Ethanol fireplace - Living fire without a chimney
Do you dream of a fire in your living room but lack a chimney? An ethanol fireplace gives you the real flame and warm atmosphere without a flue, chimney sweep or building permit. At Westbo of Sweden you will find free-standing ethanol fireplaces cast in solid cast iron - the same classic design language as our wood-burning stoves, but with an installation that can be completed in a short time.
We are a second-generation family business with our own manufacturing and assembly in Reftele, Småland. Each fireplace carries on a Swedish fireplace tradition that is over a century old, with older-style design and modern technology.
Freestanding ethanol fireplace – move the fire wherever you want
A freestanding ethanol fireplace requires no installation and no hole in the wall. The fireplace stands on its own, just like a traditional fireplace, and can be placed where it is most useful: in the living room, in the orangery, in the bedroom or in that corner that always feels a little empty.
Since ethanol burns cleanly, without soot and ash, neither a chimney nor a flue is needed. This means that the installation in practice consists of placing the fireplace in place, filling the burner and lighting it. If you want to rearrange the furniture, the fireplace simply follows. A freestanding model is also visible from several directions in the room, which makes it a piece of furniture in its own right rather than a detail in the wall.
Ethanol fireplace for the floor – stable placement with the right feel
A floor model ethanol fireplace stands firmly on its own two feet and gives the same weight in the room as a wood-burning fireplace. The weight of the cast iron means that the stove stands securely and does not tip over as easily as lighter table models - a detail that is very important in homes with children and pets.
Choose a flat and stable surface, and keep the distances to curtains, textiles and furniture specified in the assembly instructions. Avoid drafty locations, for example just inside an exterior door, as the flame will then become restless. Also remember that the room should be airy, as the ethanol stove consumes oxygen in the room where it is located.
Round ethanol stove - soft shapes that soften the room
A round ethanol stove can fit where an angular model would be clumsy, and works just as well freely in the room as against a wall. The round silhouette is typical of the Swedish stove tradition and is suitable both in older houses with mirrored doors and in bright, newly renovated rooms where the stove is the only dark feature.
Among our round and classically shaped models you will find Westbo Carl and Westbo Classic. Westbo Nobel and Westbo Victoria are classic but austere in shape, all four different stoves are available in several heights so you can choose the proportion according to ceiling height and room size.
Cast iron ethanol stove – that's why the material matters
Most ethanol stoves on the market are made of thin sheet metal or glass. A cast iron ethanol stove is something different. The material is durable, heavy and ages beautifully, and unlike thin sheet metal, it stores heat – the stove therefore continues to emit gentle heat for a while after the flame has gone out.
The high dead weight also provides a stability that lightweight designs cannot come close to, and the lifespan is completely different. Where a sheet metal stove has a modern and light expression, cast iron gives a massive, classic impression that lasts for decades. Our ethanol stoves are quality-controlled by us in Småland.
Indoor ethanol stove – how to use it safely
An indoor ethanol stove is easy to maintain, but it burns with an open flame and that makes some demands. Only use bioethanol intended for ethanol fireplaces, normally 95–96 percent, and never T-red, gasoline or other fuel liquids. Never fill up when the fireplace is hot or burning, but let the burner cool completely first, and wipe up any spills before lighting.
Ventilate regularly, as the flame consumes oxygen and emits water vapor and carbon dioxide into the room. Never leave a burning fireplace unattended, especially not with children or pets nearby, and always extinguish it with the supplied lid instead of blowing out the flame.
The ethanol fireplace is primarily a mood fireplace. It provides pleasant warmth in the room it is in, but does not replace the house's regular heating.
Our ethanol fireplaces
Westbo Carl is available in two heights, 95 and 120 centimeters, with a classic and sleek shape. Westbo Classic is our most timeless model with a clear stove design, while Westbo Nobel 75 and 90 have a more streamlined expression that fits well in smaller rooms. Westbo Victoria offers the widest range of sizes – 85, 100 and 240 – from compact to substantial eye-catchers.
Frequently asked questions about ethanol fireplaces
Do I need a chimney for an ethanol fireplace?
No. Ethanol burns without soot or smoke, so the fireplace does not need a chimney or flue. However, the room must be ventilated.
Is a building permit or chimney sweep required?
No, a free-standing ethanol fireplace is not considered a fireplace with a flue and therefore does not normally require a building permit, notification or chimney sweeping. Always check with your municipality and your insurance company if you are unsure.
How long does a refill burn?
The burning time depends on the volume of the burner and how much you open the damper. See information in the manual for each model.
Can the ethanol fireplace heat a room?
It provides gentle heat in the room it is in, but is primarily for ambiance. Use it as a supplement, not as the main heat source.
Which ethanol should I use?
Bioethanol intended for ethanol fireplaces, normally 95–96 percent. Never use other fuel liquids.
Where can I buy an ethanol stove from Westbo?
Via our dealers around Sweden and Europe. Find your nearest dealer.
The Westbo Carl is our smallest stove with typical Swedish design.
The floral pattern adorn the Westbo Carl. A perfect small stove even if you don´t have a chimney.
Westbo Carl bio-ethanol has 2 kw output.
One liter of bio-ethanol last for about 3-4 hours.