Are Ethanol Fireplaces Expensive To Run? Here’s How Much It Really Costs

Ethanol fireplaces have a lot going for them as far as being a low-maintenance, energy-efficient heating option that presents a stunning focal point in every space they occupy (here are our best ethanol fires). 

But how do they stack up in terms of costs? That’s the question.

Value is everything when it comes to investing in a new heat source, which is why it’s important to know what you expect to be forking out to keep that ethanol fire burning.

Let’s unpack bioethanol fireplace running costs.

How Much Does it Cost to Run An Ethanol Fireplace?

Because ethanol fireplaces are an eco-friendly heating solution, burning bioethanol fuel minimizes costs to the environment and your health straight off the bat. But they’re also hard to measure, so let’s stick to what we can – running costs.

Are Ethanol Fires Cheap to Run?

Broadly speaking, it depends on a few factors:

• How you use your ethanol fireplace: is it a heating source or a design feature?

• Where it’s installed: is it in a small high-rise apartment or spacious restaurant?

• The size of the ethanol burner: will it therefore require more fuel to run?

It’s important to acknowledge that while ethanol fireplaces are a low-maintenance fireplace option, they can’t be used interchangeably with wood-burning fireplace. That’s because they’re typically a supplementary heat source that doubles as a design feature.

So while you can appreciate their presence on a feature wall or as a sleek fire table every single day, you’d fire up the flame far less frequently. Such as when you’re settling in for an after-dinner drink with your other half, or while entertaining friends and family.

With this type of use, you’ll find your yearly running costs to be pretty minimal.

The Costs of Running Fireplaces compared

If you’re deciding between an ethanol fireplace (which runs on bioethanol fuel – a renewable energy source) and a traditional alternative like a gas fireplace or a traditional wood burning fireplace, it can be helpful to see a comparison of costs.

Here’s one we prepared earlier, with fuel costs based on one evening’s use (4 hours).

*Based on a 2kW electric fireplace with an electricity rate of 35 c/kWh.

As you can see, bio ethanol fireplaces cost slightly more to run per hour based on fuel alone. However, it’s always important to weigh these costs up against the upfront and ongoing costs of a fire unit to arrive at a truer figure.

Chama Design customers like Christopher have realised that when it comes to affordable heating for modern homes, bioethanol fireplaces are a hot option.

“Great quality, and looks amazing. It’s so easy to use and maintain, and it adds a beautiful ambience to our outdoor area. We’re thrilled with how cost-effective it is for the warmth and aesthetic it provides. Highly recommend!”

— Christopher White

How Much is 1 Litre of Bioethanol?

As with everything in life, the cost of ethanol fuel for fireplaces is largely influenced by quality, which can in turn affect burn time. You can expect to pay anywhere between $4–$6 per litre of bioethanol fuel, however economies of scale will win out when you buy in bulk.

Another thing to consider when shopping around is shipping costs – ethanol is considered a dangerous goods delivery which is why it can be costly to deliver.

Take e-NRG for example. At Chama Design, we find that their tried and tested formula provides the best-looking flame, the lowest odour and the longest burn time. e-NRG also doesn’t charge shipping costs to NSW, VIC, SA and the ACT, which helps up keeps costs down.

If you order e-NRG bioethanol fuel in bulk and purchase 200L to see you out most of winter, you’d pay $5.50 per litre and likely no delivery fee.

How Long Does 1 Litre of Bioethanol Last?

Similar to costs, the fuel consumption rates for bioethanol fireplaces will again be influenced by the quality of the fuel you use and the heat output of the burner. e-NRG bioethanol fuel will give you 1-2 hours burn time per litre, for example.

The biggest determining factor however is the burner itself. This can then be influenced by accessories such as baffles and efficiency rings that alter the size of the flame, and environmental factors such as wind or drafts which will decrease heat efficiency.

The table below illustrates how different EcoSmart Fire burners produce different burn times based on their respective thermal outputs and fuel consumption rates.

NOTE: These values are indicative only and may vary depending on the model purchased, installation, and the seasonal resource used to manufacture e-NRG.

*This figure relates to the area within the appliance where the fuel is intended to be combusted.

To comply with EN16647 the AB8 efficiency ring must be installed before operating the burner.

So, are ethanol fireplaces expensive to run? Based on running costs alone, they’re slightly steeper than their traditional counterparts. However, fuel isn’t the only cost, and it’s certainly not the biggest.

If you’re after a low maintenance, highly efficient and sustainable home heating option, the self-contained designed and renewable fuel source unique to ethanol fireplaces makes them the priceless choice.