Gel Fuel Fireplaces - Is a Gel Fuel Fireplace Right For You?
Written by Alan Greene   
Tuesday, 16 March 2010 07:41
If you have been looking for a gel flame fireplace for your home, you may be wondering if it is the right choice for you. Many people have bought one of these fireplaces for their homes over the last twenty plus years, so it makes sense to learn from the experience of others. They have their pros and cons, so let's take a closer look.
by AlanGreene


If you have been looking for a gel flame fireplace for your home, you may be wondering if it is the right choice for you. Many people have bought one of these fireplaces for their homes over the last twenty plus years, so it makes sense to learn from the experience of others. They have their pros and cons, so let's take a closer look.

1. Are Gel Flame Fireplaces capable of heating your home?

Since I have two of these appliances in my home, take it from me, it is not a good source of heat for your home. After doing a lot of research on them, I found lots of information on the subject that suggested that these fireplaces put out enough heat to comfortably warm a room. This is simply not the case. I guess if you lived in South Florida and you wanted to knock the chill out of a room on a cool January morning, they would be perfect. The appeal of these appliances is the ambient lighting and mood setting. They are perfect for that application.

2. How expensive are the replacement fuel cans?

Gel flame fireplaces get their source of fuel from cans of gelled alcohol. These cans of fuel are burned producing the flame that makes them a true fireplace. When the gel fuel is completely consumed from the can, they need to be replaced. Most manufacturers do not recommend that these empty can be refilled, mostly for safety reasons.

The different models are designed to burn up to three cans of gel fuel at a time, and each container will last between two to three hours. It won't take long to go through several cans. I would suggest only burning one can at a time. I do this sometimes if I am lighting it just for myself.

Buying in bulk is the optimal approach if you must burn all three cans at one time. Don't be cheap. If you are entertaining, go ahead and burn three.

3. Are all models expensive?

Many gel fueled fireplaces, especially the larger ones, can get quite pricey. I have seen some of them sell for several hundred dollars. But don't get discouraged. There are many models that can be found of good quality for only a few hundred dollars. The smallest models can even be found for less than one hundred dollars. As a bonus, these smaller models burn a smaller can of fuel. These small cans can be purchase for about half the cost of the larger ones.

Would I recommend a gel flame fireplace to my friends or family? My answer is absolutely yes. My fireplace is the focal point of parties and family gatherings at my house. Every time I have someone over to my house that has never seen one; they are amazed and are filled with questions about it. I love both of mine and I am sure you will too.

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Choosing the right Gel Flame Fireplace for your home can be an enjoyable experience. Visit Gel Flame Fireplace and see for yourself if Gel Flame Fireplaces are the right choice for you.