A wood fireplace in a country house or a bio fireplace for an apartment, a summer residence, bought in a store or made with your own hands is a source of live fire. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of biofireplaces. We’ll figure out which one to buy. Or maybe this device can be made with your own hands? Fire has always been associated in humans with warmth and comfort. As the old saying goes, you can look at fire endlessly: it pacifies, fascinates, creates a special atmosphere.
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Fireplaces have always served man as a source of heat, but today they are increasingly being used as an interior item, an object for contemplation. If you are the owner of a private or country house, you can safely install a classic wood fireplace, which will perform several functions at the same time.
But what if you live in an apartment, and the desire to have your own hearth is so great? There is a way out - a bio-fireplace, eco-friendly, safely equipped, which does not require coordination and permission from representatives of relevant authorities.
Biofireplace - what is it?
This is a fundamentally new phenomenon in interior design. This design technique allows you to bring the atmosphere and charm of a live fire into even the most modest apartment in size. You can install a biofireplace anywhere, you do not need to install additional chimney systems, it runs on special fuel that does not emit harmful substances, smoke and soot. Cases (portals) of such eco-fireplaces are made of a wide variety of materials, so you can always choose exactly the design that will look harmoniously in the interior of your apartment.
For the design of bio-fireplaces, glass, valuable wood, marble, wild stone, granite, ceramics, metal are most often used. They are wall, built-in, floor and even desktop (mini-models). The shape can also be any: square, round, bulbous, in the form of a pyramid or some other geometric shape. The apartment or room in which such a device is installed should be ventilated periodically, since oxygen is burned during its operation.
Benefits of biofireplaces:
- profitability;
- many useful features;
- do not require special care;
- wide selection of models and sizes;
- easy installation;
- permission for installation and operation in the apartment is not required;
- the ability to move the device to any place;
- no chimney required.
Also, customer reviews mention indoor humidification, because water vapor is released during biofuel combustion. The relatively low price, especially in comparison with wood counterparts, is also a kind of plus.
Biofireplaces - disadvantages:
- the device is not suitable for heating;
- it is necessary to monitor the amount of fuel;
- the presence of alcohol smell;
- fuel price.
This type of eco-fireplace is more for contemplation, and not for heating rooms, since the heat generated by it is negligible. Compliance with safety rules has not been canceled - this is the source of fire, so it is undesirable to leave children and pets alone in the apartment where he works.
A slight smell of alcohol is present in the apartment, especially when lighting a fireplace. The cost of a liter of fuel varies from 180 to 300 rubles. But, despite the nuances listed above, today more and more people are eager to acquire a bio fireplace. Reviews on the relevant forums and online stores about the operation of these devices are optimistic. Among my friends there are also lucky owners of this wonderful device, and some made it with their own hands, but this will be discussed later.
Today you can purchase any biofireplace, the dimensions of which will be tailored to your individual measurements.
Biofireplaces, which are
An incredibly wide range of all sizes and shapes: angular, wall, floor, built-in, desktop. Let's look at each of the options in more detail.
Built-in biofireplace
These models are considered one of the most popular, they can be rectangular, round, closed with a glass-ceramic screen or open. The case of such devices is made of steel, designed to interact with high temperatures. If desired, such units can be installed not only in the wall of the apartment, but also in furniture (for example, in a table). Quite often in the photo you can see a bio fireplace under the TV - it looks beautiful, practical, the device performs its functions and does not take up space in the room. The TV is most often located in the living room, all family members gather there, so the fire is constantly in sight.
Similarly, under the TV, there can be both a floor and a mounted model, but the built-in one looks more modern. A specially equipped niche is prepared for him, which is covered (sheathed) with materials that are not amenable to burning. The decorative frame is designed in the general style of the interior, as a result, the whole structure looks harmonious. With a close proximity to the biofireplace and the TV, the heat generated by the fireplace must be taken into account. To the bottom of the TV does not heat up, it can also be "deepened" into the wall or maintain a distance of 1 meter between them.
