Many people want to place a real hearth with a live fire in their home, but a city dweller cannot afford a full-fledged fireplace. However, the modern market offers us a simpler and more original solution in the form of a biofireplace. This system allows you to get a fire that does not emit anything except steam and a small fraction of carbon dioxide, which means anyone can install a biofireplace at home, in their apartment.
Ecological fireplaces are sold in a wide range in the store, but if you wish, you can make a biofireplace yourself. In this article we will analyze in detail how to make a bio-fireplace with your own hands, consider the entire production process step by step, study the operating principle of such devices and the main nuances in its design.
The most primitive alcohol fireplace
What is a biofireplace and its functions in the interior of an apartment and house
A bio-fireplace (eco-fireplace) is a device designed to heat a room and runs on environmentally friendly fuel.
Does not require installation of a chimney or hood. It can be installed in an apartment with any interior style and will bring a note of comfort, tranquility and harmony to it. You can make your own eco-fireplaces from inexpensive scrap materials. When installing a biofireplace, it is not necessary to install a chimney and hood
Designs for decorating and heating a room can be small or large-sized
With their help, they design recreation and relaxation areas, focus attention on some element of the interior, and are often used as attributes of a romantic evening. No permits or approvals are required for their installation in city apartments
Manufacturers of eco-fireplaces offer a wide range of models. There are designs that are remotely controlled and equipped with a fuel consumption system.
Advantages of eco-fireplaces:
- when heating the room, they do not reduce the level of air humidity;
- do not require complex installation;
- 100% heat transfer, since heat loss when passing through the chimney is eliminated.
What does a biofireplace look like in the interior?
Below are photographic examples of the location of various bio-fireplaces in the interior.
The tabletop fireplace can be installed anywhere in the room
Wall-mounted fireplaces look best in small rooms with an elongated shape. They take up little space
If you want to use a bio-fireplace as a decorative element of the interior, place it on a long wall opposite the sofa and armchairs - from here you can comfortably watch its operation
A large fireplace at the end of the room or in the partition will help visually expand the area and make the room more spacious
Decorate the bio-fireplace as usual: with family photos, candlesticks, logs. You can hang a picture or TV above the fireplace
As you can see, an alcohol fireplace is an excellent solution for a city apartment, which does not require any drastic alterations from you. In conclusion, we offer you a short but useful video on the topic, and we expect useful information from you about your own experience with biofireplaces in the comments!
Watch this video on YouTube
Fuel for biofireplace
In terms of its basic technical characteristics, the biofuel used in special biofireplaces is very different from those liquids that are used in classic wood-burning heating devices.
Denatured ethanol, which is safe for the environment, is used to produce fireplace fuel.
Such fuel is advantageously distinguished by the formation of very beautiful and even flames without the release of by-products such as soot, soot, smoke or fumes. As practice shows, the efficiency of high-quality biofuel exceeds 90-95%.
The best proven biofuels are those produced by manufacturers in Germany, Holland and France. Their products fully comply with all quality standards, are completely safe to use and allow you to achieve a high level of room heating at minimal cost.
Depending on the design features of the fireplace device, biogas can be used as fuel, as well as bioethanol and biodiesel liquid obtained by processing vegetable and animal fats.
Biofuel is sold packaged in special containers of different volumes.
Many modern manufacturers bottle fireplace fuel in containers that have a very convenient scale for flammable liquid consumption.
Some domestic and foreign manufacturers specially add sea salt to fireplace fuel, which creates the crackling effect of stove logs, as well as special additives that guarantee an attractive and absolutely even orange color of the burner flame.
Niche for a through biofireplace
If you have chosen a large fireplace, you need to strengthen the niche - it is better to make it out of brick or foam blocks. But again, it all depends on the weight of the bio-fireplace. By the way, we recently had a project with a continuous bio-fireplace, where the customer’s niche for it was crooked. We had to make the fireplace cone-shaped.
Instructions for making a bio-fireplace with your own hands
In this section we will look at how to make a bio-fireplace with your own hands.
The entire process of self-manufacturing a tabletop heating fireplace powered by biofuel is represented by several stages, including the assembly of the fuel block and glass chamber, as well as the final design and decor of the completely finished structure:
- At the first stage, it is necessary to build a fuel block based on a ready-made or self-made metal box, which must be painted from the front with high-quality metal paint.
- The inside of the fuel tank must be thoroughly cleaned of dust, rust or welding deposits, but painting it with paint is strictly prohibited, since otherwise there will be an active release of toxic components during combustion.
- At the next stage, all pre-prepared glass blanks are combined. High-quality silicone sealant is used for connection. After the adhesive is applied to the ends, supports are used, which allows you to obtain the most durable and reliable fastening of the parts.
- As a rule, the layer of sealant hardens completely within 24 hours, after which you need to carefully remove all excess and sagging using a regular blade, stationery or thin penknife;
- At the next stage, it is necessary to properly prepare fireplace biofuel, which, for the purpose of safe operation of the heating device, must be poured into a metal container and installed in the bottom of the metal fuel block. A wick cord is required. As necessary, the fuel container is replaced with a new portion of liquid for burning the tabletop fireplace.
At the final stage of manufacturing, you need to make a cover for the heating box yourself. It is best to use a fine-mesh construction metal mesh for this purpose, which should be cut in accordance with the dimensions of the box.
Design of a homemade biofireplace
A mesh with a large mesh can be laid in two layers, after which the lid is fixed with thick wire. In this case, adding biological fuel is carried out using a conventional medical syringe.
To give a tabletop heating device a finished look and improve its external characteristics, all kinds of decorative elements, represented by decorative stones or pebbles, are used.
Laying such natural stones on top of the mesh not only creates an attractive design, but also helps to achieve the most efficient and uniform distribution of thermal energy.
Directions for business development in biofireplaces
There are several main directions:
- Independent production of biofireplaces and sale of finished products. These can be either large floor bio-fireplaces or small souvenir and decorative options.
- Production and sale of biofuels. For the functioning of any bio-fireplace, you need a firebox for a flammable substance and biofuel itself. Such products will be in demand among people who already have biofireplaces.
- Sale of finished products. You can act as an intermediary between the fireplace manufacturer and end consumers - create advertising, promote products on the market, make transactions. Such mediation can also bring you considerable income.
Let's now look at each of these areas.
And if you want a large bio-fireplace?
With large fireplaces, of course, there is more hassle. First you need to place the wall and cut out what you need from the drywall. If the wall is not made of plaster, then hollow out the millet. Next, you need to make a frame for the fireplace - it can be the same drywall (do not forget to secure the frame).
To assemble large fireplaces, still purchase a specialized fireproof box. This miracle is sold in special stores. We must not forget that between the frame and the box it is necessary to lay out a fire-resistant material, at least mineral wool. And it’s better to buy a special, large burner. This option will still be cheaper than buying a solid fireplace. We cover it with fireproof tiles or stone. You can look on the Internet for photos of a bio-fireplace and how to decorate it.
As you can see, making a bio-fireplace with your own hands is not that difficult, the only thing is that now it’s always worth purchasing oil for bio-fireplaces. Other oils are obviously unhealthy or leave behind soot.
Large bio fireplace
The previous paragraph described the manufacture of a compact fireplace. When constructing a large outdoor biofireplace, its frame will have to be made of plasterboard. To do this you need:
- Mark the wall and cut the drywall into suitable pieces.
- Install a non-combustible stand at the base of the fireplace. This is especially important since the combustion temperature exceeds +150 C°.
- Drywall is attached to the wall with self-tapping screws.
- The interior of the fireplace must be made of fire-resistant material. The required box is purchased at a specialized store and inserted into a plasterboard frame.
- Insulation material is laid between the drywall and the inside of the fireplace.
