Are Gel Fireplaces a safe environmentally friendly alternative?
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The manufacturers all claim that these fireplaces are safe, non toxic, and require no venting. Is there any independent sources of information out there to backup those claims? Also I found out that these fireplaces burn one of two types of gel fuels; ethanol or Isopropyl based. Which is preferable?
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Replies
Peter,
I don't have any information on the IAQ implications of burning alcohol indoors without a chimney.
I do know that ethanol is basically very strong vodka, and it isn't cheap. The first Web site I visited sells alcohol fuel for their gel fireplaces for $42 a gallon. I would say that's enough information for me to look elsewhere for my fireplace fuel.
I realize there' s been some inflation since I last bought moonshine (100 proof) down in Tennessee, but I was paying only $20 a gallon. And I didn't have to burn it in a fireplace to experience the warm glow it provided.