How does a bioethanol fireplace work?

A bioethanol fireplace works by burning liquid bioethanol fuel in a burner or fuel tank within the unit. The combustion of bioethanol generates a flame, producing heat and creating a pleasant ambiance. The fuel burns cleanly with minimal smoke, odour, or ash, as it is made from renewable plant-based materials such as sugarcane or corn.

Do bioethanol fireplaces produce a lot of heat?

They generate moderate heat, but they are not typically designed to be the primary heat source for an entire home. They are better suited for warming up small to medium-sized rooms, creating a cozy atmosphere. The heat output is comparable to that of a small space heater, but indoor bioethanol fireplaces are generally used more for ambiance than for heating large areas.

How efficient are bioethanol fireplaces?

Generally these fireplaces are considered efficient in terms of combustion, as the bioethanol fuel burns completely with minimal waste. However, their efficiency in terms of heat output per unit of fuel is lower than traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces.

How long does the fuel last?

The burn time of bioethanol fuel depends on the size of the fuel tank and the intensity of the flame. Typically, a litre of bioethanol fuel can burn for about 2 to 3 hours, providing moderate heat. For longer-lasting use, you can opt for larger units or refuel as needed.

Are bioethanol fireplaces environmentally friendly?

Yes. The fuel is made from renewable sources, such as plants, and the combustion process produces very little carbon emissions. Unlike traditional wood fireplaces, indoor bioethanol fireplaces do not emit harmful particulates or require deforestation.

Do I need a chimney or flue for a bioethanol fireplace?

No, they do not require a chimney or flue. The clean combustion process produces very little smoke or harmful emissions, so no venting system is necessary. This makes bioethanol fireplaces a great option for spaces like apartments, offices, or homes where installing a flue or chimney would be difficult or costly.

What types of fireplaces are suitable for Melbourne homes?

Melbourne’s climate and diverse housing stock mean a variety of fireplaces are suitable. Gas fireplaces offer instant, controllable heat with minimal maintenance, which is ideal for modern and heritage homes. Electric fireplaces are versatile for apartments or offices, providing ambience without structural work. Wood or slow-combustion fireplaces suit traditional homes or luxury living spaces where a tactile fire experience is desired. Designers often select fireplaces based on aesthetic integration, heat requirements, and lifestyle use.

Can fireplaces be integrated into heritage or period-style homes?

Absolutely. Melbourne has many heritage terraces, Victorian homes, and Edwardian residences. Modern gas or electric fireplaces can be discreetly installed in period mantels, while contemporary designs can be blended subtly to maintain architectural integrity while adding functional warmth and style.

Are fireplaces suitable for commercial spaces in Melbourne?

Yes. Restaurants, boutique hotels, and office lobbies can benefit from fireplaces as both heating solutions and design features. Linear gas fireplaces or suspended modern electric units are often chosen to create atmosphere, luxury, and focal points.

How can designers and architects select the right fireplace for a project in Melbourne?

Selection depends on space size, ceiling height, insulation, building type, and aesthetic goals. Architects often collaborate with homeowners to integrate fireplaces seamlessly into living areas, bedrooms, or commercial lounges, balancing functionality, heat output, and visual impact. Melbourne’s diverse building styles allow creative fireplace solutions for almost any project. Our team at the Oblica fireplace showroom works with homeowners, designers and architects to help find the perfect solution.

Do different types of fireplaces affect design choices in Melbourne homes?

Absolutely. Wood fireplaces often require stone or brick surrounds and a chimney flue, influencing the room layout. Gas and electric units can be recessed, wall-mounted, or linear, allowing for sleek, modern, or minimalist designs. Ethanol fireplaces can be freestanding or suspended, giving designers freedom to create floating focal points. Fireplaces influence lighting, furniture placement, and room flow, particularly in high-end Melbourne homes or commercial projects.

Which types of fireplaces work best in Sydney homes?

Gas fireplaces: Perfect for instant heat in modern apartments or open-plan living areas. Electric fireplaces: Ideal for inner-city apartments or offices needing style without structural alterations. Ethanol fireplaces: Portable, flueless, and perfect for alfresco areas, patios, or balconies. Wood or slow-combustion fireplaces: Less common but suitable for homes in cooler northern or western suburbs, where homeowners want authentic fire experience. Sydney’s diverse housing stock means fireplace type is often chosen for both function and visual impact.

Can fireplaces be integrated into heritage or period-style Sydney homes?

Yes. Sydney has many Victorian terraces, Federation-style homes, and historic villas. Modern gas or electric fireplaces can be discreetly installed into existing mantels, or contemporary units can be designed to contrast elegantly with classic interiors, blending heritage charm with modern efficiency.