- For a large fireplace, it is best to purchase a factory-made fuel tank. Sometimes it is sold with a fireproof stand. The fuel tank is installed in the middle of the fireplace.
- Next you need to carry out the cladding work. For this, heat-resistant tiles or natural stone are used.
To ensure fire safety, you need to place a glass screen or a forged grate in front of the fire.
How to make a bio-fireplace with your own hands - step-by-step instructions
In appearance, a floor-mounted biofireplace can be indistinguishable from a real one, made of brick and having a chimney. The design of the housing can be different:
- with columns;
- with projections;
- have the shape of a bowl or cabinet with legs.
The base of a biofireplace is easier and cheaper to build from plasterboard and metal profiles. From these materials you can make a geometrically regular, semicircular or wavy body. Instead of gypsum board, you can use wood, durable plastic or metal.
Design and drawings
At the design stage of the biofireplace, its dimensions and installation location are determined. Floor structures are stationary, so you need to choose a place so that the fireplace fits harmoniously into the interior after changing the design of the room or purchasing new furniture. For small-sized apartments, medium-sized floor structures indicated in the drawing are suitable.
The drawing will help you quickly produce all the necessary parts for the fireplace.
Case manufacturing
To install the biofireplace body you will need:
- plasterboard 9 mm thick;
- metal profile PP 60/27;
- self-tapping screws;
- screwdriver;
- serpyanka;
- primer;
- putty;
- spatula with a narrow metal blade;
- roulette;
- ruler;
- bubble level at least 80 cm long;
- pencil or marker.
Suitable for decorating the case:
- fake diamond;
- ceramic tile;
- plastic panels “brick-like” or “stone-like”.
Housing installation steps
- Marking the wall and floor. Based on the previously drawn up drawing, mark the corner points of the back wall of the fireplace on the wall and connect them with straight lines. Mark the location of the front wall of the cabinet on the floor.
- Frame installation. Build a structure frame from a metal profile. Keep in mind that the planks should not be in close contact with each other. There should be a gap of 2–3 mm wide between them. This will prevent the structure from distorting during heating and cooling.
- Frame covering. Using a jigsaw or a utility knife, cut the gypsum board sheets to the required sizes. Attach them to the metal profile frame. “Down” the caps of the self-tapping screws into the gypsum board by 1–2 mm.
- Preparing drywall for finishing. Cover the joints of the gypsum board sheets with glass-woven mesh tape - serpyanka. Apply putty in the places where the screws are installed and cover with a thin layer of serpyanka. After the putty has dried, start sanding it. To do this, use a special trowel with a sanding mesh.
- Housing cladding. Cover the body of the bio-fireplace with the previously selected facing materials.
Installing the fuel block and burner
You can make a metal container for the fuel block yourself from stainless steel 2 mm thick. It is necessary to make a rectangular structure with a bottom and low sides. The dimensions of the block must correspond to the dimensions of the housing.
The burner is a metal cartridge that is installed in a container. Together they form the fuel block. An important element of the burner is the perforated damper, which is used to extinguish the flame and regulate its intensity.
When making your own, consider the following:
- the burner must fit freely into the metal container;
- the top panel of the burner may be a metal plate with slots;
- The internal cavity of the burner can be filled with mineral wool insulation or medical wool.
Operating principle of the fuel unit:
- Eco-fuel is poured into a metal container;
- The burner filler absorbs liquid;
- ignite fuel with a lighter.
Fireplace decoration
A protective screen made of ordinary window glass with polished edges is installed on the front wall of the biofireplace. The fuel block is decorated with ceramic firewood or stones.
How to choose?
In addition to design and execution, biofireplaces have a number of characteristics that need to be taken into account when choosing and purchasing. These include:
- power,
- control system;
- acceptable fuel type.
The power of the biofocus depends on the size and design of the fuel tank and burner . Bioethanol burns over the entire surface, so the larger the area of the fuel block, the more intense the flame, and therefore the greater the heat transfer and fuel consumption. Some models consist of several fuel blocks, which allows you to regulate the intensity of combustion.
The control system can be manual , it involves igniting the fire using a lighter, manually extinguishing it with a valve, and regular combustion control. Modern models of biofireplaces are fully automated , they feature remote control, auto-ignition, a system for monitoring fuel flow and combustion intensity, and also have built-in fuel and carbon dioxide sensors. Such models are much more expensive, but their safety and ease of use are higher.
The type of fuel determines the design of the fuel tank. Biofireplaces use special liquids or gel compositions ; each type of fuel has both pros and cons. The gel is more convenient when using small mobile models with an open chamber - it is not afraid of tipping over, does not spill, and is also odorless. The flame when the gel burns is indistinguishable from natural fire. Alcohol-based liquids are used primarily in large stationary models.
What it is?
The biofireplace is a bladeless design that burns not wood, but liquid fuel. The history of biofireplaces dates back to ancient times; the prototype was oil lamps or special vats of oil.
In order to please yourself with a bio-fireplace, you do not need to build a chimney, but only periodically ventilate the room. After all, this is fire, and it still takes oxygen. Moreover, biofireplaces come in several modifications, which will allow you to make your dreams come true:
- large floor fireplaces, the same size as regular ones;
- lightweight fireplaces that effortlessly cling to a wall or ceiling, but only the fireplace will be enclosed with special glass for safety purposes.
- small bio-fireplaces that easily fit on a table or cabinet and harmonize perfectly with the interior.
This type of fireplace has a simple design, but is quite expensive. You can find a way out of the situation and how to make a fireplace with your own hands, especially since the materials for it are sold in every hardware store. To do this you need the following list:
1. Glass. To do this, you just need to go to a regular glass workshop. Of course, the volume and dimensions will depend on your idea.
2. Silicone sealant, which is sold in every hardware store.
3. Metal box or can for flammable liquid. In most cases, such a device is available on the farm.
4. Finishing materials: decorative stone, decorative brick, etc.
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5. Wick cord.
Before you take on a bio-fireplace, you need to make at least a rough drawing or search on the Internet.
The most important part for a biofireplace is the burner. If something is done incorrectly, the consequences can be disastrous. So, here are some tips for making:
- if the fireplace is opaque, then you need to paint the narrow fuel outlet from the outside;
- a fine mesh is carefully cut to size and laid out at the top of the container. This is necessary for a more even distribution of fire and for decoration. You must watch carefully so that this mesh does not fall inside the fuel container.
Rules for the safe use of fireplaces
Despite the fact that biofireplaces are one of the safest fireplaces in the home , during their operation you need to follow simple rules .
- Models with an open combustion chamber must be installed at a considerable distance from combustible objects: textile interior elements, bookshelves, curtains.
- The surface on which the fireplace is installed must be level and stable, especially for models using liquid fuel.
- You should not leave the fireplace uncontrolled or trust children to light it.
- If the fireplace is not in use for a long time, drain the fuel from it. Bioethanol must be stored in a place that prevents overheating and contact with open fire.
- Fuel can only be added to a fireplace that is extinguished and has completely cooled down.
- Ignition is carried out with a special lighter for bio-fireplaces, which prevents burns.
- Bio-fireplaces can only be decorated using elements specially designed for this purpose: stones, imitation coals and logs made of heat-resistant ceramics.
- Built-in models must be installed in niches made of fire-resistant materials.
Required materials and tools
The main element of the design is the fuel tank; it is better to make it from a sheet of stainless steel. You can purchase it on the construction market or order it from craftsmen if you plan to construct a large structure.
If there is no need for large volumes, then you can use metal mugs by breaking off their handles. They must be installed in a fireproof tank.
The body itself can be made of almost any transparent material that can withstand high temperatures, for example, smoky special glass. The device can be installed on a coffee table instead of a smoking candle.
If you need an imitation of a real fireplace, you will have to make a decent base from the following materials:
- Plasterboard sheets;
- Self-tapping screws;
- Metal corners;
- The refractory material used to insulate the structure can be, for example, isover.
