Gel Fireplaces A Better Alternative To Traditional Hearths

Gel fireplaces are one of the known alternatives to traditional wood and gas burning hearths. They produce as much as 2.6 kilowatts of heat output, which is pretty much the same as an electric fireplace capacity. But instead, they make use of 2 to 3 tins of fire gel, which are reusable. Gel fireplaces were first developed in the 1990s to address the hassles associated with conventional hearth use. And because of their convenience, homeowners soon developed a preference for them and are now widely used in both America and the United Kingdom. As of today, there are two types of gel fireplaces being retailed – wall hanging and freestanding. Wall hanging units are suspended on a wall using 2 to 4 screws and are more favored because their sleek, attractive look. While free standing models resemble the typical fireplace more and are placed against walls fully assembled.

A gel fireplace generally does not produce smoke so there will be no use for chimneys. The materials burned merely produces water vapour and small amounts of carbon dioxide. And both can be dispersed naturally. As such, you won’t need to worry about it accumulating soot either. This minimizes your maintenance troubles and gives you more time to relax. Cleaning entails the use of baby oil, a soft, clean cloth and/or a stainless steel brush to get the dust and dirt out. No need for fancy cleaners and professionals to intervene.



This does bring to light a significant downside of a gel fireplace – that is, not being able to emit enough heat. Unlike conventional hearths, gel fireplaces are more for decorative purposes and may not give you the comfort you need during those cold nights. Nevertheless, with this attribute, at least you can rest assured that you will not have to worry about any untoward damages on surrounding furnishings.

There are, however, some safety precautions that need to be observed when it comes to owning and using gel fireplaces. See, even though they do not produce intense flames, they can still endanger someone’s life if not properly utilized. First and foremost, homeowners are advised to be mindful about the moisture it creates. Yes, what it produces may not be as harmful as other fireplace models. But in wet conditions, moisture may not be able to disperse quickly leading to excessiveness. This could lead to mold and mildew formation if not addressed right away. It would be smart to keep the room ventilated when using a gel fireplace and monitor the moisture level in it. That way, you are able to minimize adverse effects.

In addition, it is also imperative for gel fireplace owners to check the gel fuel they use and what ingredients they contain. The wrong type or brand may inadvertently cause you headaches or disproportionate combustion. Usually, you can expect the fuel to be made up of gelled alcohol. And although it may seem like something you can do at home, it is discouraged for anyone to make their own gel or buy alternatives made of isopropyl alcohol and wax.