FAQ Overview
Which fire is right for me?
Biofuel / Gas / Electric / Wood-burning stove?
Home heating includes hundreds if not thousands of product options – it can be hard to know what's the best choice for you and your family. This page provides information about the options available, and should help to clarify the key differences across the various options.
The page will continually be updated with the latest information on product choices, legislation and other relevant information. We are always on hand to help with your questions, so please get in touch if you need to, and remember to look at the other FAQ pages for specific fire types. We welcome your feedback.
Download our detailed fires FAQ PDF for more insights
Includes extensive information, comparisons, differences and benefits of bioethanol fires, wood-burning stoves, gas fires and electric fires.
Basic differences between fire types
Fire type |
Fuel |
Flame |
Ventilation |
Installation |
Pros |
Cons |
Bioethanol Fires |
Burns bioethanol, a renewable plant-based fuel. |
Real flame with moderate heat output. |
Typically doesn’t need a chimney or flue. |
Relatively easy, usually no special venting required. |
Environmentally friendly, easy installation, real flame. |
Fuel costs can be higher, heat output might not be as strong. |
Gas Fires |
Runs on natural gas or propane. |
Realistic flames with good heat output. |
Requires proper ventilation and gas line installation. |
More complex, involving gas lines and venting. |
Efficient heating, controllable flames, realistic appearance. |
Higher installation costs, needs gas supply. |
Electric Fires |
Powered by electricity. |
Simulated flames using lights or screens. |
No venting required, simple plug-and-play. |
Easy and straightforward. |
Simple installation, safe for homes with kids/pets, low maintenance. |
Less authentic flame appearance, reliance on electricity. |
Wood-burning stoves |
Burns firewood. |
Real flames with strong heat output. |
Requires a chimney or flue for proper ventilation. |
Can be complex due to chimney requirements. |
Traditional ambiance, powerful heat, backup heating. |
Higher installation costs, requires firewood, emissions and maintenance. |
Efficiency, safety, environmental impact, and comfort are all worth considering:
Bioethanol Fire
- Renewable fuel from plants.
- Easy installation, no chimney needed.
- Provides ambiance but might not heat large spaces.
- Minimal ash, requires bioethanol refills.
- Consider environmental impact of bioethanol source.
Gas Fire
- Efficient with consistent heat.
- Requires proper ventilation and gas supply.
- Convenient control with remote/thermostat.
- Varies in flame appearance.
- Consider emissions from natural gas.
Electric Fire
- Easy plug-and-play installation.
- Efficient but potentially higher operating costs.
- Quick, even heat distribution.
- Various flame effects and designs.
- Environmental impact tied to electricity sources.
Wood-burning stove
- Renewable wood fuel.
- Requires chimney and proper installation.
- High heat output for larger spaces.
- Regular ash cleaning and maintenance.
- Cozy ambiance, real flame.
- Choose modern, EPA-certified stoves for reduced emissions.
Please get in touch if you have any further questions, we'd be delighted to hear from you.