Gel Fuel – Product Review

If you love the look of a roaring fire but don’t like to deal with the aftermath, like the smoke and the mess to clean up, then you might  want to consider using gel fuel.  Gel fuel is an odor free, alcohol based product that doesn’t leave smoke, soot, or ash behind.  This means you won’t need a chimney or ventilation system to have a nice, cozy fire in your home.  Plus, you’ll have the benefit of not needing a chimney or any additional ventilation.

Safety is one of the first things people ask about with any type of fireplace unit, whether electric, gas, wood burning, or gel.  No need to worry, gel fuel fireplaces are perfectly safe to use inside or outside the home. These ventless fireplaces do not emit any smoke or toxic fumes.

Gel fuel isn’t intended to create significant warmth, although it is comparable to an electric fireplace so you will get some. However, it will create the flickering flames and ambiance you’re probably looking for.  Most gel fuel fireplaces produce a heat output of about 3,000 BTU’s per hour, but you’ll have to check with the specific type that you choose. 

Fireplaces, or small containers, that use gel rather than wood, gas, or electricity are super easy to install and maintain.  They run on inexpensive gel fuel, so you could save on electricity costs and a few cans of gel fuel with be much less expensive than maintaining a traditional wood burning fireplace.  Most cans can last from 2.5 to 3 hours each and can be reused over and over again until they are empty.  Also relatively inexpensive, gel fuel usually costs less than $5 a can and can be even cheaper if purchased in bulk.

If your plan is to use gel fuel to burn outside, some units even have  citronella drops available so you can have an attractive bug buster.   There are even more options for outside use than inside use.  All of the options are very modern, stylish, and attractive.  Many of the options are even portable so you can move it to any gathering in the yard.  Using a gel fuel fireplace outside is also convenient because you don’t have to worry about constantly tending your fire to keep it going.  Just keep a supply of gel fuel handy and if your fire starts to dwindle, replace a can.  Easy as that!

Whatever reason for choosing a gel fuel fireplace, you’re going to love the convenience and portability it allows.