Design | No Chimney, No Problem

Written by: Christine Broomhead

Photography by: Robert Socha

01.31.19

We gain a lot by living in the city – walkability, activity, excitement – but we often lose some of the comforts that a more rural setting provides. One of the things I’ve longed for the most during my city life is a fireplace. Growing up in Norway where the winters are long, dark, and cold, a fire was where people gathered and relaxed. It is central to socializing and creates an ambiance that, for me, offered a sense of community. A few years ago, I was determined to find a way to have it all — a fireplace and my city lifestyle.

 

Turns out you can have a warm fire on a cold night in your chimney-less apartment. The answer: ethanol fireplaces. If you want to go this route, here’s what you need to know:

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Ethanol fireplaces are clean burning. They produce no smoke so they don’t need a chimney, emitting just the tiniest amount of water and carbon dioxide. This means they’re also eco-friendly.

They come in all sizes. They can be inset into a wall, encased in glass, or open on all sides, making them perfect for any set up. I’ve seen them incorporate decorative wood logs or appear sleek and modern with a metallic aesthetic.

They’re easy to use. I buy ethanol inexpensively online, pour it in the burner and ignite my fire in seconds with a long lighter. Once the fire is going, I don’t worry about stoking it to keep it alive, and when I’m done, I just switch the fireplace off with no ash or clean up. I’ve had my fireplace nine years now, and it’s going strong without any maintenance.

Pay for quality. A good ethanol fireplace of an average size will run around $2,500 although there are some cheaper options out there.

Ventless Fireplace

Hoboken

Interior Design New Jersey

ECOSMART FIREBOX 800SS FIREPLACE INSERT

ethanol burning fireplace

“With our clean-burning bio ethanol burner you can create a unique atmosphere with superior comfort & design. An ethanol burner gives your imagination the freedom to complement any living space.

From fabulous foundations, you enjoy freedom to build beyond the boundaries.”

-EcoSmartFire.com

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PLANIKA FIRE LINE AUTOMATIC 3

ethanol fireplace

“Fire Line Automatic 3 is the most advanced and intelligent bio fireplace available on the market. It is a perfect design combining modern technology and the beauty of real fire.

Connecting multiple units together allows to create an endless line of fire which can be controlled by a single remote control or smart device over WiFi connection. To ensure comfort and safety of usage, Fire Line Automatic 3 is also compatible with Smart Home Systems.”

-planikausa.com

Ventless Fireplace

Hoboken

HEARTHCABINET VENTLESS FIREPLACE

ethanol burning fireplace

“HearthCabinet employs a patented system that uses specially designed alcohol gel fuel cartridge in a locked safety firebox. Since the alcohol burns so cleanly, no chimney, gas line, or electricity is required, allowing HearthCabinet Ventless Fireplaces to be installed virtually anywhere. HearthCabinet Ventless Fireplaces’ unique design features ensure a safe and satisfying fireplace experience that can be custom-tailored to match any project.

Since 2005, HearthCabinet Ventless Fireplaces have been used in some of the finest residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces across the country and remain the only ventless fireplaces approved for use in New York City.”

-HearthCabinet.com

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