Niche thermal insulation
We have a good article about why thermal insulation is needed for a biofireplace, as well as a niche for it - we recommend reading it. In a nutshell, if the niche is made of porcelain stoneware or marble, you don’t need to insulate anything additional, but if it’s made of flammable materials, both the niche and the bio-fireplace itself need thermal insulation.
“Kronco has built-in bio-fireplaces with already integrated thermal insulation, so you don’t have to invent anything”
Simple tabletop biofireplace
Such fireplaces will serve as an ideal addition to any room design, and in the evening they will provide the opportunity to admire a live fire in all its glory. One of the main advantages of tabletop fireplaces is their simplicity. Let's take a closer look at how to make one of these bio-fireplaces.
To create such a fireplace with your own hands we will need:
- 4 glasses.
- A base box made of metal or other fire-resistant material.
- Glass cutter.
- Sealant for glass bonding.
- Steel mesh.
- Fireproof stones for decoration.
- Fuel container.
Step-by-step instructions for making a desktop biofireplace:
- We calculate the dimensions of the future structure. For one burner, the minimum distance between the glasses is 15 cm.
- We adjust the glass to the dimensions of the box. If they fit true to size, great. Otherwise, you need to cut off the excess with a glass cutter. The glass box after connection will be installed on the base.
- We connect the glass with sealant. To do this, apply sealant to the end of the glass and connect it at right angles to the other glass. It will take at least a day for the sealant to dry completely. To do this, stands are installed under each side.
- A glass box without a top or bottom is installed on a base. If the calculations were done correctly, then he should definitely be on the edge. To fasten the glass and the base, we again use sealant.
- We place a burner with biofuel in the center of the base and cover it with a steel mesh. It must be cut so that its edges lie on the edge of the base. It is recommended to lay the mesh in several layers so that it does not collapse under the weight of decorative stones.
- Place the stones in an even layer on the mesh. If you use natural stones collected with your own hands, they must be washed. In this case, when heated, they will not emit an unpleasant odor.
- If necessary, light the burner and check the result.
Important! This design is very easy to assemble, but has a number of disadvantages. First of all, it is impossible to replenish fuel without disassembling part of the fireplace
The second disadvantage is the lack of a combustion regulator. As a result, neither the flame intensity nor the fuel consumption can be changed.
What materials can be used to make a niche for a bio-fireplace?
You can make a niche for a biofireplace from brick, foam blocks, artificial or natural stone - there are a lot of options.
Of course, the simplest and most affordable material for building a niche for a fireplace is plasterboard. You can choose either regular or red, which is considered fireproof - the difference is small. More precisely, there is none at all, if we talk about the thermal insulation of a niche. None of the existing types will save you from overheating the space between the niche and the hearth.
“It’s better to insulate with special materials or take a bio-fireplace with integrated thermal insulation, like Kronco”
Materials such as marble, porcelain stoneware, and any other stone, be it natural or artificial, are perfect for a niche. Just keep in mind that the height of the niche must be at least 250 mm, since the flame in a biofireplace can reach 30 cm in height.
If you want a niche made of MDF, then keep in mind that you cannot simply insert a block into MDF. We have already written about this more than once - whether it is an MDF niche for a fireplace, or furniture with a bio-fireplace, you cannot do without thermal insulation.
The most correct thing would be to hem it on all sides with plasterboard so that the bio-fireplace can be secured:
“If you already have a niche ready for a bio-fireplace, please check its dimensions yourself before we come to you! We come for installation with a ready-made fireplace, according to pre-agreed dimensions. And if the niche is crooked, installing a bio-fireplace may take longer. And it’s okay if it’s a plasterboard niche. What if it is made of stone or foam blocks? You'll have to tinker here"
Look at our completed work go to our work section
Biofireplace manufacturing process
Biofireplaces can easily replace an electric fireplace or fireplace stove. This accessory brings a pleasant feeling of warmth and comfort. Of course, there is the option to buy a small potbelly stove, but this is not a very cheap product. The main process of making a home biofuel fireplace will involve selecting the necessary materials.
- The bio-stove is assembled from simple elements: a fuel tank and a frame.
- All work begins with drawing a diagram of the desired decor item on paper.
- When it is ready, you can evaluate your capabilities and start purchasing materials. If you find it difficult to develop a product plan, find photos of biofireplaces on the Internet and create your own version based on them.
- Then you should take on the drawing, where you should indicate all the exact dimensions. With its help, you will never get confused and will get the desired result in the end.
History of biofireplace
The first biofireplace was invented in 1977 in Italy. The inventor of the bio-fireplace was engineer Giuseppe Lucifora. It was he who proposed using alcohol as a combustible material for fireplaces. His invention began to gain popularity primarily due to the fact that such fireplaces did not need to be equipped with a chimney.
Biofireplaces are fueled with biofuel, most often liquid - bioethanol , although today there are also gel fireplaces with the prefix “bio”.
The combustion principle used in modern biofireplaces is the combustion of alcohol vapor . Bioethanol, as a flammable substance, does not burn in the absence of oxygen - combustion can only occur on its surface, which is a mixture of light hydrocarbons. Bioethanol vapors mix with air and ignite; If the access to oxygen is eliminated, the flame will go out.
Ethanol produces carbon dioxide and water during combustion, so its combustion is not accompanied by smoke, soot and an unpleasant odor.
“Live” fire without hoods and chimneys, without smoke and soot and without additional permits. What could be more convenient?
You can place a biofireplace both indoors (for example, an apartment, house, restaurant, office, study, etc.) and outdoors (on a terrace, veranda, etc.).
See real photos of biofireplaces indoors. By the way, installation does not require special preparation of the area, as well as permitting documents.
What is a biofireplace
The biofireplace, which is becoming fashionable, is a decorative source of open fire that runs on so-called biofuel. For safe operation, the device is framed by a portal that traps the flame inside.
Structurally, a biofireplace is a burner that runs on alcohol fuel. A mandatory element of the device is a fuel tank, which contains a sufficient supply of flammable liquid for operation.
A wick is inserted into the tank, along the fibers of which the fuel rises to the place of combustion. The combustion itself takes place in a special bowl, which can have a variety of shapes. The sizes of biofireplaces vary significantly.
Installing a bio-fireplace is a great way to decorate your interior, make it unusual and attractive. Depending on the type of device and model, the fire can be completely open or closed on several sides by the walls of the portal, transparent and opaque
In addition, some burners are equipped with nozzles. This makes the flames as similar as possible to those formed when burning wood in a fire or fireplace.
The devices are very convenient to use. First of all, they don't need a chimney. During combustion, biofuels are oxidized to carbon dioxide and water vapor. The absence of heavy impurities in the flammable liquid allows it to burn completely, without the formation of soot, soot and volatile toxic substances.
Therefore, smoke removal (which does not form) is not required. Thanks to this, the biofireplace can be installed anywhere in the room.
It does not need a heat-resistant floor frame or a separate foundation. Special permission for its installation is also not required. The only thing that needs to be taken into account when choosing a place to install a bio-fireplace is the possibility of ventilating the room or the presence of effective ventilation. This is necessary because combustion uses oxygen, the amount of which must be constantly replenished.
To ensure that the bio-fireplace does not differ from the real one, it can be decorated with firewood made from fire-resistant ceramics. They are produced in the form of whole or half-burnt logs
Biofireplaces are not only decorative, but also functional. Unlike traditional fireplaces, where most of the heat “goes” into the chimney, the devices completely transfer their heat into the room. Of course, you won’t be able to use such a device as a heating device, but it will be able to heat some area in the room. Biofireplaces are completely safe if used correctly.
