There’s hardly anything more appealing on a chilly evening than the warmth and glow of a fire. After all, what’s there not to like about the subtle crackling of burning embers, the flickering light of dancing flames, and the soothing warmth it all creates? Many of us are no strangers to the classic wood-burning fire pits, but there’s a modern twist on this age-old concept that is quickly gaining traction: the ethanol models with a more contemporary and sustainable design.
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with traditional options, there’s no denying that they come with their own set of drawbacks. The constant need for wood or charcoal, the abundance of messy ash and smoke, and the potential safety hazards are just some of the reasons why you should consider turning to cosy yet convenient ethanol fire pits for your heating needs.
How Do Ethanol Fire Pits Work?
In short, these particular models rely on bioethanol fuel, which is a renewable and clean-burning alternative to traditional fuels. It’s derived from plant materials like corn, sugarcane, and potatoes, which are then fermented and distilled to create a high concentration of alcohol. Of course, you may have heard of this type of fuel before, as it’s commonly used in household items like hand sanitisers and cleaning products. However, when it comes to fire pits, bioethanol is specifically designed to burn safely with minimal emissions.
Are Ethanol Fire Pits Any Good?
To put it simply, an ethanol fire pit could be the best investment you make for your outdoor living space. Not only does it bring all the joys of a traditional fire without any of the drawbacks, but it also offers several unique benefits that may well transform the way you think about heating.
Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Solution
Given that ethanol fire pits don’t require any wood or gas to operate, they’re extremely cost-effective in the long run. The fuel they use is relatively affordable and comes with an admirably long burn time – between 4 to 5 hours depending on the model.
Moreover, bioethanol is a renewable fuel that produces minimal emissions, which means it’s eco-friendly and contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. It doesn’t require any chimneys or flues, which reduces the installation cost and ultimately saves you valuable time and money. Not to mention the fact that you’re not limited to a specific location, and you can position it wherever you like, whether that’s in your backyard, patio, or even indoors.
No Residue or Ash
If you’ve ever spent quite some time cleaning up after a traditional fire pit, then you’ll know how time-consuming and tiring it can be. The constant need to remove excess ash and debris is not only messy but may also pose a potential health hazard if not disposed of properly. This can be quite a hassle, especially if you’re planning on having frequent gatherings or some more me-time with the golden-tinged flames.
With ethanol models, however, this issue is non-existent. The fuel burns cleanly without leaving any residue or ash, which means you can quickly and safely put it out with a lid or extinguisher without worrying about any leftover mess. It likely won’t leave any lingering smells either, which further adds to the convenience factor.
Versatile Design Options
One of the main selling points of ethanol fire pits is their contemporary and appealing design. Perhaps two of the most popular varieties include the conventional fire tables and the more eye-catching bowls with their round shape. The former can generally be placed in a tabletop setting, while the latter can make quite the statement when positioned on its own.
Both of them deliver the same calming ambience, and the only thing left for you to do is decide which one goes better with your decor. If you’re going for a slightly different aesthetic, you could go for the bowl option, but if you want a more minimalist approach, the table variety may be a more suitable choice.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Building a traditional fire pit from scratch can be quite the undertaking, and it’s not something everyone has the skill or patience for. Starting with the proper foundation, adding bricks or stones in a specific pattern, and ensuring everything is level before you can even start enjoying it can take up quite a bit of your time. Plus, once it’s built, there’s always the possibility that something may go wrong, which can be stressful if you’re not experienced with repairs.
On the other hand, ethanol models are incredibly easy to install and require minimal maintenance. Most come out of the box with minimal assembly required, and some may not even need any installation at all. All you have to do is ensure there’s a sufficient distance from flammable materials, add the fuel, and switch it on for an instant fire experience.
High Heat Output
At first glance, it may seem that these pits won’t be able to produce enough heat, given their smaller size and eco-friendly fuel. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The output of these models is roughly 3kWh per litre of fuel, meaning you’ll have plenty of heat to keep everyone warm and comfortable on a chilly evening. You can even adjust the flame size according to your preference with most models, so you can have control over just how much warmth you want.
Better Safety Features
Naturally, having an open flame near you or your loved ones can be a cause for concern, especially if you have children or pets. There can always be a risk of sparks or embers flying off and causing accidents, or even the fire getting out of control.
However, ethanol varieties come with built-in safety features that make them a much safer option compared to traditional fire pits. Most models have an instant ignition and shut-down feature that allows you to turn it on or off whenever you want. Plus, since there are no logs or embers to worry about, the chances of accidental burns or fires are significantly reduced.
Cosy Ambience
Last but not least, an ethanol fire pit provides a cosy and inviting ambience that can’t be replicated by any other form of heating. The warm, flickering flames create a soothing vibe that can help you relax and unwind after a long day, along with a beautiful glow that adds to the overall atmosphere. Whether you’re spending time with friends and family or simply enjoying some quiet alone time, an ethanol fire pit is sure to make it all the more special.
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