Search for 'bioethanol fireplace' and you land in a broad market of alcohol burners. The differences between those appliances are large, and those differences decide how comfortable a real flame is indoors. Tenderflame deliberately takes a different route: our fireplaces run exclusively on patented Tenderfuel in combination with a stainless steel wick. Below you first read how classic bioethanol works. After that you see exactly where Tenderflame differs, and what that means for your living room in practice.
- Read time
- About 12 minutes
- Heat output
- Up to 3.5 kW per large burner
- Tenderfuel burn time
- 45 minutes to 4 hours per fill
- Source
- Tenderflame product information, EU safety rules and public safety reports
In short
- Classic bioethanol burns liquid alcohol in an open burner. That is a different system to Tenderflame
- Bioethanol has a flash point of around 13 degrees Celsius. Tenderfuel sits higher than classic bioethanol
- Tenderflame is not a bioethanol fireplace. Our appliances run exclusively on Tenderfuel, with a flash point higher than classic bioethanol
- A larger Tenderflame burner delivers up to around 3.5 kW of radiant heat in its immediate surroundings. Enough to noticeably warm a seating area, on top of your existing heating
What exactly is a bioethanol fireplace?
A classic bioethanol fireplace is a decorative fireplace that burns liquid ethanol in an open burner. You get a real flame without a flue and without a gas line, so the appliance fits in almost any room. Tenderflame works on a different principle. We combine one prescribed fuel, Tenderfuel, with the steel wick. That combination is designed as a whole, which is why we keep one clear line: always use original Tenderfuel. Safety, scent, combustion and warranty are all matched to it.
How does classic bioethanol combustion work?
Bioethanol is ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH), usually denatured so it cannot be consumed. On complete combustion, ethanol reacts with oxygen to form water vapour and CO2. In practice, the quality of that combustion depends on the burner, the flame temperature, the draught in the room and the maintenance. With an open liquid surface the fuel also evaporates continuously, even when the fireplace is switched off. That is why Tenderflame chooses a metered system: Tenderfuel in combination with the steel wick, designed for a stable and controlled flame.
Tenderfuel: a fuel in a category of its own
Tenderfuel is the patented fuel that works exclusively in Tenderflame products. Its flash point sits clearly higher than that of classic bioethanol, so no flammable vapour-air mixture forms at room temperature. That is why the fuel is not classified as a hazardous substance under EU safety rules. The steel wick is a stainless steel wick that draws the fuel upward in a metered way through capillary action. The flame therefore burns above the wick and not on an open pool of liquid. You refill cold, with the burner switched off. That removes the three classic risks of a bioethanol fireplace in one go:
- Topping up while the burner is still hot
- Spilling fuel outside the burner
- Flashback of the flame towards the bottle
How much heat does a Tenderflame fireplace give off?
A decorative fireplace is not a central heating system, but Tenderflame is warmer than many people expect. Tabletop models such as the Lotus 10 or Cafe 18 give off around 1.5 to 2 kW and noticeably warm a seating area. Larger wall and furniture models such as the Alto, Aris 90 and Aris 180 reach around 3 to 3.5 kW of radiant heat in their immediate surroundings. For comparison, that is similar to a mid-sized electric heater, but with a real flame and no plug socket. For most living rooms that is ample as a supplement to your existing heating, especially during the in-between seasons when you are not ready to switch on the central heating.
Which bioethanol fireplace suits which setting?
The room decides. For a classic bioethanol fireplace the manual, the space requirements and the local rules of that specific system apply, and those ask for checking beforehand. Tenderflame is designed for everyday indoor living with Tenderfuel: flats, family homes, smaller living spaces and interiors where a real flame is wanted without a chimney. Ventilation stays sensible with any open flame. The difference is that everyday use with Tenderfuel is more predictable and the risk during handling is demonstrably lower. That means the same flame fits more types of home.
What to look out for when buying a bioethanol fireplace
With Tenderflame, it comes down to picking the right model for your space. Run through these five points before you order:
- Size: choose a model that suits the size of the room and the spot where you place the appliance
- Heat output: a tabletop model warms a seating area, a large wall model noticeably warms the room as well
- Placement: decide in advance whether you want a freestanding, wall or furniture model and keep the prescribed clearance
- Burn time: larger burners reach longer times per fill, which is pleasant for long evenings
- Instructions for use: read the manual, so lighting, extinguishing and refilling go right from the first time
How to choose your Tenderflame
The fuel choice is straightforward: original Tenderfuel. Every Tenderflame model page lists the relevant specifications, including heat output, burn time and usage advice. Once you know the size and placement that suit your room, the rest is a matter of taste. Browse the collection and order your model at Tenderflame.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tenderflame a bioethanol fireplace?
No. Tenderflame runs exclusively on Tenderfuel, a separate patented fuel with a flash point higher than classic bioethanol. Classic bioethanol (flash point around 13 degrees Celsius) must never be used in a Tenderflame.
Does a Tenderflame fireplace heat my room?
Yes, noticeably. Tabletop models give off around 1.5 to 2 kW, large wall and furniture models up to around 3.5 kW of radiant heat in their immediate surroundings. For structural main heating you still need your central heating or heat pump.
Do I need a chimney?
No. Both classic bioethanol fireplaces and Tenderflame work without a chimney. Do ventilate the room during and right after use.
How long does a fill of Tenderfuel burn?
Depending on model and fill volume, between around 45 minutes and 4 hours. Larger burners reach longer times with a calm flame.
Can a bioethanol fireplace go in a flat?
Tenderflame is the logical choice here: the fuel class of Tenderfuel makes use in flats easier with a residents' association, rental rules and insurers. Classic bioethanol needs more upfront checking.
Why does Tenderflame recommend only Tenderfuel?
Because the steel wick, flame height, burn time and warranty are all matched to original Tenderfuel. For Tenderflame products, that is the only appropriate fuel line.
What does a Tenderflame cost and where can I buy one?
Tabletop models start from around 250 euros, wall and furniture models range from around 800 to 3,500 euros depending on size and finish. Available through the Tenderflame webshop and selected dealers in the Benelux.
Ambience without compromising on safety.
Discover how Tenderflame brings a real flame into your living room, with the warmth of a large burner and without the familiar risks of classic bioethanol.
