Installation
The installation method determines, first of all, the appearance, and sometimes also the features of the fireplace.
— Classic floorstanding. These are devices that mimic traditional fireplaces with a frame, designed for installation close to the wall, corner models are also available. The stability of such a device is provided mainly by a massive base; for additional reliability, fastening to a wall and/or floor can be provided. Technically, you can put such a model in the middle of the room, but this does not make sense either from a practical or aesthetic point of view: the flame in such bio fireplaces is closed on three sides and is visible only from the front. Note that the design style of classic models can be different: there are richly decorated, artsy models in the retro style and strict minimalist models in the hi-tech style.
— Floor. This category includes mainly island floor bio fireplaces — devices designed for installation in the middle of the room, at a certain distance from the walls. They are somewhat more mobile than classic floorstanding fireplaces (see the relevant paragraph): the classic one is usually installed with the expectation of being permanently in one place and the floor bio fireplace can be moved around the room and even from room to room without much difficulty. Another difference is the design: this variety is most often performed in a modern minimalist style, with a combination of glass and metal. Note that an island fl...oor bio fireplace requires a fairly spacious room.
— Table. Models that do not have their stand and are mounted on a tabletop or other similar surfaces. It is one of the most compact types of bio-fireplaces, such models occupy a noticeably smaller area than floorstanding ones and weigh up to 6 kg — although their thermal power, if lower, is not much. Thanks to this, desktop models can be used as portable heaters and sources of lighting — both decorative and quite practical. For example, such a fireplace can be kept on a table in the living room and periodically taken with you for the time of evening gatherings in the gazebo.
— Wall mounted. Models suspended on the wall using self-tapping screws or other similar fasteners; such installation is easier than embedding, but more difficult than floor installation. On the other hand, wall mounted devices have a small thickness, do not take up space on the floor, and can be placed on almost any wall and at any height, which is indispensable for creating an original interior design.
— Built-in. Models designed for installation directly into the wall (however, other installation options are allowed for burners, see "Type" for details). Installation of such a fireplace is a rather complicated and time-consuming task; you need to prepare a niche, and not every wall is suitable for this. But after installation, the bio fireplace does not take up any space in the room at all — except a frame that protrudes a couple of centimetres. In addition, such a device cannot be overturned. There are also corner models that will well complement the interior in protruding walls, and columns when the fireplace must be visible not only from the front but also from the side.
— Outdoor. Bio fireplaces designed for permanent outdoor stay. Such a fireplace can be installed, for example, in a gazebo, under a canopy in the yard, on the summer terrace of a restaurant, etc. The key difference between outdoor models is increased resistance to moisture, temperature extremes, dust and other adverse factors associated with being outdoors. Some of these devices have an original design. And according to the installation method, outdoor fireplaces most often refer to either floor or tabletop fireplaces (see the relevant paragraphs).
Burner volume
The amount of fuel that fits into the bio fireplace burner when fully charged. For gel fuel models (see “Fuel type”) that do not have their tank and use replaceable fuel cans, this item may indicate the nominal can capacity for which the device is designed.
Knowing the volume of the burner and fuel consumption, it is possible to estimate the duration of burning, even if it is not indicated in the specs. Note that in liquid fuel models, tanks also allow incomplete refuelling. This is relevant because many bio-fireplaces are not designed for long-term storage of fuel in the tank.