Biofireplace and TV in the apartment:
Outdoor biofireplace
It is convenient in all respects - you can move it from room to room, change its location in the room. The design of such eco-fireplaces is diverse, you can always pick up a device with such an external finish that will be in harmony with the interior of your apartment. In a word, the floor model includes all the above characteristics of bio-fireplaces, only it can be moved around the apartment at your discretion.
Floor models, photo:
Wall bio fireplace
This is an ideal solution for offices, offices, small rooms. In principle, the wall-mounted model can be placed anywhere, even in the bathroom. It does not take up much space, it is often used as a night lamp. The case of such a device is made of heat resistant materials. Wall-mounted bio-fireplaces can be of any shape and any size. Heavy units require a secure fit.
Wall models:
Table bio fireplace
Models of this type are a source of live fire right on your desk or shelf. It can be placed in the kitchen, in the bathroom, in the bedroom or living room, it will look appropriate everywhere, and its presence will significantly change the usual interior of the apartment. The design of desktop models is so diverse that anyone can find an option to their liking. The acceptable cost of such mobile devices will not cause tangible damage to your budget. A small desktop biofireplace will transform even the smallest room.
Desktop models:
Biofireplace device
In fact, the device of this unit is quite simple - the furnace part and the exterior finish. In the furnace part there is a fuel tank - a closed tank into which fuel is poured. This capacity is connected to the nozzle; the larger the furnace part, the more these nozzles. During the evaporation of fuel (the main ingredient of which is ethanol), ethanol vapor enters the nozzle and ignites from a fire source (in our case, this is a special piezo-lighter with a long “nose”). They also have a damper (cover-slider), which allows you to adjust the power of the flame and extinguish it if necessary, in some models it is installed additionally. The volume of the fuel tank depends on the size of the biofireplace itself. On average, 1 liter of flammable liquid completely burns out in 2-2.5 or 3 hours.
How does a bio fireplace work? Initially, a special combustible mixture is poured into the fuel tank (it will be discussed a bit later). Immediately after filling fuel, it is recommended to light the fireplace, for this you need to use only the appropriate piezo-lighters. Matches or regular lighters must not be used! During ignition, for your own safety, deviate from the fuel tank. Not always, but sometimes fumes of a flammable liquid can trigger an outbreak. At first, the fire will be blue, but after a couple of minutes it will become a normal orange. Using the valve, you can control the power of the fire, you can also turn off the heating function in addition - in the hot summer this nuance becomes especially relevant. To extinguish the flame before the liquid burns out, use a flame arrester. Only with its help it is possible to extinguish the fire and nothing else!
Remember! In no case should you add flammable liquid during the operation of the fireplace!
Working bio fireplace in the interiore can warm up to + 150 ° C, which is why it is not recommended to put any objects on its body. Also, it is impossible to cool the device by a forced method, it must cool by itself, only after complete cooling can you remove the remnants of the combustion product. During the operation of the fireplace, fuel fluid vapor burns, the fuel consumption also depends on the strength of the flame (it can be adjusted). By the way, if you have a model with a burner that has an aromatherapy compartment, you can periodically organize aromatic sessions.
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Fuel for biofireplaces
To refuel the fuel tank, special fuel is used, the main component of which is ethanol, in fact it is pure alcohol. To make a combustible liquid for eco-fireplaces, ethanol undergoes a denaturation process. During combustion, denatured alcohol forms an even flame, does not provoke the appearance of sparks, soot, soot and smoke. It also does not contain toxic compounds, which is why it is called biofuel. The so-called “gas station” for eco-fireplaces is sold in small canisters of 2, 2.5 or 5-10 liters, approximately 0.35 liters are consumed per 1 hour of operation. Based on this, it is possible to make a preliminary calculation of ethanol consumption - if the heating tank of the fireplace contains 2.5 liters of liquid, then your biofireplace can work continuously for about 10 hours.
