Many people these days are opting for a ventless gel fireplace so that they can enjoy the look and feel of a wood burning fire without the mess of smoke, soot and ashes. Plus, there is no venting required, so it’s not a major home improvement project to install this kind of fireplace. Once you have it installed, you’ll probably be looking for gel fireplace accessories in order to get the maximum enjoyment from your purchase.
The first thing you’ll need is gel fuel, which is a product composed primarily of isopropyl alcohol and thickeners. It is usually sold in cases of 12 to 24 cans, costing anywhere from $45 to $80 dollars per case. These gel fireplace accessories are usually used three cans at a time to produce a realistic fire.
Gel fireplace fuel burns cleanly and produces a realistic natural yellow flame without any smoke, ash, embers or odor, and a can will last around two to three hours. Most products include a snuffer plate to help extinguish the flame anytime you want, so there’s no waiting for the fire to die out before you can go to bed. The next time you want a fire, just relight the can. Gel fuel even makes the crackling sound of a wood burning fire.
You can also buy gel fuel cartridges as an alternative to cans. A cartridge is the equivalent of two to three cans of fuel, so you’ll only have to open one package to get the same effect, and they generally open up more easily than cans. They last about the same amount of time, anywhere from two to two-and-a-half hours, producing 5,000 BTUs of heat per hour. They can also be used in a regular wood burning or electric fireplace, either because it’s no longer working or just for the convenience.
Scented gel fuel is a wonderful indulgence. You can get the relaxing benefits of both aromatherapy and a flickering fire in one easy step. Some of the fragrances available include vanilla, pine, cinnamon and bayberry. A romantic evening in front of the fireplace definitely comes to mind.
If you have a regular wood burning or electric fireplace that no longer functions, you can rescue it with gel fireplace accessories such as gel fuel logs. They look just like a gas fireplace log or an electric log, but burn gel fuel cartridges. There’s no installation involved. Simply place the fireplace log in your fireplace with a gel fuel cartridge in the center, light it, and enjoy. It’s safe to burn in almost any fireplace for a real fire with no smoke, no sparks and no odor.
Another option in gel fireplace accessories is a gel fire pit, which is mostly used outdoors to get the effects of a real fire without the inconvenience. A gel fire pit makes it easy to get the campfire effect without the labor and mess. These fire pits are also decorative and add an elegant touch to the patio.
