3 Tips on What to Look for In an Ethanol Fireplace
Although an increasing number of homeowners are interested in the benefits that an ethanol fireplace has to offer, but not many are familiar with what constitutes a safe ethanol fireplace. Price is not always an indicator of quality, and unfortunately, not all ethanol fireplaces are 100% safe.
If you want to invest in a safe ethanol fireplace, keep reading. In this article, we’re going to talk about 3 key factors that will indicate that a particular model is safe to use.
- Ethanol Fireplace Certifications
In 98% of cases, an ethanol fireplace that has been certified by C-UL, UL, TUV, Swedcert, or SP Sitac will be safe to use. Why? Manufacturers are not legally required to have their ethanol fireplaces certified as safe, and the process is time-consuming and expensive. Not only must the manufacturer supply the product for testing, they must also pay for the actual test, plus annual fees. Consequently, it is only the manufacturers who truly care about the quality of their product that get their fireplaces certified as safe.
- Burner Quality
When shopping for an ethanol fireplace, you should look for a burner that features a lid, so you can easily control the size of your flames or quickly put the flame out if need be. The high quality of burners are generally crafted from stainless steel and will weigh between 4.5 to 11 pounds. Likewise, you should look for a burner that has a spill tray incorporated into its design. In the event that any fuel is accidentally spilled, this is an excellent safety mechanism to have.
On a side note, most experts agree that consumers should avoid buying an ethanol fireplace that features a cup system. Numerous issues have arisen with this type of fuel system, including spillage and difficulty extinguishing flames.
- Quality of Materials and Weight
As aforementioned, quality is particularly important when looking for an ethanol fireplace. If you are searching for a wall-mounted unit, it is recommended that you compare various units. If it is made of high quality materials, the average wall-mounted unit will weigh around 22 pounds.
If the fireplace is made from stainless steel, the stainless steel should have a minimum thickness of 3 mm. When you compare the thickness of the stainless steel, it will be simple to distinguish between quality. While materials and weight cannot be relied upon alone, they are good indicators of quality.
If the ethanol fireplace you are considering buying measures up to all three of these elements, then you can rest assured that it is safe to use. Remember that the single most important factor in buying an ethanol fireplace is quality, followed closely by the burner quality. With a diverse range of sizes, styles, and models to choose from, it is a guarantee that you will find exactly what you are looking for.
- Aldyn Miller
