The warmth and charm of a fireplace — without major renovations
A fireplace brings instant atmosphere to any home. Whether it’s the middle of winter or a cool summer evening, the dancing flames offer warmth, comfort and character. Traditionally, fireplaces require a chimney or flue — meaning major renovations. Fortunately, today’s market offers modern alternatives.
Why do some fireplaces need a flue?
Burning wood or gas produces smoke and harmful emissions. A flue or chimney is necessary to safely expel those gases outdoors. Without it, smoke and particles can build up inside — creating serious health risks.
Disadvantages of a chimney
Although functional, chimneys have several downsides:
- Takes up space in your home
- Expensive to install and maintain
- Can cause nuisance in densely populated areas due to smoke
- Often requires permits or structural work
What are the alternatives?
If you want the comfort of a fireplace without construction work, choose an electric or bio-ethanol fireplace. These clean-burning options don’t produce smoke and therefore don’t require a flue. The benefits:
- No chimney or flue needed
- Lower installation costs
- Flexible placement, even in apartments
- No emissions or fine dust
Electric fireplaces are low-maintenance and energy-efficient, often with built-in heaters for spaces up to ±22 m².
Bioethanol fireplaces burn real flames using clean liquid fuel and give off cosy radiant heat — no smoke, no ash.
Why still choose a fireplace with a flue?
Wood and gas fireplaces offer much higher heat output, making them suitable as primary heating sources. Electric and bioethanol fireplaces are best used for ambience and supplementary heat.
Kies dus bewust op basis van jouw situatie:
| Use | Best type of fireplace |
|---|---|
| Primary heating | Wood or gas (with flue) |
| Secondary / decorative heating | Electric or bioethanol (no flue) |
Conclusion
Want the charm of a fireplace without the hassle? Choose a flueless electric or bio-ethanol model — clean, safe, and atmospheric. A stylish solution for modern living.
Haven't decided yet which fireplace is suitable for your situation? Below, we have provided some examples for inspiration.
Example of a built-in Xaralyn bioethanol burner with built-in profile
Example of a built-in bio-ethanol unit
Example of a see-through fireplace with Xaralyn burner L with built-in profile
Example of a water vapor fireplace from Xaralyn
Example of a built-in fireplace with three sided fire sight
Example of a Cinewall with Xaralyn electric fireplace