You can also do a “refueling” for a biofireplace yourself, for this you will have to purchase 70% medical alcohol and add gasoline to it to refuel lighters. It must be gasoline (not liquid gas). For 1 liter of alcohol you will need 60-80 g of gasoline, the ingredients should be mixed well (it is better to do this immediately before pouring into the tank). Pour the resulting "refueling" should only be in a cooled fireplace, while the fuel tank should not be filled to the brim, filling a third will be enough. Fuel should be stored in places inaccessible to children, and even more so you should not leave a tank with fuel near a working device.
When the unit is turned off, fuel must not remain in its tank. It is important!
Biofuel:
How to make a bio fireplace with your own hands?
Here we came to the most interesting part, practical and to some extent creative. If you try, then this unit can be made independently. A small bio-fireplace for an apartment, a summer residence will not require any special knowledge from you, and the result will certainly please. The main thing is to think over its design in advance, observe the required distances between the walls, the upper part and the fire source, select the appropriate materials and work through all the stages.
How to make a bio fireplace:
- To get started, stock up on the necessary materials and tools: glass (size approximate to an A4 paper sheet), glass cutter, silicone sealant (for gluing glass). You will also need a piece of metal mesh (a fine-mesh construction mesh or even a steel mesh from the oven is suitable), an iron box (it will act as a fuel compartment, so it is better to choose a steel box). You will also need heat-resistant stones, it can even be pebbles, lace (future wick for a bio-fireplace), biofuel.
- It is important to make the correct calculations, for example, the distance from the fire source (burner) to the glass should be at least 17 cm (so that the glass does not burst from overheating). The number of burners is determined by the size of the room in which the eco-fireplace will be installed. If the room is small (15 or 17 m²), then one burner will be enough for such an area.
- The fuel compartment is a square metal box, keep in mind the larger its dimensions - the farther the source of fire will be located from the glass. This box can be painted with a suitable color, but only on the outside! Inside it must be “clean” so that the paint does not catch fire and does not begin to emit toxic substances.
- We take 4 glass fragments (their sizes should correspond to the dimensions of the metal box) and glue with silicone sealant. We should get something like an aquarium, only without a bottom. While the sealant dries, all sides of the “aquarium” can be supported with stable objects and left in this state until the binder mass completely hardens (this is approximately 24 hours).
- After the indicated time, excess sealant can be carefully removed with a thin blade construction knife.
- We take an iron can (you can use a container from under some canned product), fill it with biofuel and install it in a metal box. It is important that she has thick walls! But the best option is a stainless steel tank.
- Next, according to the dimensions of the fuel box, we cut out a metal mesh and install it on top of it. For reliability, the grid can be fixed, but keep in mind that you will periodically raise it to fill the iron jar with biofuel.
- On top of the grill we lay pebbles or stones that you have chosen - they not only decor, but also help to evenly distribute heat.
- We take a cord and form a wick for it for a biofireplace, lower one end into a jar of biofuel.
A wick soaked with a combustible mixture can be set on fire with a thin wooden stick or a long mantelpiece, or an arrow.
This is the simplest model for creating a bio fireplace with your own hands, more complex analogues are made using guide profiles, drywall, tile and other materials. The principle of creating a “burner", a casing and a fuel compartment is similar. To replenish fuel reserves, it will be necessary to remove stones and raise the metal grate, however, you can use a large syringe and direct a stream of combustible liquid between the grate cells, directly into the iron jar.
I want to pay special attention to the "heart" of the whole structure - the burner. A burner for a biofireplace is, in other words, a tank for fuel. Factory burners are already manufactured to all required standards, the most reliable material is stainless steel, such a burner will last a very long time without deformation, oxidation and corrosion. A good burner should be thick-walled so that it does not deform when heated. Also pay attention to the integrity of the burner - it should not have any cracks or any other damage! Under the influence of high temperatures, any crack increases in size. In order not to spill fuel and subsequent ignition, treat this nuance especially meticulously.
