If you found yourself on this page, chances are you're working on a project that invloves specifying a bio-ethanol or gel fireplace, but you're not quite sure where to start or where to find the right information. Below, you’ll find key questions to ask yourself or others involved in the project. These will help you narrow down your options and develop a clear plan for selecting the perfect fireplace.

1. Is it gel or is it bio?

ou may have come across the term “gel fireplace” or seen “GEL FIRE” mentioned in your project documentation. So, how does this fit into the picture? Gel is an outdated, alcohol-based fuel that was popular around 15 years ago. We strongly recommend removing any reference to gel fireplaces from your plans and documents, as this fuel type is no longer used in new projects and may confuse clients about the actual fuel required. What you need is BIO ETHANOL FUEL, a clear, liquid fuel derived from food waste. It typically contains around 96% ethanol and is denatured, making it unsuitable for consumption. Bioethanol is an eco-friendly option, and its production cycle looks like this:

2. Bio ethanol fireplace in your project documents

Now that it's clear you're working with a bioethanol fireplace, the next step is to determine whether the project specifies a ready-made model (for example, a particular unit the architect or client has in mind) or if it requires a BESPOKE solution tailored to the space.

If the documentation only mentions “gel fire” or “bioethanol fire” and includes a drawing—such as a long line of fire—it’s likely the focus so far has been on the visual aspect rather than the technical requirements.

Keep in mind: that visual concept may need to be adjusted depending on the available space and whether it can safely and practically accommodate the fireplace as originally envisioned.

3. What Information Do I Need to Start Selecting, Specifying, or Ordering a Bioethanol Fireplace?

You need to find out several things first:

• How big is the room featuring the fire (large firepalces require large rooms)?
• What is the natural ventilation like (windows, doors, possibility of draughts)? You should not place a fireplace in draughty areas like halls.
• Are there air conditioning units near the fire? This could be a serious obstacle.
• Is it for commercial or residential use? This aspect will lead to further considerations, follow the link to read more.
• What is the budget for the fire? This may be the most important question. Bioethanol fireplaces can range from £200 to £15,000 depending on style, functionality, and technical complexity.
• What is the intended use? Is the fireplace mainly decorative and used occasionally, or is it an important feature intended for regular use? For very occasional use, you may want to consider an option which is a bit more fiddly and basic but does the job, like our Bio Container. For more demanding or high use projects you will definitely want to go for a fully functional solution, possibly even with remote control – like PLANIKA’s fires.

4. I know what I want, what do I do now?

Now you need to identify who will be responsible for building the housing for the fireplace, and how they plan to do it. Depending on the design, this might involve:

• A steel or stone-lined firebox to accommodate a long line of fire, or
• A fireplace surround with an opening designed to fit a more traditional unit.

In either case, it’s important to confirm:

• What materials will be used
• What preparatory or structural work is required to ensure the fireplace is installed safely and correctly

Understanding these elements early on will help avoid delays and ensure the design vision is achievable.

5. I have my work arranged / planned, where and when do I order my fire?

If you’re choosing a ready-made fireplace that doesn’t require bespoke production, it’s best to order well in advance. You can place your order directly through our website. If you're not comfortable shopping online, feel free to give us a call—our team will be happy to assist you. We can store your fireplace in our warehouse for several months until you’re ready for delivery. Please note that some models may sell out unexpectedly, so securing your unit ahead of any building work is highly recommended.

If you require a bespoke model, we’ll need additional information before preparing a quote. In general, you should allow 10–12 weeks from your initial enquiry to final delivery. For Black Label (Luxury Line) or fully bespoke products, full payment is required before production can begin. Also note there may be a lead time of up to 10 weeks after payment is cleared—important to consider when planning and budgeting for larger projects.

6. Is there anything else?

Once you’ve specified your fireplace, arranged the building work, and placed your order, the main task is to monitor the progress. Pay close attention to any changes in the room design. Even small alterations may affect the installation or performance of the fireplace. If any changes arise, please consult with us—some adjustments could be critical to the safe and proper integration of the unit.

7. Once the project is finished

We’d love to see the finished result! You’re always welcome to send us photos of your completed project featuring our fireplaces. We regularly showcase client work and often offer free fuel as a thank-you for high-quality images. This may be a nice touch at the end of your consultation, especially when our clients are happy with the final results.

We’re also happy to collaborate with architects and designers on a professional level. Please don’t hesitate to email or call us to discuss.

Good luck with your project!