While it looks the same, a gel fuel fire does not produce the same scent and sounds as a wood fire.
While wood-burning or gas fireplaces are the most common types of fireplaces, a gel fuel fireplace provides an interesting alternative to traditional options. It uses a can of solid gel fuel similar to the sterno cans that warm items on a buffet to generate flames, and does not require the same set-up as a wood or gas fireplace. However, you may want to consider the pros and cons of a gel fuel fireplace before deciding whether it's the right fit for your home.
Pro: Easy to Install
A gel fuel fireplace is extremely easy to install because it does not require venting like a traditional wood fireplace. Gel fireplaces are available as inserts that can be placed in an existing fireplace or freestanding units that can be set up in any spot and moved when the mood strikes. As a result, you can install a gel fuel fireplace yourself, which means considerable savings on installation.
Pro: Low Maintenance
A gel fuel fireplace requires very little maintenance because it is clean-burning and does not produce smoke. Soot and ash does not build up inside the fireplace, so you don't have to dispose of any debris. In addition, you don't have to worry about having a chimney cleaned because the fireplace does not require any type of venting.
Pro: Green
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your fireplace, one that uses gel is an ideal option because it is clean-burning. As a result, it does not produce any fumes or smoke that might contribute to air pollution. In addition, unlike fireplaces that burn wood, a gel fireplace does not use a non-renewable resource as fuel. A gel fireplace is also extremely energy efficient because it does not require electricity to operate.
Con: Limited Heating
While a gel fireplace produces flames, the amount of heat that it produces is limited. It can usually heat a single, average-size room, but it is a poor option if you wish to warm your entire home. In fact, in most cases, a gel fuel fireplace is used mainly for decoration because its warming capabilities are so limited.
Con: Lack of Ambiance
A gel fireplace can mimic the look of wood fire's flames, but it does not capture the entire experience of a wood-burning fireplace. The gel fuel used is odorless so it does not create the distinctive scent of a wood fire. It does not make the crackling or popping sounds that a wood fire does either, which may take away some of the charm from evenings spent in front of the fireplace.
Con: Frequent Refueling
The fuel used for a gel fireplace typically lasts only two to three hours. If you plan to burn your fire for an entire afternoon and evening, you may need to replace it a few times over the course of the night. While the fuel cans are relatively inexpensive, it can be a hassle to constantly replace them when you want a longer burning fire.
Tags: pros, cons, fuel, fireplaces, fuel fireplace, does require, wood fire, does produce, fire does, wood fireplace, because clean-burning, because does