By the way, if you are doing a bio fireplace on your own, you can make another version of the burner. To do this, it is not necessary to fill the white glass wool too tightly with a steel container, cover it with a grill (or net) on top, cut to the size of the container. Next, just pour alcohol and set the burner on fire.
Outdoor bio fireplaces
Separately, it is worth mentioning the outdoor fireplaces, in which the principle of operation is very similar to their home counterparts. They were originally intended for outdoor use, but their purpose is the same - decoration of the territory and delight of the eyes of the beholders.
Often they are large, elongated shape of the structure or vice versa - made in the form of a rounded focus. In the dark, such biofireplaces look impressive, the fire is visible from afar, the elongated units resemble a burning torch, and round ones look like a fire. In the afternoon, such fireplaces look quite harmonious, like a stone figure or a slide of artistically laid out stones.
Outdoor biofireplaces are located in the backyards, in the barbecue area, near the pools, at the entrance to the territory. If with the onset of the evening you light a flame in an eco-fireplace, then ordinary gatherings with friends in the fresh air or even a solemn reception of guests associated with an important event will remain in the memory of those invited for a long time.
Outdoor biofireplaces are very heavy and stable, so that sudden gusts of wind or any other influences do not move the device from its place and damage it. For the manufacture of such units, glass, stainless steel, heavy natural stones are used.
Biofireplaces - owner reviews
This type of fireplace is more for contemplation, and not for heating rooms, since the heat generated by it is negligible. Compliance with safety rules has not been canceled - this is a source of fire, so it is undesirable to leave children and pets alone in the apartment where the bio-fireplace works. Here are a few reviews from the owners.
- “We were warned that this fireplace is more for the joy of the eyes, and not for heating, but in practice it still gives heat, albeit insignificant. The living room of 20 m² heats quite well, but immediately after turning it off, the cold is felt. ”
- “Our outer casing is made of shiny material, so more light comes from the flame. Bought a wall model. By the way, to hang the device on the wall of the apartment, a special niche is not required. "
- “We bought a corner biofireplace, put it in the country. The situation immediately changed, there was comfort and a sense of hearth. If you sit close to it, then you feel warm. Such a fireplace did not require additional chimney and exhaust installations: installed, filled the “gas station” - use it for your health. ”
- “It looks stylish, doesn’t smell of burning, you can turn it on even in summer to create a romantic atmosphere. Of course, you need to ventilate the apartment, because the flame burns oxygen. The unit perfectly performs the role of a night lamp. ”
- “The ideal solution for a small city apartment, of course, if you adore looking at the fire! My desktop model takes up little space, creates comfort and inspires romantic thoughts. Like everyone, guests are delighted with such an innovation. I don’t hear the smell of alcohol; I’m buying high-quality fuel. ”
- “I got a small wall-mounted bio fireplace in my office, it immediately became noticeably warmer and more comfortable. The device is easy to maintain, sometimes I wipe it from dust and add fuel - that's all. The fireplace works almost constantly, everyone is happy. "
In addition to the reviews, I want to add that such an aggregate can have a variety of dimensions. Today you can purchase any biofireplace, the dimensions of which will be tailored to your individual measurements.
And in a city apartment, eco-fireplaces look just great. Even if the apartment is small - for this you can pick up a wall fireplace - it takes up very little space. Of course, the outdoor fireplace looks better in a large apartment. But even in the little one it is able to create an atmosphere of comfort. Our apartment is not very small and my husband and I could not decide which fireplace is better - floor or wall. As a result, we chose a wall-mounted one, since it is probably safer for children. Frankly speaking, we didn’t have time to appreciate the charm of the fireplace, but I already noted several advantages. Children really enjoy the flame, and I have a free minute while they are passionate. They scared me with the smell, but it is not there, by the way, neither smoke nor soot. Knowledgeable people explained that you need to buy good fuel and then there will be no problems. The smell appears precisely because of low-quality fuel. Well, of course, the guests really like it - everything is just delighted.
