Fuel Gel Fireplaces Compared to Electric Fireplaces

Fuel Gel

• Fuel gel fireplaces run on fuel that is made with a very high alcohol content. This gel is available in small canisters that are bought separately from the fireplace and placed inside the hearth area. The gel is then lit and allowed to burn. It produces heat based on the mixture of alcohol and how large the canister is. The fumes produced are so clean that these fireplaces are rated for ventless purposes.

Electric

• Electric fireplaces use heating elements and infrared rays to produce heat. They do not burn anything, produce no fumes and requiring no flue. These fireplaces are designed to be plugged into a common household outlet and act in the same way a heater does, but with a fireplace exterior. It is more common to see these fireplaces installed where old wood or gas fireplaces used to be, but they can also be portable.

Energy Savings

• Both fireplaces offer energy savings, but when it comes down to cost, the electric fireplace tends to cost less. Gel fuel takes about $1.80 more per hour to buy and burn than electricity costs (only 16 to 20 cents per hour). However, electricity costs depend on the size of the fireplace, and the cost of canisters depends on how many cans are used at one time. Costs are typically based on how much heat the fireplaces produce.

Portability

• Both units are portable, but fuel gel fireplaces tend to be the easiest to move from place to place. The fuel gel cans are completely self-contained and require no attachments, so these fireplaces can be positioned anywhere on the floor. The electric versions will always require a nearby outlet, which can limit the number of places they can be used.

Appearance

• Both fuel gel and electric fireplaces can come with a variety of trim, often wood, giving them many different outer appearances. However, homeowners are typically concerned with the appearance of the flame as well. Gel fuel produces only a thin, bluish flame that is not very visible. Electric fireplaces produce no flame but often come with lights and flame effects that are used to simulate gas or wood fireplaces.