Artificial fireplaces, often referred to as ventless fireplaces, are a development that's starting to gain tons of popularity. Utilizing a compound known as gel fuel, which is in general an isopropyl alcohol based fuel, artificial fireplaces are still able to deliver not simply the aesthetic value of a standard fireplace, but can also contain the fire itself.
How is that possible, since artificial fireplaces do not use a vent? That is where the isopropyl alcohol comes in handy. Thanks to the molecular structure of the isopropyl alcohol molecule, when combusted, it doesn't produce any poisonous or unsafe smoke. It burns purely, not giving off any smells or dangerous chemicals.
Cans of gel fuel are placed in the artificial fireplace's aparatus, and then lit on fire. Each can burns for roughly three hours and provides both the beauty and heat that comes from a fire. Though not nearly as warm as a normal fireplace that burns either wood or natural gas, gel fuel still puts out a reasonably high level of BTUs.
For people who like the beauty and aesthetic value of an indoor fire, but do not have a fireplace, an artificial fireplace can be a great way to go. They're fairly cheap to buy and do not need any installation usually, unless you buy the in-wall variety. Most slide nicely and neatly up against the wall and give a home the beauty of a conventional fireplace, and the ability to house real fire without needing to mess around with installing a vent.
The only potential downside that I can see to an artificial fireplace is that gel fuel is more expensive than wood or natural gas. So if you are counting on using your artificial fireplace regularly you'll want to take that factor into account. But aside from that, artificial fireplaces are an awesome invention, cost-effectively and easily bringing the beauty of a pleasant fire inside.
How is that possible, since artificial fireplaces do not use a vent? That is where the isopropyl alcohol comes in handy. Thanks to the molecular structure of the isopropyl alcohol molecule, when combusted, it doesn't produce any poisonous or unsafe smoke. It burns purely, not giving off any smells or dangerous chemicals.
Cans of gel fuel are placed in the artificial fireplace's aparatus, and then lit on fire. Each can burns for roughly three hours and provides both the beauty and heat that comes from a fire. Though not nearly as warm as a normal fireplace that burns either wood or natural gas, gel fuel still puts out a reasonably high level of BTUs.
For people who like the beauty and aesthetic value of an indoor fire, but do not have a fireplace, an artificial fireplace can be a great way to go. They're fairly cheap to buy and do not need any installation usually, unless you buy the in-wall variety. Most slide nicely and neatly up against the wall and give a home the beauty of a conventional fireplace, and the ability to house real fire without needing to mess around with installing a vent.
The only potential downside that I can see to an artificial fireplace is that gel fuel is more expensive than wood or natural gas. So if you are counting on using your artificial fireplace regularly you'll want to take that factor into account. But aside from that, artificial fireplaces are an awesome invention, cost-effectively and easily bringing the beauty of a pleasant fire inside.
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If you aren't yet convinced, check out a few of these pretty ventless fireplace examples. For cheap gel fuel, check out how to make gel fuel.
