More and more people are looking for information on modern gel fireplaces and bio fuel fireplaces.

What is a gel fireplace or bio fuel fireplace?

A gel fireplace or bio fuel fireplace is a simple fireplace unit that doesn't require wood, gas, corn, pellets, or any other traditional fuel materials to create flames. Instead, gel fireplaces burn small cans of gel or bio fuel. Unlike other materials, the bio fuel or gel fuel burns cleanly, meaning there is no smoke or odor from the fireplace.

Does a gel fireplace require a chimney or venting?

Nope! One of the reasons fireplaces fueled by this material are growing in popularity is they can be burned anywhere in your house, condo, or apartment, and there's no need for a chimney or vent to the outside. The clean-burning gel fuel is specifically designed to be burned without venting, and these fireplaces are completely safe for indoor use.

Are gel fireplaces portable?

Yes, they are. Because they're not attached to a chimney or vent of any kind, they can be moved around. Also, many of them are small enough to be easy to pick up, so you can rearrange your fireplace right along with your furniture (actually, moving a gel fireplace around is probably a lot easier than moving your sofa about).

However, if you want your fireplace to be a permanent fixture on one wall or in one corner, you can get wall-mounted units or ones that are built into surrounds with mantels.

Does a gel fireplace give off heat?

If you're familiar with gas fireplaces, you know that they come with blowers and usually give off a fair bit of heat (often enough to serve as an alternate heat source to warm up your house when the power goes off). However, while a gel fireplace does give off a little warmth, it's pretty minimal. These units are designed more for ambiance than to heat up a room.

Wall-mounted Gel Fuel Fireplace

How long do cans of gel fuel burn?

The cans burn about three hours, so they're just right for an evening of dancing flames (think of them like those pressed wood logs you can buy at the grocery store). If you want to end the night early, you can simply blow out the flames (something you can't do with a fireplace log).