The industry produces models that are most comfortable to use, equipped with electronic controls. They can be controlled from a remote control or via Wi-Fi. In the latter case, it is quite possible to integrate the device into the Smart Home system and remotely control it from a phone or tablet. It is clear that the cost of automatic biofireplaces is an order of magnitude higher than that of conventional ones.
At the same time, standard models can be considered “eternal”, since they are structurally extremely simple and there is nothing to break in them, while devices stuffed with electronics may well fail.
What types of biofireplaces are there?
Biofireplaces are available in a variety of options. Depending on the installation location, there are four main types of devices.
Type #1 - wall-mounted devices
Such bio-fireplaces are a flat, elongated structure that is mounted on the wall. The front part of the device is covered with transparent glass for safety reasons. The side walls are decorated in the same way. The back wall is made of fireproof material (usually metal) and decorated.
A wall-mounted biofireplace looks stylish in the interior. Does not take up additional space in the room
The design is easy to install. It is hung on fasteners installed in the wall. The device is completely safe to use, since during the combustion process the back wall and bottom of the housing heat up slightly. They cannot cause a fire or cause a burn to a person who accidentally touches them.
Type #2 - floor biofireplaces
The structure is installed on the floor or a small podium. Its bottom does not heat up much, so you can place such a device on any suitable flat surface. Shapes and sizes can be very different.
A floor-type biofireplace can become the highlight of the interior. It looks chic, but takes up too much space in the room. Therefore, if there is a shortage of space, it is better to choose another fireplace option
The main advantage of the device is mobility. If desired, it can be easily moved to another place. Using floor-standing appliances, you can heat part of the room for a short time.
View #3 - desktop devices
They are compact varieties of floor-standing models. They are placed on shelves, tables or special stands, so they are small in size.
It may be difficult to consider them full-fledged fireplaces, since they are quite compact, but the devices are mobile. They are easy to carry from place to place. They are functional and very easy to use.
Tabletop biofireplaces are used as interior decoration. Perfect for decorating a business office
Type #4 - built-in structures
Built-in biofireplaces look very organic. Such devices are mounted in a niche in the wall specially prepared for this purpose. There are devices whose front wall looks like a continuation of the wall. They are viewable from only one side.
A built-in bio-fireplace fits well into the interior of a bedroom or living room. Its size and shape can be very different
Bio-fireplaces called “lanterns” are produced. They have a convex or multifaceted front wall. Such devices “protrude” slightly from the wall, which makes them very unusual and attractive. Installing a built-in biofireplace is much more difficult than a wall-mounted one.
You need to choose a place for it very carefully; moving the device will be very troublesome and time-consuming.
We have another article on our website that discusses in more detail the types of biofuel fireplaces and the principle of their operation.
Disadvantages of a biofireplace
Along with its advantages, this product has its own disadvantages, which are a tribute to convenience, safety and environmental friendliness.
Dependence on one type of fuel. The burner runs only on alcohol, while a regular fireplace can be lit with any solid flammable substance.
The relative high cost of fuel. A medium-sized heating unit (burner) consumes 0.3–0.4 liters per hour. The cost of 1 liter of fuel is on average 200–250 rubles*. Burning a fireplace for one hour will cost about 100 rubles.
We are talking about factory fuel for biofireplaces.
Minimum room area. The room in which the fireplace is installed must be at least 25 square meters. m.
Name | Dimensions, mm | Characteristics | price, rub. |
Floor-standing | |||
DirectCheminee Universal, France/Russia | 760x335x800 | 1 TB* 2.5 l, hearth walls included, classic look | 75 000 |
DirectCheminee Universal Х2, France/Russia | 980x345x1100 | 2 TB 2.5 l, hearth walls included, classic look | 95 000 |
Planika CALVADOS Cherry/Ivory, Poland | 860x870x365 | 1 TB 2.8 l, wooden portal, classic look | 120 000 |
DirectCheminee Baroque Italiano, France/Russia | 1300x400x1100 | 1 TB 3 l, portal and tabletop made of cast marble, sophisticated look | 145 000 |
BERLONI Turin, Italy | 1100x1100x320 | 2 TB 2.2 l, MDF portal and painted steel | 58 000 |
Horus Freedom Wall, Italy | 950x400x870 | 1 TB 2.9 l, portal made of steel and glass | 160 000 |
Horus Tetris, Italy | 1000x1000x450 | 1 TB, stainless and painted steel, tempered glass, independent location | 177 000 |
Wall mounted | |||
Planika Wallfire, Poland | 360x810x210 | thermostat, fan heater, stainless steel/glass, 2.5–3.7 kW | 191 000 |
Horus ZEN, Italy | 1200x340x450 | steel/glass, 2.1–2.8 kW | 140 000 |
Horus Closer inox Frame, Italy | 640x640x220 | steel/glass, 1.8–2.2 kW | 110 000 |
DirectCheminee Premier, France/Russia | 800x250x500 | Any finishing option from any material, 1.8–2.6 kW | 42 000 |
DirectCheminee Autofire 146 electronic, France/Russia | 1460x290x620 | Fully electronic control system, flow rate 1 l/hour, 6.2 kW | 300 000 |
DirectCheminee Monumentale Huge for 5 fireboxes, France/Russia | 2000x300x790 | 5 TB, painted steel, 5.8 kW | 220 000 |
Tabletop (small) | |||
DirectCheminee Biocandle Reed 3, France/Russia | — | Interior element, stainless steel steel | 16 000 |
DirectCheminee Biocandle “Classic” on a marble base (Modern collection), France/Russia | — | Interior element, stainless steel steel, marble | 9 000 |
DirectCheminee Block box 2.5 l (Artificial stone), France/Russia | 440x340x105 | Stainless steel steel, artificial stone to choose from (200 types) | 28 000 |
DirectCheminee Block box INOX 5 l, France/Russia | 550x510x350 | Stainless steel steel, surface finish - mirror, metal, wood | 50 000 |
Planika Simple Commerce, Poland | height 420, diameter 380 | Glass flask - Italy, burner - 1.5 l (7 hours) | 48 500 |
Planika Stone, Poland | height 410, diameter 450 | Glass flask - Italy, Scandinavian field stone at the base, burner - 0.6 l (up to 2 hours) | 82 000 |
Planika VERANDA GF-07 Table, Poland | height 597, diameter 700 | Glass - Italy, wood legs - teak, burner 1 l (3.5 hours) | 95 000 |
* TB - fuel block.
Operating Parameters
To know which bio-fireplace to choose, you need to take into account its technical characteristics, and not just its appearance. The parameters demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of the model for a specific room.
Important characteristics and their meaning.
- Hearth power. Indicates such features as heat transfer, flame height and flame saturation. The power of the structure can reach up to 7 kW, which, theoretically, is enough to heat a room with an area of 70 square meters. m. On the other hand, in the warm season, the operation of a powerful bio-fireplace can cause inconvenience due to the intense heat.
- Fuel consumption. Depends on the selected operating mode. On average, 500-700 ml of fuel is required for 1 hour of operation.
- Volume of the tank. Demonstrates combustion duration on one refill, and can reach 9 liters. When refueling, you should take into account the recommendations of the developers, namely, let the bioethanol burn out completely.
- Burner material and thickness. The optimal solution is stainless steel from 3 mm or ceramics. There are dual-circuit designs that collect excess fuel, returning it to the fuel block.
It is impossible to say which bio-fireplace is better without taking into account the room.
Please note that the biofireplace has high efficiency, but relatively low heat output (considering the size of the firebox). It is highly undesirable to use heating equipment - it is not rational from the point of view of fuel cost. There is another drawback that is worth considering - the need to ventilate the room due to the inevitable release of carbon dioxide during the combustion process. If we are talking about a small room and a powerful appliance, then it will not be enough to open the doors to other rooms, and you will need to open a window or window.
