Regan Brown
Bioethanol fireplaces are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional fires, offering a modern and sleek design, a real flame, and low emissions. They are also relatively inexpensive to run, with a litre of bioethanol fuel costing around £4.25 in the UK. The cost of running a bioethanol fireplace depends on the type of burner used, the size of the fireplace, and the aperture size. For example, a 1.3L burner will cost approximately £1 to £2 per hour to run. In comparison to other fuels, bioethanol is very competitively priced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of bioethanol fuel in the UK | £48.80 for 20 litres |
| £4.25/litre | |
| £1 to £2 per hour for a proper fireplace container | |
| Cost of bioethanol fuel in the US | $0.72 to $0.84/litre in 2012 |
| $1.04 to $1.45/litre in 2020 | |
| Comparison to other fuels | Bioethanol is very competitive with wood and gas |
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What You'll Learn
Cost comparison with wood and gas
The cost of bioethanol fuel depends on various factors, including the type of burner used in the fireplace, the size of the room, and whether the fuel is bought in bulk. On average, bioethanol fuel costs around £0.50 to £2.50 per litre, with a burn time of 2 to 5 hours per litre. This equates to an approximate cost of £0.25 to £0.75 per hour for the fuel alone. When the cost of the burner is included, the total hourly cost of operating a bioethanol fireplace can range from approximately £1 to £2 per hour.
When compared to wood as a fuel source, bioethanol has its advantages and disadvantages. While bioethanol is generally cheaper upfront, with no logs to store or chop, wood can be more cost-effective in the long term. Wood logs typically range in price from £100 to £300 per ton, with one ton lasting 50 to 80 hours. This equates to an hourly cost of £1.25 to £3. Additionally, if you have access to free firewood or can buy wood in bulk, a wood-burning stove could further reduce costs. However, bioethanol offers predictable pricing and minimal maintenance, with no chimney to sweep, no soot to clean, and no ash to dispose of.
Compared to gas, bioethanol again has its pros and cons. Gas is generally considered more budget-friendly, especially if you have a mains gas supply. Natural gas costs approximately £0.06 per kWh, making it significantly cheaper per unit of heat than bioethanol. On the other hand, bottled gas (LPG) can be more expensive, typically costing £1 to £1.50 per hour. It is worth noting that gas prices can fluctuate with the global market, leading to unexpected spikes in heating bills. Bioethanol, while potentially more costly upfront, offers cleaner burning and minimal maintenance.
In summary, while bioethanol fuel may have a higher upfront cost compared to wood or gas, its efficiency, minimal maintenance, and predictable pricing make it a competitive option for those seeking convenience and a modern, sleek aesthetic. However, for those seeking a more cost-effective, long-term solution, traditional wood-burning stoves or gas fireplaces may be a preferable choice.
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Cost varies by burner type
The cost of bioethanol fuel varies depending on burner type, with factors such as burner size, flame size, and fuel quality influencing the overall price.
Burner Size
The burner size determines the amount of bioethanol that can be added, affecting the burn time and fuel consumption. Smaller burners (less than two gallons) require frequent refilling, while larger burners offer longer burn times.
Flame Size
A larger burner produces a larger flame, resulting in higher fuel consumption. However, a larger flame can provide more heat and ambient lighting, enhancing the interior décor. Flame size can be adjusted using a slider control or regulator, allowing users to manage fuel consumption and costs.
Fuel Quality
The quality of bioethanol fuel also impacts the cost. Low-quality fuel tends to burn faster, leading to higher long-term expenses. Buying fuel in bulk can reduce costs, with larger quantities often offered at discounted rates.
Ventilation
Bioethanol fireplaces require ventilation, such as opening a window for a few minutes, which can impact the overall cost of operating the burner.
Installation
Bioethanol burners can be installed as inserts into existing fireplaces or purchased as freestanding or recessed units. Installation costs vary depending on the type of installation and the need for professional assistance.
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Cost of ethanol from grains
The cost of bioethanol fuel varies depending on the type of ethanol and the market. As of January 18, 2023, the US Grains Council reported that Midwest wholesale rack ethanol prices ended the previous week at 62.88 cents per liter or 238.02 cents per gallon. FOB Houston ethanol prices were quoted at 61.03 cents per liter or 231.01 cents per gallon.
The cost of producing ethanol from grains also varies depending on the feedstock and the production technology used. In 2012, the cost of ethanol from grains such as wheat was higher than the average refinery wholesale prices for gasoline in the United States, which ranged from USD 0.72 to USD 0.84 per liter. Advanced bioethanol produced from lignocellulosic feedstocks is estimated to be even more expensive, with current price estimates ranging from USD 1.04 to USD 1.45 per liter. However, as investments in research and development increase, and as commercial-scale advanced bioethanol projects gain experience, production costs for advanced bioethanol are expected to decrease. By 2020, advanced bioethanol was projected to cost USD 0.7 to USD 1.0 per liter, depending on feedstock costs.
