June 27, 2025

Bioethanol vs Electric Fires: Which Fireplace Fits Your Home?

Netflix night or a cosy fire vibe? Why not both? A media wall fire gives you the best of both worlds—modern entertainment with a warm, inviting glow. But when choosing the right fire for your home, you’ll likely be weighing up two sleek, fuss-free options: bioethanol or electric.

They’re both clean-burning and stylish. No chimney. No wood. No soot. But each one brings a different kind of comfort. So, which one suits your home—and your lifestyle—best?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Bioethanol Fireplace?

Picture this: you’re curled up with a book, and in front of you is a real, dancing flame—no smoke, no smell, and no logs needed.

That’s the magic of bioethanol fires. They run on plant-based ethanol fuel and don’t need a flue or gas line. The flame is real, the heat is gentle, and the setup? Surprisingly simple.

People love them for their freestanding designs and the ability to place them just about anywhere—from a stylish city flat to a garden room or even an open-plan living space.

What About Electric Fires?

Electric fires are the definition of plug in and relax. They give the illusion of flames using clever LED technology and often come with built-in heaters.

There’s no fuel to buy, no flame to manage, and no mess to clean up. They’re often used in media walls, because they can be recessed into cabinetry, surrounded by shelving, or wall-mounted to sit just below your TV.

If you like your gadgets with a remote control and a few extra buttons, you’ll love what electric fires offer.

Real Flame vs Flame Effect

This is often where people get stuck. Bioethanol gives you the real deal—a live flame that flickers and glows just like a traditional fire.

Electric fires, on the other hand, provide the illusion of fire. Some models look incredibly realistic with layered flame effects, glowing logs and customisable colours.

If authenticity matters to you, bioethanol wins. But if you’re happy with the look and love the convenience, electric has its charm.

Heating Power: Which Keeps You Warmer?

Bioethanol fires typically give off around 1 to 3 kilowatts of heat. That’s enough to take the chill off a room, but you won’t be turning off your radiators any time soon.

Electric fires tend to offer a similar level of heat—often with adjustable settings. You can set the temperature, turn the heater on or off, and even use flame visuals with no heat at all in warmer months.

In terms of control and consistency, electric fires have the edge. But for cosy ambience during shorter evenings, bioethanol does the job beautifully.

Installation: Which One’s Easier?

Here’s where bioethanol shines. You don’t need any wiring, plumbing or building work. Set it down, fill it up, and light it.

It’s ideal if you’re renting, planning to move, or just want flexibility. You can reposition it as your room evolves.

Electric fires, while easy, do rely on being near a power point. If you want a wall-mounted or recessed model, you may need a qualified electrician to install it safely.

Costs: Upfront and Ongoing

Let’s talk money.

Bioethanol fuel costs around £2–£3 per litre, and most fires use about half a litre per hour. That’s roughly £1–£1.50 an hour when it’s running. Not bad, but it adds up if you're using it daily through winter.

Electric fires use around 1–2 kWh. At current electricity rates, that’s about 30–60p per hour, depending on the heat setting.

Upfront costs vary depending on how stylish you want to go. But generally, electric fires are cheaper to run and more efficient over time.

Maintenance and Safety

Here’s something that matters more than you’d think.

Bioethanol fires do involve handling fuel, lighting with care, and topping up as needed. There’s an open flame, which means it’s not ideal if you’ve got small children or curious pets.

Electric fires are flame-free, low-maintenance, and safe to leave on for longer periods. Many come with auto shut-off features, cool-touch glass and smart heating controls.

If peace of mind and low effort are high on your list, electric fires tick both boxes.

Design Flexibility and Style

Both types of fire offer clean lines and contemporary design.

Bioethanol fireplaces come in sleek steel finishes, glass towers, and freestanding cubes. They can be styled as the centrepiece of your room or tucked into a niche.

Electric fires give you more customisation, especially in media walls. You can pick flame colours, adjust brightness, and sync the look with your smart home setup.

Love to tinker with ambience and control everything from your phone? Electric might be your match.

Which Fire Suits You Best?

Let’s say you’re all about style, simplicity, and the glow of real flames. You don’t need the room to feel like a sauna—you just want that warm, atmospheric touch. Bioethanol fires are for you.

But if you’re a gadget-lover who wants more control, less hassle, and something that can sit neatly beneath your TV, an electric fire makes total sense.

Both offer a step up in modern living—it just depends on whether you're drawn to authentic flame or high-tech convenience.

Final Thoughts

A fireplace isn’t just about warmth—it’s about mood, comfort and the way it shapes your space.

Bioethanol and electric fires each offer their own version of that. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be getting a stylish focal point that turns your living room from ordinary to inviting.

Pick the one that fits your lifestyle, your layout, and your vision for home comfort. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the glow.

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