Rice. 5. Process of pouring bioethanol
Advantages of a biofireplace
Biofireplace is a new product on the market that is rapidly gaining popularity. This is not only a tribute to fashion, but also a lot of beneficial advantages.
Convenience. The purity of combustion emissions allows the use of a biofireplace without a chimney. This decisive advantage makes it an exceptionally technological product - the fireplace can be placed in any location that meets the installation requirements. It does not require a separate foundation and heat-resistant floor lining. Approximately 50% of these products are made in a portable version, the rest are mounted on the floor, walls and even suspended from the ceiling.
Manufacturability. The alcohol burner hearth can be purchased separately, without a portal. It can then be installed into the firebox of an existing traditional fireplace. This will preserve the functions and appearance of the interior and eliminate the need to prepare solid fuel and the risk of smoke. Due to the simplicity and low cost of their design, full-fledged biofireplaces are available in a sufficient range of sizes. The portal can also be made to order from any material.
Safety. Factory-made fireplaces are supplied complete with protective panels and casings, so the biofireplace portal can be made of plasterboard or wood without fear of ignition from overheating. Ignition and combustion of fuel occurs without sparks or flame fluctuations (when using a special lighter). When burned, fuel breaks down into water vapor and CO2. The concentration of carbon dioxide is insignificant and does not affect air quality if there is standard ventilation of the premises.
Functionality. In a conventional fireplace, most of the heat is removed along with toxic waste gases through the chimney. In a biofireplace, the entire combustion temperature is transferred to the surrounding air. A medium-sized device is equivalent in power to a 3 kW electric heater.
Reliability, simplicity of the device. Basic models of alcohol fireplaces do not have mechanisms, moving parts, or wearable parts. When used correctly, these are “eternal” devices (service life is unlimited). “Biocombustion” does not form carbon deposits, which reduces maintenance of the fireplace to wiping along with other interior elements. More complex and expensive models have electronic control - from a panel, remote control or Wi-Fi from a tablet or phone. Like any electronic devices, they can fail, but not more often than others.
Originality and beauty. The new bio-fireplace can be matched to absolutely any design - from minimalist cold high-tech to luxurious baroque. The portal can be ordered in any workshop, from any material. Such an open fire in the middle of the room will become the emotional center of the entire house, intuitively reminiscent of distant ancestors relaxing at night around the fire. Always even and stable flames are a “living” piece of furniture that can be moved at your discretion.
Price. The price of the device itself, together with the portal, does not exceed the price of a fireplace of the same format with a traditional or electric layout.
The principle of operation of a biofireplace
The biofireplace is made in the form of a simple system, functioning by burning a new type of liquid fuel mixture - bioethanol.
Its energy qualities must be taken into account when creating bio-fireplaces with your own hands. The simplicity of the design and the availability of all materials will not require the performer to spend significant effort during its production. And the costs of purchasing materials will be insignificant. As a result, the master will receive an unusual piece of furniture. Which in turn will create warmth in the house from a real and living fire. The device is made of simple 4 main blocks:
- The base is a frame structure for fixing working units;
- a safety screen made of refractory glass to protect the room from the possible spread of fire;
- consumable container for bioethanol fuel mixture;
- burner device for ignition and conducting the combustion process.
If necessary, a structural portal is installed near a self-made biofireplace. Which allows you to fit it into the interior as completely as possible. Due to their popularity, industry, both domestic and Western, has launched the production of biofireplaces. There are plenty of them in the retail chain today, but their cost is quite high. As a result, many users decided to make it themselves.
DIY bio-fireplace made from plasterboard
The chosen location determines the shape in which the biofireplace will be made - corner or straight, along the wall. Anyone who sets out to create a fireplace at home must prepare or find a sketch with instructions on how to make a biofireplace yourself, and purchase the necessary materials:
- Drywall and profiles for it.
- Self-tapping screws.
- Materials for interior decoration, for example, ceramic tiles and heat-resistant adhesive for them.
- Exterior finishing material, such as stone.
- Cotton wool, grout and finishing putty.
We recommend reading in more detail on our website how to make a tabletop biofireplace yourself.
Drawings of finished bio-fireplaces contain information on how to make bio-fireplaces, namely, determine the dimensions. However, the design of the structure can be absolutely anything - you just need to use your imagination.
3cb4dd33d05ffdea50addfaf5977d759.jpeWhen everything is ready to start working, you can begin to perform the following steps sequentially:
According to the instructions, marking lines are drawn on the wall, to which the formed guides for the body of the bio-fireplace are subsequently attached. Using self-tapping screws, rack profiles and frames are installed.
Using a plumb line, you need to check the correct location of all elements
Next, during the construction of a biofireplace, the frame is covered with plasterboard. The optimal distance at which it should be fastened is from 10 to 15 cm. When performing this work, you also need to lay a layer of mineral wool about 5 cm thick in the firebox area.
The direction of the fibers - vertical or random - of mineral wool affects the properties that it best provides. Thus, for bio-fireplaces, a material with a chaotic direction is suitable, which better provides thermal insulation properties.
A recess is left at the bottom of the firebox, into which the burner will be installed in the future. Then, using non-combustible materials, the bottom of the bio-fireplace is formed. On the outside, the drywall is puttied and lined with the selected material.
For cladding, a material more suitable for the interior and price parameters is selected. The main thing is that it is fireproof.
The remaining seams are rubbed down, the surface is wiped with a damp and dry cloth. After this, when building a bio-fireplace with your own hands, you can start decorating - add a burner, lay out decorative elements. You can also take additional protective measures, such as installing fire-resistant glass on the front wall.
The burner allows you to reproduce the fire evenly, with a bright color, without flashes. Some burner models contain protection against fuel spillage when tipped over.
Manufacturing nuances
When thinking about how to make a bio-fireplace yourself, the first thing that comes to mind is to find or draw a drawing or diagram of it. It will not be difficult to find such documents on the Internet or photocopy them in a store. As a last resort, you can draw drawings of a bio-fireplace with your own hands if you have the necessary skills.
A drawing of a biofireplace is necessary first of all in order to accurately verify the dimensions of the device. In this case, it is advisable to draw a diagram of each part of the system in order to understand how your bio-fireplace will be arranged inside, how the parts will be attached to the frame, and what elements will be required. A well-designed diagram of a biofireplace will subsequently greatly simplify your work on assembling the device, so when creating sketches, try to work out the details as much as possible.
Scheme of a small eco-fireplace
There are some nuances that need to be taken into account when developing such a device:
- The production of biofireplaces begins with the development of the design and general shape of the device. At the same time, do not forget about safety; you should decide how and where to install the protective screen. The glass protective screen should be placed at some distance from direct fire. It is believed that a distance of 15 centimeters will be sufficient. If the fire is closer, there is a chance that the glass will burst, even tempered glass.
- It is advisable to make the fuel tank for a biofireplace from metal with a thickness of 2-3 mm. Thinner steel sheets can simply burn out when exposed to temperature. For large fireplaces, it is best to buy a fuel block in a store; you should not neglect safety once again.
- You set the number of burners at your discretion, but experts recommend not placing large bio-fireplaces in small rooms. So for a room measuring 25-30 sq.m. You can install a couple of burners in the device, but no more.
Original eco-fireplace in the form of a log
Note that, if necessary, you can easily make a burner from a metal container of a suitable size yourself. Step-by-step instructions in this case will look like this:
- For open eco-fireplaces, the burner should be decorated; you can simply paint it the outside color of your choice. Of course, you can’t paint the inside, as the paint will certainly burn.
- A mesh is placed on top of the metal tank and secured. If the cells are too large, you can cut out several pieces. Note that the strength of the mesh is an important parameter, because we will place heavy decorative accessories on it.
- The bottom of the container is connected to the mesh with a wick. It’s okay if it shows a little; decorative elements will hide it later anyway.
