fan that you can turn on to produce heat and the effects of a flame are created by the electric system. They can also be very competitive, especially when you use an energy comparison site on a regular basis to ensure you get a good deal on fuel.
Electric Fireplace Advantages
– No danger from the flame
– No need for a lighter or fule
– The fireplace is a type of ventless system so no soot or smoke is created
– Heat settings can be adjusted and used without heating
– Installation is easy
– Inexpensive to use
When it comes to electric fireplaces, the main takeaways are their safety and ease of use. As seen above, the Wall Fireplace Pros fireplaces have low risk and they do not have a real flame and easy to turn on and off.
Electric Fireplace Disadvantages
– A real flame effect cannot be created
– Electricity is needed
The major disadvantage is there is no real flame. Many individuals ultimately give up on the idea of an electric fireplace since they think that the ‘fake” flame effect isn’t good enough for them. However, manufacturers nowadays are making electric fireplaces that look real and can even mimic the sound of a real fire. We recommend that you first check out electric fireplaces before you purchase one to ensure you are happy with the flame effect that is produced.
Summary
Personally, I have always preferred the ethanol fireplace. I wouldn’t sell this type of fireplace if I didn’t actually like them. However, that might make me a bit biased in helping you reach your decision. Hopefully, I have provided you with a sufficient amount of information so that you can make an informed decision on which type of fireplace will meet your needs the best.
If not having a real flame isn’t something that bothers you too much and you would like to purchase an inexpensive unit, then an electric fireplace might be the best option for you. They have a tendency to be less expensive than safe, high-quality ethanol fireplaces. In my opinion, they are a good alternative to fireplace DVDs.
However, an ethanol fireplace is an excellent option if you want to have rel heat and a real flame. For me, electric fireplaces seem very fake. On the other hand, ethanol fireplaces allow you to enjoy the real deal.