Svetlana pavlovna
http://forum.littleone.ru/showthread.php?t=5841957&page=3
Initially, we were told that they do not heat the room, but are used only for decoration. In practice, the biofireplace heats and the air temperature rises markedly (installed in the cottage in the living room - 22 sq.m., ceiling 2.3 m). Heat begins to flow into the room immediately after ignition. Of the shortcomings, it can be noted that after the flame is extinguished, the temperature in the room immediately becomes significantly lower. So, going out of town for Christmas or just deciding to eat barbecue against the backdrop of a snowy garden, we take with us a sufficient amount of fuel. If we go to the country for a couple of days, there are more tanks with fuel for the fireplace in quantity than containers with "fuel" for us.
Svetlana
http://decoron.ru/gbook
Initially, the fireplace seemed unsuitable. They didn’t even pay attention to him. He was only interested in the store. Due to the fact that the walls of the hearth are made of shiny metal, the fire creates more light. In addition, the back wall does not require integration - the fireplace can be hung without a niche in the wall. Children were taught to fire like this - first strict instructions from the pope, then the first show and the opportunity to set fire to oneself. Satisfied, happy, play only under supervision. We remove fuel away.
Zoya
http://decoron.ru/gbook
I do not regret buying at all! The revolutionary super-mega thing.
Eldar fidrya
https://www.houzz.ru/ideabooks/76852123/list/dizayn-debaty-biokaminy-to-eshche-udovolystvie
I don’t have a biofireplace, but I once observed this in my work. I liked it very much, especially since a real fire is visible. BUT! After half an hour, my head ached terribly. There was no smell of fuel, it was 100% high-quality. But apparently something still stands out. Then there were several more attempts - and again a terrible headache. So, it’s better to check how you will feel next to such a fireplace.
Hydepark
http://forum.littleone.ru/showthread.php?t=5841957
The best Danish. I purchased at Expostroy on Nakhimovsky. I came specially to see everything live, because pictures are one thing, and live is another. The consultant explained everything to me, the difference between the models, advised me, picked up several models that suit me. In general, I was satisfied with these bio-fireplaces and advice. As a result, I acquired the New York model with a white frame. We didn’t hang it on the wall, but drowned it in the wall and I got such a built-in fireplace. The company is called Decoflame, if you go to Expostroy, look at them.
Svetlana 50
http://www.masterovoi.ru/forums/biokamini-t1205.html
I have had a bio fireplace for about a year. And what I like most about it is that it can be rearranged like any other furniture. I love change, and regularly do some kind of rearrangement in my apartment. If I had a regular fireplace, I would be tightly attached to it. And so I have three times already traveled furniture throughout the apartment.
Olga
https://www.ecobiokamin.ru/otzyvy
So what did we find out? ..
Biofireplaces for an apartment, or a house, or a plot need regular maintenance - wiping the exterior with a soft cloth, glass parts can be cleaned with a glass cleaner. The heating compartment can be washed periodically with hot water and soap. Of course, all care procedures should be done when the fireplace is turned off and cooled.
The fact that it is impossible to add fuel during the operation of the unit has already been mentioned above. If you want to add flammable liquid to the tank, then after turning off the device at least 15-20 minutes should pass.
Also, during operation of the device, it is not recommended to touch parts located in the immediate vicinity of hot elements (fuel block, stones, grates). Install the bio-fireplace away from flammable interior items (curtains, bookcases, etc.). The surface on which the fireplace stands must be absolutely flat and strong.
If you follow these simple rules, then any unit, whether it is a factory model or a bio fireplace for an apartment, purchased or made with your own hands, will serve you for many years and will delight you with the warmth of a real home.