Good to know: Bio-fireplace in the interior of the living room and other rooms of the house, modern design
When creating a tabletop fireplace with your own hands, you should experiment with the optimal size and type of burner that suits your decorative needs.
Step-by-step assembly instructions in detail
There are a lot of ways to make a fireplace for apartments. For example, there are step-by-step instructions for assembling a decorative stove that will fit perfectly into any home.
To create it you will need the following parts:
- fuel block with a valve, a stand for it (made of metal);
- fire-resistant ceramic glass for both walls;
- bolts, washers and pads;
- rubber gaskets and metal legs;
- black paint that protects from fire, or a special material used for the panel design (stone, aluminum).
Regular assembly:
First of all, make a part for the tank.
- According to the drawings, make 2 beams. They will act as fastening for the plywood part. You only need to cut out the top and bottom halves. A glass frame will be attached to the bottom.
- Make a rectangular hole at the top for the fuel container.
- Drill holes for the bolts. Bolts that have silicone gaskets will pass through them. All actions must be carried out carefully so that the structure does not break.
- When the structure is ready, a fuel container is installed in its upper half (in the cut hole).
Instructions for assembling a large bio-fireplace
If you need to make a large bio-fireplace, the most difficult part will be making the fuel tank. The easiest way is to purchase a ready-made element in a specialized store.
If you plan to make the tank yourself, you need to take a sheet of metal more than 3 mm thick. It must be stainless steel, otherwise during combustion there may be unwanted chemical reactions and even the appearance of toxic fumes.
Specialized stores sell fuel tanks for biofireplaces made of stainless steel. They are equipped with convenient fire extinguishing valves
The tank itself should consist of two compartments. The lower one is for filling fuel. Vapors of flammable liquid burn in the upper compartment. Between these compartments there should be a separating plate with holes, thanks to which vapors enter the combustion zone. The shape of the tank may be different, depending on the fireplace model.
The most popular option is a parallelepiped-shaped fuel tank with a narrow upper compartment.
It is easier to make a cylindrical tank. To do this, you can take an ordinary mug and cover it with a lid cut to size from a fine-mesh metal mesh. Fuel can be poured through the mesh, which is quite convenient.
There may be several such tank mugs in the design of a biofireplace. They can be arranged in several rows or in a circle. It is important not to forget to remove the handles from the mugs. This must be done carefully so that a hole does not form.
Having decided on the fuel tank, you can start making a bio-fireplace. Let's make a floor model with two glass screens. To work, you need to prepare fire-resistant glass for screens, a fuel tank in the shape of a parallelepiped, washers, bolts and silicone gaskets for glass, plastic or metal legs.
In addition, to make the base we will need thick plywood or plasterboard, screws and 40x30 mm wood blocks.
Let's start from the foundation. We mark a sheet of plywood and carefully cut out the side parts of the base box and the top panel from it. We will not make the lower part of the box.
Firstly, its presence will significantly make the structure heavier. Secondly, it will be much more convenient to secure glass sheets without it. We are preparing two pieces of wooden block onto which the plywood will be attached.
You can make a bio-fireplace with two glass screens yourself. The design of the base can be very different - in the form of a console, table, box
On a panel cut from plywood we mark the place where the fuel tank will be fixed. Cut out the required mounting hole for the tank. Now we assemble the frame and attach the top panel to it. We process the edges of the structure well.
If we used drywall rather than plywood, its edges must be treated with putty. We decorate the resulting base in any suitable way: paint, varnish, etc.
Preparing glass panels. First, cut out two parts of the desired size. In each of them you need to drill holes for decorative fasteners. This is quite difficult, because the slightest mistake can cause the glass to crack. If you have no experience in such work, it is better to entrust the process to an experienced craftsman with a set of special tools. Holes for fasteners are also drilled on the side walls of the base.
Now we fix the glass screen to the base. To do this, we pass a bolt through the glass, do not forget to put on a silicone gasket so as not to damage the glass. We pass the bolt through the base, put on the washer and tighten the nut. This must be done extremely carefully, without applying excessive force, otherwise the glass may crack. In this way we install both glass screens.
During the assembly process, silicone gaskets must be used, otherwise the glass may not withstand the load and crack. It is wise to use a more durable option - tempered glass
You need to place legs on the bottom of the glass sheet. To do this, we put rubber gaskets into the parts and put them in place. We check the correct installation of the legs. The biofireplace should stand level and not wobble.
Using the prepared hole, we mount the fuel tank and securely fasten it. The structure is almost ready. All that remains is to decorate it with stones or ceramic logs, if necessary.
Types of biofireplaces
Depending on the dimensions of the structure and the location of its installation, there are several types of biofireplaces.
There are several types of biofireplaces
Floor-standing
The advantage of such a fireplace is its mobility
Massive and solid structures that can be installed next to a wall or anywhere in the room. The design solutions of the case are very different. There are eco-fireplaces made in the shape of a tree trunk, forged, decorated with carved metal sheets, decorated with colored glass inserts.
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Ceramic firewood is purchased for floor-standing devices; outwardly it is almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Imitations of coniferous and deciduous trees are possible. These accessories bring the appearance of the bio-fireplace as close as possible to the natural one. The burner is decorated with chipped or rounded stones. They are necessary to create the effect of a more “living”, natural flame.
Wall-mounted (mounted)
A hanging biofireplace can be placed at any height
Wall-mounted biofireplaces are lightweight and light-weight devices, equipped with protective fire-resistant and transparent screens on 1, 2 or 3 sides. All models are flat, equipped with a back wall made of heat-resistant material. The advantages of this type of biofireplaces include:
- a light weight;
- Possibility of installation at any height;
- modern style solution.
To prevent the possibility of falling, the hanging devices are securely fastened to the walls.
Tabletop
A tabletop fireplace will become a stylish piece of furniture
Tabletop biofireplaces are miniature, eye-catching products that can decorate any interior. Most often they consist of a metal body filled with small stones. They are equipped with transparent glass around the perimeter or on both sides. The main advantage of these models is low fuel consumption. Miniature eco-fireplaces will decorate the holiday table and create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Built-in
Built-in biofireplaces are produced in the form of metal modules with a front protective screen.
Biofireplaces of this type can be built into walls or special niches
Installed in niches built of brick, concrete or plasterboard. There are models designed to be built into furniture. The fuel block and burner are decorated with ceramic firewood or stones.
Built-in eco-fireplaces have their advantages:
- allow you to save space and are the best choice for small apartments;
- provide modern room design;
- equipped with a height-adjustable screen.
Classification, advantages and disadvantages
A tabletop biofireplace is a small composition, the flame of which is hidden behind a protective glass screen.
Traditionally, biofireplaces are divided into 3 types depending on the location in the room:
- tabletop - miniature compositions of different shapes and designs, the flame of which is hidden behind a protective glass screen;
- wall-mounted - made of metal and glass. Can reach 1 m in length. When constructing them, it is necessary to take care of special fasteners;
- floor-standing - their appearance resembles standard wooden fireplaces. They are located in niches or corners. If desired, they can be built in or equipped with support legs with height adjustment or wheels for transportation around the house.
Tabletop options are considered the simplest and easiest to assemble, but they only serve an aesthetic function. Floor and wall-mounted biofireplaces require more time to construct, but can additionally heat the room, especially if several heating pads were used in their manufacture.
Moreover, each of these types can be installed in an apartment. The only exceptions are devices that are too large, making it difficult for its residents to move.
All biofireplaces have the following advantages:
- simplicity of design, which does not require chimney equipment, installation of ventilation ducts and coordination of their installation with the residents of the house;
- mobility - the weight of such devices usually does not exceed 100 kg;
- fire safety, subject to compliance with basic rules;
- absence of soot, smoke, toxic substances in the air during combustion;
- ease of maintenance;
- additional air humidification due to the release of water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Disadvantages include:
- minimum heat that is released during the operation of the biofireplace;
- the need to arrange good ventilation or ensure frequent ventilation in the room where it is located;
- comparatively high cost of fuel for biofireplaces.