The cost of bioethanol fuel also depends on the type of burner used and the frequency of use. For example, the operating cost of a bioethanol fireplace is estimated to be approximately £1 to £2 per hour for a proper fireplace container. Cheaper brands of bioethanol fuel may produce a smell when burning, and it is recommended to avoid buying fuel in 5-liter containers due to the increased risk of spills.
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Cost of bulk buying
The cost of bulk-buying bioethanol fuel varies depending on the quantity purchased and the supplier. For example, the London Candle Company offers bulk-buy options ranging from 12 to 144 litres, with prices ranging from £14.62 to £298.20. On the other hand, BioFireFuel offers 48 bottles of one-litre capacity each for £2.30 per litre, with free delivery for orders over £50.
Bulk-buying bioethanol fuel can be a cost-effective option, especially for those who use it frequently or as a primary heat source. By purchasing in larger quantities, customers can often take advantage of volume discounts and save money on a per-unit basis. Additionally, some suppliers offer free delivery for orders above a certain threshold, further reducing the overall cost.
It is worth noting that the cost of bioethanol fuel also depends on the type of burner used and the frequency of use. Some burners may consume more fuel than others, and regular usage will naturally require more fuel than occasional use. Therefore, it is important to consider one's specific needs and usage patterns when determining the cost-effectiveness of bulk-buying.
When considering bulk purchases, it is important to ensure that the fuel is of high quality and suitable for its intended purpose. Some suppliers offer fuel specifically designed for bioethanol fireplaces, burners, stoves, and fire pits, ensuring optimal performance and a pleasant experience. Additionally, factors such as easy-pour nozzles, spill-proof designs, and environmentally friendly production methods can also influence the decision to bulk-buy from a particular supplier.
Overall, bulk-buying bioethanol fuel can be a convenient and cost-effective option for those who use it regularly or in larger quantities. By purchasing from reputable suppliers and considering factors such as quality, price, delivery options, and intended use, consumers can make informed decisions that meet their specific needs and budget.
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Cheaper brands may smell
When considering the cost of bio-ethanol fuel, it is important to remember that cheaper brands may produce a smell when burning. This is because bio-ethanol fireplaces use clean-air fuel derived from plant material or animal waste, and cheaper options may not be as refined. While bio-ethanol fireplaces are a stylish, eco-friendly, and modern alternative to traditional fires, the fuel costs can vary depending on the brand and quality.
Bioethanol fuel typically has an ethanol content of no more than 96.6% and is designed for use in fireplaces. The cost of this type of fuel can range from £4.25 per litre to £48.80 for 20 litres. However, buying in bulk can result in significant savings, with 200 litres potentially costing much less per litre. Additionally, the type of feedstock used to produce the bioethanol can impact the price, with advanced bioethanol from lignocellulosic feedstocks being more expensive than conventional bioethanol due to the complexity of the production process.
While cheaper bioethanol fuels may produce a smell, it is important to note that all bioethanol fuels will have some scent when burned, as it is a real flame. However, this scent is typically minimal and not bothersome to most people. Nonetheless, it is recommended to ventilate the room by opening a window for 5 minutes after having the fire on for a couple of hours.
When purchasing bioethanol fuel, it is essential to consider the size of the burner and the desired burn time. A litre of fuel can last for approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on the burner and aperture size. Additionally, it is worth noting that 5-litre containers may be cheaper, but they can be harder to fill up precisely, leading to a higher risk of fuel spills. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the safety and convenience aspects in addition to the cost when choosing a bioethanol fuel brand.
Overall, while cheaper brands of bioethanol fuel may produce a stronger smell when burning, it is important to weigh this against the cost savings and the typical minimal scent associated with bioethanol fires.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of bioethanol fuel varies depending on the quantity purchased and the retailer. For example, at Smart Fire, 20 litres of bioethanol fuel costs £48.80, whereas 200 litres would be much cheaper per litre. Fireplace World offers 24 bottles of 1-litre bioethanol fuel for £4.25 per litre.
Bioethanol fuel is competitively priced when compared to wood and gas. It is also a good alternative to traditional solid fuels such as wood, coal, or timber, which require more labour and cost more money.
The cost of bioethanol fuel depends on the ethanol content and the type of feedstock used. For example, ethanol from grains like wheat is more expensive than gasoline. Advanced bioethanol from lignocellulosic feedstocks is also more expensive than conventional bioethanol due to more complex production processes.
Yes, it is generally more cost-effective to buy bioethanol fuel in larger quantities. For example, at Smart Fire, purchasing 200 litres of bioethanol fuel is significantly cheaper per litre than buying 20 litres.
One potential hidden cost of using bioethanol fuel is the need for proper ventilation. It is recommended to open a window for 5 minutes after having the fire on for a couple of hours. Additionally, cheaper brands of bioethanol fuel may produce a smell when burning, so it is worth investing in higher-quality fuel.
