XL500 Ethanol Burner

What maintenance is required for ethanol fireplaces?

Clean your EcoSmart Fire unit after you have used 50 liters [13.20 Gal.] of fuel or as soon as you notice black deposits on or near the burner of the ethanol fireplace. Black marks can be removed from the stone, solid surfaces or stainless steel with a mild abrasive washing product such as JIF or similar. It is recommended to test a small area first to ensure the cleaning product chosen is appropriate and will not mark or damage the surface. Burners can be washed as required in hot soapy water (even in your dishwasher) from time to time and the internal mechanics won’t deteriorate like some other brands as all internal parts are stainless steel.

What are some key benefits – compared to other heating options?

When you choose ethanol as your fuel source over gas or wood, you are totally simplifying your installation requirements and costs. There's no flue or chimney required when burning ethanol, which means that you have the ultimate in design flexibility to achieve an open fire in so many more areas of your home - both indoors and out.

Is Bioethanol easily obtainable?

Yes, you can have fuel delivered to public and private premises in many countries.

How do I clean my EcoSmart Fire ethanol burner?

Cleaning of the ethanol burner should be done only after you have used 50 litres of fuel or as soon as you notice a black residue forming around or on the burner. Before starting, make sure the burner is off, empty of ethanol, and at room temperature. Spray a multi-purpose cleaner on the surface of the burner and wipe with cloth, making sure to wipe in the direction of the grain. If material has fallen into the ethanol fireplace burner use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris through the burner opening. If your burner smells unusually strong after extensive use, remove the empty and room temperature burner from its surround and wash in hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly under running water and wait until the burner is completely dry before placing it back into its surround and reusing. View this video of the simple cleaning process here: https://youtu.be/VqHg9mXOc0U

Note: Stainless steel will rust or corrode over time if contamination or debris is not cleaned or removed immediately. When not in use, we recommend that you protect your ethanol fireplace from water damage or corrosion with a protective cover and the regular use of the burner lid included with your model.

Can I extinguish my ethanol fireplace before the fuel has burnt?

Yes, you can turn your EcoSmart Fire ethanol burner off at any given time, even if there is ethanol still left in the burner. It is recommended however, that you leave it to burn until it completely runs out. The shut off mechanism is there for security and safety for those times when you need to leave the house, as it is not safe to leave a fire unattended. You need to wait until your appliance cools to room temperature (60 minutes) before re-igniting, this is because hot vapours are a hazard and may cause a strong, initial ignition if the ethanol has not cooled long enough. This is also to ensure that the flame has been totally extinguished and that the appliance is safe to refuel if the amount of fuel in the burner at that time is insufficient for your next ignition / use.

Can EcoSmart Fires be installed everywhere?

Almost everywhere! EcoSmart Fires cannot be installed into small rooms that are less than our minimum room size which is burner specific. For all other installations, you must comply with our compulsory clearances and installation instructions. Approval from building authorities may be required prior to installation in your area. Please make sure you contact appropriate parties before installing your EcoSmart Fire.

How does an ethanol fireplace work?

EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplaces are self-contained, burning bioethanol fuel that is housed within the stainless steel container. A flame regulator controls and stabilizes the flame. With a designated filling area, and easy shut off mechanism, you can ignite the flame and turn it off in a matter of seconds. View this quick demonstration video to help illustrate the process.

Is their heat output similar to a gas heater?

Burning bioethanol is similar to gas, but the room doesn't dry out like it does with gas - a more gentle, softer heat is created. Heat-wise, it depends on the models being compared. Some of our bioethanol burners output 15,000 BTU and can heat up to 60sqm of living space. Bioethanol is not, however, on an adjustable thermostat. Some may be turned up and down, but you can't control the room temperature in the same way as you do with gas on mains