Recommendations on how to build a large bio-fireplace
When building a large bio-fireplace, they carefully think through its design. When creating a project, take into account that the fireplace is a fire hazard, so you should leave a sufficient distance from the walls and top of the fireplace to the hearth. Internal work is carried out using materials that are not subject to combustion, such as clothes, tiles or steel with thermal insulation.
Under no circumstances should you paint the hearth , because under the influence of high temperatures the paint begins to peel off, emit a specific odor, and in some cases may even catch fire. You also need to take care of the biofuel container. It may consist of a cylindrical burner or a fuel tank. These components have their own characteristics, which should be considered in more detail.
Fuel tank characteristics
It has the following advantages :
- No unpleasant odors that may arise due to the operation of a biofireplace. This is facilitated by special dampers that prevent flammable liquid vapors from penetrating into the environment.
- To quickly extinguish the fire in the fireplace, just turn the handle, which acts as a damper.
- The tightness of the fuel tank eliminates the possibility of dust particles and other foreign elements getting inside it. This is very convenient, especially if the fireplace is rarely used.
- It is possible to manually adjust the degree of flame burning. This feature allows you to place a variety of interior items above the bio-fireplace.
Disadvantages of the fuel tank
The main disadvantage of this element is its high cost . This is a significant disadvantage, because it is very difficult to build a fuel tank with your own hands.
Characteristics of a burner for biofireplaces with your own hands
This biofuel container has the following advantages:
- Low cost. This is what allows you to install several heating devices in the fireplace, and also allows you to replace the burner without worrying about extra expenses.
- You can produce this device yourself.
Disadvantages of the burner:
- The burner built into the biofireplace is not equipped with protective devices, which is why the flame remains open.
- There is no way to adjust the flame power.
- There is no system for rapid flame extinction, as a result of which it is necessary to wait until the fuel burns completely.
Having such disadvantages, the burner is still more popular than the fuel tank. This is explained by the fact that the burner is simple to manufacture.
Bio fireplace drawing
Let's take a drawing as an example. There are many other options online, in the form of photos and videos. There are separate instructions. But we will provide a specific drawing.
Burner options for biofireplaces
There are many types of schemes for the production of thermal blocks. We will offer you a couple of options.
The simplest model of a fuel cell
A simple DIY burner for a bio-fireplace will be made like this. We take a stainless steel container. The wall should be from 2 mm. The depth of the container is 5 cm. The dimensions are arbitrary, according to your drawings. Appearance is not important. This element is hidden from prying eyes. But it must be a good, strong element. Biofuel is poured into a tank or glass. Insert the wick. They are taken out through the mesh. A cord soaked in a flammable liquid ignites, emitting light and heat.
Two-chamber burner with perforations (slits)
This design option is usually made in the factory. It is fuel efficient. This occurs due to a decrease in the combustion area. Fuel consumption decreases.
We take a bath, a stainless steel box. The sizes are arbitrary. It is possible as in the previous version. We cut the plate along the length of the body (along the inside). The plate should be the same thickness as the body material. We calculate the width using the formula: SH = Vs - 1.5 + 2xRs (where Vs is the width inside the bath, and Rs is the depth of the bath). The plates bend at right angles from the long edges. This is done to get legs equal in depth to Rs. We ended up with an element that, along the length of the bathtub, is 1cm narrower than its width in profile, resembling the letter P.
On one of the legs of this letter P, we make cuts, like on a comb. We install a U-shaped structure so that the gap between the slots and the wall is 1.5 cm. We fill the tank with fuel. Let's light it up. The flame will only be located in a narrow strip of 1.5 cm. The fuel below will not ignite. Oxygen access is limited. No fuel shortage is expected. It will seep through the slits. To quickly put out the fire, make another plate to cover the fire.
To ensure that the fuel burns out completely, tilt the tank towards the working surface. This can be done by mixing fuel with gypsum. Next, tilt the resulting mixture in the direction of the workplace. The mixture hardens. We get excellent results. In this case, the leg of the U-structure needs to be shortened. This is necessary to make the structure completely horizontal. You can make a tank with a double bottom. The finished burner is placed in an additional, larger tank. The edges of the top tank will cover the tank elements below.
Do-it-yourself biofireplace - description
A biofireplace is a common and safe design based on the combustion of liquid-based fuel. The first bio-fireplaces were invented in antiquity, when various oils were poured into lamps or small vats and set on fire.
The operation of biofireplaces does not imply the installation of chimneys; one thing that needs to be done is to sometimes ventilate the room, because an open fire, in any case, has the ability to burn oxygen. There are several designs of biofireplaces, the main difference of which is the installation location:
- Large and real fireplaces for installation on the floor. Due to their durability, they can be large in size and closely resemble conventional fireplaces.
- Lightweight and elegant models for wall mounting or hanging from the ceiling. A necessary requirement for them is to fence off the fire with a transparent screen for fire safety purposes.
- Compact fireplaces for installation on tables and cabinets. A magnificent and modern interior addition.
Regardless of the model, the flame height can be adjusted by adding or subtracting burners in the volume provided by the design.
Do-it-yourself biofireplace: drawings and detailed instructions
Most people dream of a fireplace with a live fire, but not everyone has the opportunity to install a natural hearth. It is prohibited to do this in apartments in the city, and in private houses the work of installing it involves labor-intensive construction of chimneys and ventilation. A practical solution in this case would be a biofireplace made with your own hands.
Manufacturing - detailed instructions with photos
To make a primitive fuel block for a biofireplace with your own hands, which will not require any additional design, you need to prepare:
- a wide vessel made of heat-resistant glass (a similar one is sold among kitchen utensils);
- an empty tin of drinks or beer;
- a little bit of basalt wool insulation;
- very small and medium artificial stones.
To begin, place the jar in a bowl, mark a line along the height of its side and cut it with a utility knife.
Then drill the bottom of the can in 3-4 places, place basalt fiber tightly in the middle and insert one half into the other, as shown in the photo.
Place the improvised burner in a glass vessel and cover it nicely with stones and shells. Pour fuel into the can through the holes and set it on fire. You can use medical alcohol for testing. How such a handmade bio-fireplace burns can be seen in the following photo:
The production process is shown in detail in the video:
If there is an inverter-type device in the house that you can use, you can make the container from stainless steel, and then fix it between two thick glasses, as shown in the drawing.
To make a linear version of the burner, you need to take a profile stainless steel pipe with a cross-section of 4 x 4 cm and a wall thickness of 2 mm. Then cut off a corner along its entire length and make cross-shaped slits on the edge with an angle grinder.
Next, hermetically weld the corner to the cut-off area on the pipe, turning it edge down so that a depression emerges. Fill the internal cavity of the burner tightly with non-flammable basalt thermal insulation, and then weld the ends.
The final step is making a frame for your fuel block. Cut a frame from thin metal and carefully grip it to the burner. Then fill the latter with ethanol (aka ethyl alcohol) and set it on fire.
You can attach legs to the finished fuel cell, or better yet, build it into a fireplace portal or a painted metal body that can be hung on the wall. An example of such a box is shown in the drawing.
Do-it-yourself bio-fireplace burner
A very important part of a biofireplace built with your own hands is the burner for it. Having selected the appropriate iron container, you can begin manufacturing:
- If the structure of the fireplace is transparent, you can paint the container from the outside. You cannot paint it in the middle, as it will burn the first time you start the burner.
- A piece is cut out of a very small mesh to cover the top of the container. This mesh serves for uniform distribution of the flame, and also for laying materials for decorative work, between which the wick will appear. It is necessary to ensure that the mesh does not fall into the middle of the container.
