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).
Power
Thermal power is generated during the operation of the bio fireplace; for models with adjustable flame intensity, the power at maximum mode is indicated.
This parameter indicates the intensity of heating provided by the device. To evaluate this intensity, you can use the following formula: for heating 1 m2 of a room in an ordinary apartment with a ceiling height of 2.5 – 3 m, 100 W of thermal power is needed. Thus, for example, a fireplace with a power of 1.7 kW can effectively heat a room up to 17 m2. There are also more detailed, specialized formulas, including for outdoor use; they can be found in special sources. We only note that in a room a bio fireplace is usually only an additional source of heat. Therefore, the heat output data is mainly intended to know how it is worth reconfiguring the main heating system when the fireplace is turned on.
Fuel consumption
Consumption of fuel by a bio fireplace in normal operation, and for models with adjustable flame intensity — at maximum intensity.
Knowing the fuel consumption and tank capacity, you can calculate the burning time if it is not specified in the specs. In addition, data on consumption of the device can be useful for estimating the cost of its operation. However, the actual consumption may be less than claimed if the device is not used at full capacity; its specific meaning for such cases should be clarified already in fact.
Burning time
Duration of bio fireplace burning; indicated for the maximum intensity of the flame, with a reduced intensity of combustion, the actual operating time may be longer. Thus, the duration of burning claimed in the specs is the guaranteed minimum time that the device can work on a full tank (or the shortest time required to burn a full tank of fuel — in some situations, you have to look from this side as well).
Despite the conventionality, according to this parameter, it is quite possible to compare different devices with each other.
Body material
The main material used in the design of the body of the bio fireplace.
— Chipboard / MDF. The chipboard is cheaper, the MDF is more durable and dense. This material is popular in classic floor fireplaces (see "Installation"), which are made in an antique or similar style. To ensure fire safety, wood-based panels are treated with special compounds that give them fire resistance. However, the inserts of such fireplaces are usually finished on the inside with non-combustible materials.
— Metal. “Metal” can refer to different materials, but most often it is steel or aluminium. The differences between them in this context are insignificant: steel is somewhat cheaper, and aluminium is noticeably lighter. As for the general features, the metal cases are very durable, reliable, fireproof and have a solid appearance. They are found in all types of bio-fireplaces (see "Installation"), most often metal cases have a minimalistic, high-tech appearance.
— Glass. It is an option characteristic of high-tech/modern models. In bio fireplaces, usually, special tempered and heat-resistant glass is used. However, this material is still quite fragile; it must be protected from strong impacts. Note that the glass "body" is a rather arbitrary concept. So, in built-in models (see "Installation"), a decorative frame around the firebox can be made from this material; in table fireplaces, a glass case installed directly on the burner can simultaneously play the role o...f a protective glass; and in the wall, the burner can be fixed between two glasses, fastened with metal rods.
— Plastic. Plastic is relatively inexpensive and can be easily shaped in the most complex shapes. On the other hand, this material does not tolerate heat well; there are also heat-resistant varieties of plastic but for several reasons, this material is still not popular in bio fireplaces.
— Stone. The stone is used exclusively in classic floor fireplaces (see "Installation") as a design material that gives the device a maximum resemblance to a traditional wood-burning fireplace. The stone can be both natural and engineered, this issue should be clarified separately. Anyway, this material has a beautiful surface pattern, it is strong, reliable, durable and non-flammable. The main disadvantage of the stone is the high price. In addition, such devices are very massive, but after installation, this issue turns from a disadvantage into a virtue — it is almost impossible to tip over a stone bio fireplace.
— Concrete. Concrete is known for, on the one hand, by high strength, reliability and resistance to adverse factors; on the other hand, its high weight and poor suitability for indoor use. Therefore, such cases are extremely rare, in some models of outdoor bio fireplaces.
