Bio-ethanol fireplaces burn a plant-derived alcohol that produces heat, water vapour and a small amount of CO₂ — no smoke, no soot, no flue penetration. That makes them the only real option for many apartments and heritage buildings, but they come with their own set of trade-offs.
How much heat do they actually produce
A typical bio-ethanol burner delivers 2–4 kW — enough to lift a small lounge by a few degrees and provide the visual warmth of a real flame, but not enough to be a home's primary heat source in Cape Town winter. Think ambience and supplementary heat, not whole-house heating.
Running costs
Quality bio-ethanol fuel runs at roughly R80–R110 per litre; a typical burner uses 0.3–0.5 litres per hour. That works out to R30–R55 per hour of use — more expensive than wood or gas per kW, but you save on installation, flue, and maintenance.
Ventilation and safety
- Always operate in a room with at least one openable window; keep a small cross-draught.
- Never refill a hot burner — allow it to cool for 15 minutes first.
- Use only certified bio-ethanol fuel; never methylated spirits.
- Keep a Class B fire extinguisher within reach.
Where they excel
- Apartments where a flue is not permitted by the body corporate.
- Heritage homes where roof and wall penetrations are restricted.
- Freestanding sculptural pieces in bedrooms, dining rooms or outdoors.
Written by
Progress Group
Fireplace, braai and gas specialists since 1990 — showroom in Bellville, installations across Cape Town and the Western Cape.