Similarly, a DIY bio-fireplace burner can be completed within a few minutes.
How to make a floor structure
The floor design fits into any design, as it copies wood-burning fireplaces
The advantage of floor-standing biofireplaces is their variety of sizes and shapes. They resemble a geometric shape, a bowl or a nightstand, and remain stationary or mobile. But the heating unit for them must be made of metal. The body itself can be made of stone, wood, plastic, ceramics or plaster. The main thing is to ensure that the fire does not affect flammable parts.
Related materials and tools
- heating unit;
- non-flammable gypsum board (1 sheet);
- metal profile with guides and rack elements (8 – 9 m);
- dowel-nails, self-drilling screws for metal and with a countersunk head;
- heat-resistant tile adhesive, putty;
- scissors for working with metal, a screwdriver, a knife for cutting plaster;
- insulation materials (2 sq.m);
- ceramic tiles;
- grout (about two kilograms);
- construction level, tape measure;
- wood or other material for the fireplace mantel;
- decor for decorating a finished bio-fireplace.
All calculations must be made taking into account the size of the space for the future bio-fireplace. One of the views is shown in the drawing.
Preparation work
The drawing must be created taking into account fire safety
In this embodiment, the arrangement of the combustion chamber is calculated
At this step, you need to decide on the size and design of the biofireplace: large or small, wall-mounted, corner or located in the middle of the room. After which a drawing or sketch is created taking into account the fire safety of the object. When calculating its dimensions, it is necessary to ensure that the distance from the hearth to the walls of the structure and the fireplace shelf is at least 15 - 20 cm. After which, based on the drawing, markings are applied to the wall and floor.
Detailed manufacturing instructions
The process takes into account the implementation of several stages: from attaching the profile to decorating the sheathed plaster
- Frame assembly. Based on the finished markings, pre-prepared UD profiles are recorded. Then rack-mount parts are placed in them, which are subsequently fastened with self-tapping screws. Using a plumb line, verticality is controlled.
- Fastening profiles to the wall using dowels and nails. In this case, the racks are additionally secured with jumpers.
- Laying insulation material into the walls of a building. They will use compressed stone wool.
- Plaster sheathing. To do this, you need to apply markings to the plasterboard sheets and cut off unnecessary parts using a specialized knife. The main thing is to make an incision on one side, breaking the material on the other. When creating the sheathing of a future structure, it is necessary to tighten self-drilling screws at a distance of 10 - 15 cm from one another. Upon completion of this work, it is necessary to apply a gypsum-based plaster mixture.
- Biofireplace cladding. To do this, the walls and bottom of the housing are covered with tiles, except for the recess for installing the burner.
- Grouting joints. After it, a mantelpiece is installed, and the structure itself is decorated with prepared decorative components - stucco molding, mosaics, facing bricks.
- Burner installation. It can be selected or made without outside help from a metal glass in which the wick is lowered. In the latter option, you won’t be able to adjust the flame height, but you don’t need to pay for a factory design.
If you have time, desire and an inverter device, you should build a fuel block with a valve yourself. The principle of its operation is the same, only such a burner should consist of one or two chambers connected to each other by perforation. In this case, it will no longer be the fuel that burns, but its vapor, but this will allow you to control the intensity of the flame.
The last step could be the installation of a forged or fire-resistant glass fireplace grate, which will provide an additional safety feature for family members.
Due to the massiveness of floor-mounted bio-fireplaces, they are often designed in the form of corner structures. The latter can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, when a column is placed instead of one of the back walls near the fireplace. Their installation practically does not differ from the installation of standard floor-mounted biofireplaces, except for the drawing.
Niche for corner bio-fireplace
When installing a corner fireplace, accuracy is very important, since the fireplace must have perfectly even corners. And, if you want it to look visually smooth and without gaps, be extremely precise when building a niche.
Niche for a corner bio-fireplace made of plasterboard
Corner bio-fireplace immediately after installation - the joints are perfect!
Niche for front biofireplaces
Here it is important to immediately understand whether you will sew up the fireplace frame at the top and bottom or not. After all, both the size of the niche itself and the thickness of the bio-fireplace frame will depend on this. To make it absolutely clear, here is an example when the frame of a frontal bio-fireplace is sewn up:
And here is an example when it is left untouched:
Detailed instructions for a do-it-yourself bio-fireplace
As can be seen from the previous paragraph, if there are step-by-step instructions for a bio-fireplace, it is very easy to make it with your own hands. After assembling the burner, the process is divided into the following stages:
The pieces of glass are fastened together with silicone sealant according to the designer’s concept. For complete drying, they must be left for approximately 24 hours; a more precise time is noted in the instructions for the sealant.
If desired, the base of the fireplace can be created from a rectangular metal box. Then it will hide the burner jar.
If the fuel was purchased in a tin can, you just need to install it in the middle of the burner. If it was sold in a plastic container, you need to take another tin can and pour it there. The size of the jar must be such that it can be comfortably removed from the burner.
Place the prepared wick into the fuel. Place a mesh on top of the burner and sprinkle pebbles on top of it.
To make an attractive and simple bio-fireplace with your own hands, the detailed instructions above will provide you with all the special abilities. The finished fireplace can be put into operation immediately, in other words, the wick can be lit.
Let's look at the working principle
The biofireplace owes its existence to devices created long ago - an ordinary alcohol burner and an oil lamp. The working principle is as follows: a component made of finely porous material - a wick - is immersed in a container with liquid fuel. Fuel, obeying the physical law of capillary rise of liquid, saturates it to the very top and evaporates through the open opening. If these vapors are set on fire, we get an even, persistent flame, as shown in the photo.
The heart of a biofireplace, made from innovative materials, is a round or elongated fuel block. It includes the following important elements (shown in the diagram below):
- a stainless steel container with a filling neck, equipped with an open opening on top - a burner;
- a damper or lid that blocks air access and is intended for extinguishing a fireplace;
- fireproof ceramic filler with a large number of very small pores;
- the side system does not allow fuel to splash out;
- Small portable structures are equipped with fire protection if they tip over.
In much inexpensive variations, non-flammable fiber can be used instead of ceramics
Reference. The price of cheap models available for sale starts from 80 USD. e. A large share of this cost is due to the stainless combustion chamber housing and ceramic filler.
Corner version of a wall biofireplace
According to the design method, eco-fireplaces are divided into the following types:
- Tabletop. They stand out for their small size and mobility, but require care during use. The product must not be installed or lit under flammable interior objects (for example, shelves).
- Floor models are equipped with both a point and an oblong burner. They can be carried, but installed only on the floor.
- Wall options have a quadrangular shape and can be equipped with several burners.
- Built-in type. Designed for installation in a niche or in the middle of a finished fireplace portal.
Tabletop models (left) and built-in type (right side)
How the combustion chamber of a commercially manufactured biofireplace functions, pay attention to the video:
How to make a biofireplace - detailed instructions
Building a home fireplace from brick is not accessible to everyone. Someone lives in a house with several apartments, where it is impossible to make a wood-burning fireplace, and owners of private homes are often deterred by the cost of the building. A solution was found: purchase or order from an online store a decorative burner that burns smokeless biological fuel and produces a beautiful blue-yellow flame. We recommend resolving the issue not so expensively and want to tell you how to make a similar bio-fireplace for your living space with your own hands.
We make a biofireplace for the home with our own hands: wall-mounted, floor-mounted, table-top
For most of us, a fireplace is a symbol of warmth and comfort. True, it is unrealistic to equip it within the walls of an ordinary apartment in the city for technical reasons. However, this is not a reason to be sad, because in practical conditions it can be replaced with a bio-fireplace - an environmentally friendly device that creates a live fire without smoke and ash. This option does not require the construction of a chimney and is very easy to assemble with your own hands.