Are fireplaces suitable for Sydney’s apartment lifestyle?

Absolutely. Electric and gas fireplaces are particularly suited for apartments. They are flueless or direct-vent, making them compatible with building regulations, and they provide both style and warmth without requiring chimneys or major renovations. Ethanol fireplaces can also be used as portable, design-focused features in balconies or terraces.

How do fireplaces affect design choices in Sydney interiors?

Fireplaces influence layout, lighting, furniture placement, and focal points. Gas or electric units can be recessed or wall-mounted for sleek, minimalist designs, while wood fireplaces require hearths and surrounds that can dictate interior styling. Ethanol fireplaces allow for floating or freestanding design statements, giving designers freedom to anchor open-plan living areas or outdoor entertainment zones.

Can fireplaces add value to Sydney properties?

Yes. Fireplaces are considered a premium feature in Sydney’s competitive property market. Well-integrated fireplaces in living areas, bedrooms, or alfresco zones can increase market appeal, enhance lifestyle perception, and serve as luxury design highlights.

Are fireplaces suitable for commercial use in Sydney?

Absolutely. Gas, ethanol, and electric fireplaces are commonly used in restaurants, boutique hotels, offices, and hospitality venues, providing warmth, ambience, and design sophistication. Fireplaces can become focal points that enhance guest experience while being safe, clean, and low-maintenance for busy commercial settings.

What is an ethanol fireplace?

An ethanol fireplace burns bioethanol fuel, a renewable and clean-burning alcohol-based liquid, to produce real flames without the need for a chimney, flue, or gas connection. It provides instant ambience and heat while being environmentally friendly, making it ideal for homes where design flexibility and visual appeal are priorities.

Can indoor ethanol fireplaces provide real heat?

Yes, they emit genuine radiant heat, suitable for warming living spaces, bedrooms, or even outdoor areas. While they may not replace a full central heating system, they are perfect for supplemental warmth, adding both comfort and visual charm to interior spaces.

Do ethanol burning fireplaces require a chimney or venting?

No. One of the main advantages is that they burn cleanly without smoke or harmful emissions, so there’s no need for traditional ventilation or flues. This allows them to be installed in apartments, high-rise homes, or spaces where traditional fireplaces are impractical, making them highly versatile for urban living.

Can the flame size or intensity be adjusted?

Yes. Many ethanol burners allow control over flame height and intensity, either manually or via remote controls. This flexibility lets homeowners set the mood, whether it’s a gentle flicker for relaxing evenings or a more dramatic flame for entertaining.

Are they environmentally friendly?

Yes. Ethanol is a renewable, carbon-neutral fuel that burns cleanly, producing no smoke, soot, or harmful emissions. For homeowners concerned with sustainability, ethanol fireplaces provide a visually striking heating solution that aligns with eco-conscious design principles.

Can ethanol fireplaces be installed in apartments or townhouses?

Yes. Because they don’t require a chimney or gas line, ethanol burning fireplaces are ideal for multi-level or urban residences. Their clean-burning nature allows for safe installation in spaces where traditional fireplaces would be impossible, combining both design freedom and luxury warmth.

How do ethanol burners compare to gas or wood fireplaces in style?

Indoor ethanol fireplaces are highly design-forward. Unlike traditional units, they can be freestanding, recessed, suspended, or wall-mounted, giving homeowners artistic freedom to integrate the fireplace into interior architecture. They are often chosen for contemporary, minimalist, or avant-garde luxury interiors.

Senso Fireplaces

Senso by Planika offers a compact, stylish solution for adding a fireplace to your indoor space. Fuelled with bioethanol, this clean-burning fireplace produces no smoke, soot or ashes, making it an eco-friendly choice for both new builds and retrofits. With its innovative zero clearance casing, the Senso Fireplace simplifies installation, allowing for seamless integration into a variety of spaces. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home with a contemporary focal point or add extra warmth and comfort, Senso provides an easy and elegant solution.

Key Features

– 2-level flame control

– Integrated control panel

– No flue required

– Safety sensors

– Remote control operation

– Automatic refilling system

Three available configurations

Senso Burner

$2,360
make an enquiry
Senso Basket

$2,890
make an enquiry
Senso Fireplace

$3,680
make an enquiry

Product Details

Downloads

Techcard_Senso_Basket (pdf)
Techcard_Senso_Burner (pdf)
Techcard_Senso_Fireplace (pdf)
Manual_Senso_Burner (pdf)
Manual_Senso_Fireplace (pdf)
Senso DWG (zip)

Senso Fireplaces

Key Features

Three available configurations

Senso Burner

Senso Basket

Senso Fireplace

Product Details

Downloads

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