Filling your bioethanol fireplace: how to refuel safely and responsibly
Correctly filling or refilling your bioethanol fireplace is essential for safe and long-lasting operation. While bioethanol fireplaces are user-friendly, working with fuel requires certain precautions. In this article, we explain what to look out for when filling your bioethanol fireplace – from choosing the right bottle to avoiding fire hazards.
Always use 1-litre bottles of bioethanol
For safe refilling of your bioethanol fireplace, we recommend using only 1-litre bottles of bioethanol. Why?
Bioethanol evaporates when the temperature rises. This vapour is extremely flammable and poses an explosion risk if it comes into contact with a spark or flame. Larger containers may contain a significant amount of gas above the liquid. A large container with little ethanol can therefore hold a lot of highly flammable gas.
1-litre bottles hardly have this disadvantage: they are typically emptied in one go, and the amount of evaporated ethanol in the bottle remains minimal.
Choose a bottle with a safety pourer
Whenever possible, use a bioethanol bottle with a safe, integrated pouring spout. This helps prevent the risk of a flame igniting the contents of the bottle. This danger is particularly high with large containers or unsafe pouring systems. If a flame reaches the reservoir, it can cause an explosion in your hands – resulting in serious burns or worse.
A safety pourer is not a luxury, but a necessity for anyone who wants to fill or refill their bioethanol fireplace safely.
Only refill when the fireplace is completely extinguished
Never fill or refill your bioethanol fireplace when the burner is still hot or smouldering. Some burners – especially models with ceramic wool – can retain heat for a long time and continue to smoulder, even when they appear to be out. Refilling a warm burner can cause a dangerous flash fire.
Always wait at least 30 minutes after the flame goes out and ensure the burner is completely cool.
Ceramic burners such as those from Xaralyn include an additional safety feature: the burner can only be filled when it is fully extinguished.
Use a funnel to avoid spillage
Bioethanol is not only flammable but also a powerful solvent. Spilled bioethanol can damage coatings, varnish, or other finishes around the fireplace. Always use a funnel when filling to prevent fuel from ending up outside the burner tray. This helps ensure safety and prevents damage to your fireplace or furniture.
Did you accidentally spill a little bioethanol? Absorb it immediately with a piece of kitchen towel or similar material.
Checklist: filling your bioethanol fireplace safely
- Always use bioethanol in 1-litre bottles
- Choose bottles with a safety pourer
- Make sure the fireplace is completely extinguished and cooled
- Use a funnel to fill without spilling
- Keep flammable materials away during refilling
By following these tips, you can safely and confidently enjoy your bioethanol fireplace. Safety comes first – especially when working with fuel. Do you have questions about the correct use of bioethanol or suitable accessories? Feel free to contact us.
