List of Pros and Cons of Gel Fuel Fireplace

Any fireplace is primarily a utilitarian installation. At times, it could be an integral part of the interior décor, in which case you would come up with unique designs and some aesthetically appealing elements in your fireplace. Traditionally, fireplaces have been powered by wood and later by gas. Today, wood and gas fireplaces are equally popular but they both have certain advantages and shortcomings. It is owing to those shortcomings that many people consider a gel fuel fireplace. A gel fuel fireplace is different from typical fireplaces in form, structure, function and utility. In here, we shall study the pros and cons of gel fuel fireplace so you can decide if you want one or you would resort to a wood/gas fireplace.

List of Pros of Gel Fuel Fireplace

1. An Eco Friendly Choice
Wood is not a renewable source of energy. You could argue that deforestation and forestation can be balanced but it takes far too long to grow the quantum of wood that we can readily consume for fireplaces. Gas is not an unlimited resource either. Natural gas undoubtedly better than fossil fuel but the earth doesn’t have an endless reserve of natural gas. The bottom line is that neither wood nor gas is entirely renewable. Both wood and gas when burnt is not environment friendly. Burning wood and coal has wreaked havoc on our environment. Gas too contributes significantly to global warming. In comparison with wood and gas, gel fuel fireplace has no major impact on the environment. This sole attribute of gel fuel fireplace has made the practice popular. Using a gel fuel fireplace is as harmless as lighting a candle.

2. A Viable Fireplace
Large fireplaces, especially those running on wood or gas, are expensive to construct. Setting up a gel fuel fireplace is much cheaper. You don’t need to dent your savings. Standard fireplaces require a substantial space, in most cases there is a need to break down a section of the wall and make way for a chimney or vent. These are often not viable and people living in apartments or attached homes would certainly be unable to get permissions for such type of construction. Apartments or condos typically don’t have walls that would allow such type of construction. A gel fuel fireplace is a viable option for any and sundry.

3. Easy to Install & Maintain
A gel fuel fireplace can be installed in minutes. All you need is the setup and you just place it against a wall or at any particular place that suits you. You don’t need to engage in any massive installation or setup procedures. A gel fuel fireplace is much easier to maintain. Wood fireplaces are messy. Even gas fireplaces require extensive cleaning and maintenance. Wood fireplaces actually require cleaning every day. From the chimneys to the flashing, everything needs maintenance. A gel fuel fireplace doesn’t call for any such hassle.

Cons of Gel Fuel Fireplace

1. A Less Effective Heat Source
The primary purpose of a fireplace is to warm the room and thereon the larger space in the house or in any property. A gel fuel fireplace is not even remotely as effective as a wood or gas fireplace. The heat generated by a gel fuel fireplace will be ideal for a person nearby or perhaps a small room. Even a large room will remain cold in certain parts when you have a small gel fuel fireplace. Heating more than one room or an entire floor is out of question. A gel fuel fireplace is considered more of an aesthetic installation than a utilitarian one. If you live in an area where the mercury doesn’t dip dramatically, then you can make do with a gel fuel fireplace. If you live in a very cold area or where it is freezing, then you will need a wood or gas fireplace.

2. The Refueling Hassle
With a wood or gas fireplace, you don’t have to worry about the fire going out in sometime. You can furnish enough wood and be assured that it would last the night. If you have a gas fireplace then you can be pretty sure that the connection will not go kaput and you would not wake up in the middle of the night due to biting cold. A gel fuel fireplace will run a maximum of three hours. You would need to refuel the can or use another can. This refueling exercise is a hassle. If you need the fireplace to be at work just for an hour or two, then gel fuel fireplace is highly desirable, not for long hours.

The Last Word

A gel fuel fireplace is surely more aesthetic and it is effective in creating an ambience but it is not as effective in heating a room as wood or gas fireplace.