Are Bioethanol Fire Pits Eco-Friendly?

Are Bioethanol Fire Pits Eco-Friendly?

Environmental concerns are rightly at the forefront of our minds, with a drive to find every way we can to reduce our impact and carbon footprint.

There’s no denying that while a wood-burning fire pit is aesthetically pleasing and more traditional, its environmental impact is considerable.

That’s why many are turning to bioethanol fire pits as an alternative, they are referred to as the eco friendly fire pit.

But are bioethanol fire pits eco-friendly?  Let’s dig into it and find out…

What Is a Bioethanol Fire Pit?

Bioethanol fire pits are natural flame fires that use bioethanol as their fuel source rather than wood, charcoal, or gas.

Bioethanol is a liquid and is, in fact, a by-product of the rice, corn, and sugar cane industry.  

So, Are Bioethanol Fire Pits Eco-Friendly?

The short answer is yes!  Of all the fire pit fuel options out there, the only one that really ticks the box for being eco-friendly is indeed bioethanol.  

In fact, there are many reasons why bioethanol can be considered an eco-friendly fuel source:

No Toxic Emissions

First and foremost, bioethanol is an emission-free burning liquid.

Unlike wood-burning fire pits, bioethanol gives off next to zero CO2, and it doesn’t produce any carcinogenic substances or other harmful gasses either, which is great for the environment (and for those sitting around the fire enjoying the heat!).

The primary by-products of burning bioethanol are heat and water.  Which is incredible!

Heat Retention

Because no harmful toxins or smoke is given off when burning bioethanol, there is no need for any ventilation system or chimney for the fire pit.  This makes them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

An added benefit is that no heat is lost up a chimney or through ventilation.  If you are inside, 100% of the heat stays in the rooms, heating it quicker and keeping it warm for longer.

When outside, it also means that the heat it gives off is far more efficient, meaning you will use less fuel to feel the benefits.

Is Bioethanol a Renewable Resource?

Bioethanol is actually a renewable resource, too.  Because it is created through the natural fermentation process of sugars and is made using corn, maize, and sugar cane (among other crops), it is a fuel that many consider to be a direct conversion of the sun's energy.

Crops like this, we know, are renewable and can be planted year after year, which is great!

This is a far cry from using fossil fuels like gas and far better for the environment than wood.

Is Bioethanol Carbon Neutral?

Some do, in fact, consider bioethanol to be carbon neutral.  After all, the plants that are grown to create it absorb far more CO2 than is given off when you burn it.

A deeper consideration, including the conversion process and the transportation of the fuel itself around the world, probably tips the balance a little in favour of not being completely carbon neutral.

However, there is no comparison of its environmental impact to fossil fuels; for that, it’s an absolute win in our books.

Is Bioethanol Good For the Environment?

We are often asked is bioethanol environmentally friendly; we think it is. It is certainly a greener choice than any alternative.

But, there must be some caution. It is important that the methods to grow the plants and turn them into fuel is eco-friendly. 

(Bioethanol Fire by EcoFire.co.uk)

Not All Biofuels Are Made Equal

As with anything, there will be better quality products within the bioethanol options on the market.  

This is worth considering when looking for the right bioethanol fire pit, as many are built to be used with a particular bioethanol fuel.

For us, the absolute gold standard bioethanol available on the market is e-NRG.

It is specifically designed for safety and efficiency, two things at the top of your list for a bioethanol fire pit.  Their bottles are filled with a flame arrester for safe refilling of your fire pit and actually, pour 8x faster than the competition, so you’re not exposing it for too long, either.

It burns with a beautiful orange flame and, as expected, it’s clean burning.

For all these reasons, it is our bioethanol of choice, and our range of EcoSmart Fire Pits runs off of nothing but e-NRG.

If you are looking for a fire pit that aligns with your environmental values, bioethanol fire pits should be at the top of your list.