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Many unused fireplaces, grates and suitable stoves can be converted using a purpose-made bioethanol burner. This allows you to keep your existing fireplace and enjoy a real flame without using gas, solid fuel or bringing an old chimney back into use. When customers ask us about converting an existing fireplace, the first thing we look at is the fireplace itself.
If it is one of our Gallery cast iron fireplaces, we already know that we have specific burners, stands and frames made to work with selected models. With other fireplaces, we normally look at the grate or opening and its dimensions to determine which type of burner is suitable. If there is an existing electric fire, it should be removed safely.
Any gas fire or gas connection must be disconnected by a Gas Safe registered engineer before a bioethanol fire is installed.
Once the fireplace is ready, you can start looking at the different conversion options.
Before choosing a conversion kit, measure the space where the burner will actually sit.
For a freestanding burner, measure the width and depth inside the grate, rather than simply measuring the complete fireplace opening.
For an inset bioethanol fire, check the height, width and depth of the opening against the dimensions of the fire you are considering.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all burner, so check these measurements carefully before ordering. Installation also varies between products, so always follow the instructions supplied with your chosen fire. If you’re unsure, send us a photograph of the fireplace along with some measurements and we can help you determine which options are worth considering.
We offer round, small and large conversion kits for different fireplace openings and grate sizes.
The round burner is the most compact option and is generally the more budget-conscious way to convert an existing fireplace. It works particularly well where there isn’t enough room for one of the larger rectangular burners.
The small conversion kit is designed for smaller grates and fireplace openings. It gives you a wider flame than the compact round burner while still fitting into spaces where the larger kit may be too big.
The large conversion kit is intended for wider grates and openings and creates a broader flame across the fireplace. Where the larger burner fits the fireplace properly, we generally prefer it because we feel it gives a better overall fit and appearance within a larger grate. The important thing, however, is choosing the burner that suits the space available rather than simply choosing the largest option.
Selected Gallery cast iron fireplaces can be converted using a dedicated bioethanol setup. Rather than trying to make a standard burner work within these fireplaces, we had specific stands and frames made to suit selected Gallery models. This allows the bioethanol fire to sit more naturally within the existing cast iron fireplace and gives a much neater finished appearance. If you have one of our Gallery fireplaces and aren’t sure whether a dedicated conversion is available for your model, contact us with a photograph and we can check it for you.
A 16-inch inset bioethanol fire is another option where you have a suitable standard fireplace opening. Rather than placing a freestanding burner into an existing grate, the complete fire sits within the opening in a similar way to a traditional inset fire. This can be a particularly useful option where you want a more finished, self-contained appearance rather than simply adding a burner to an existing grate. Always check the dimensions of the fireplace opening against the individual product before ordering.
Ceramic logs, coals and pebbles can be arranged around compatible burners to complete the appearance of the fireplace.
Logs give a more traditional wood-fire appearance and work particularly well in open grates.
Coals suit traditional cast iron fireplaces and can help retain the appearance of an original period fire.
Pebbles give a simpler finish and can work well in more contemporary fireplace designs.
Whichever option you choose, decorative pieces must always be positioned in accordance with the burner instructions and kept clear of the burner opening where required.
One of the main reasons customers convert an existing fireplace to bioethanol is that a working chimney isn’t required. This means an old fireplace can often be brought back into use even where the chimney has been blocked or is no longer suitable for a conventional gas or solid-fuel fire. You should still follow the installation and room requirements supplied with the particular bioethanol fire or burner you are using.
If you already have a fireplace that you like, converting it can be a very good way to keep the existing surround, insert or grate while changing the type of fire you use. It isn’t always the right solution, though.
If the existing fireplace isn’t suitable for a conversion kit, or you want to change the appearance of the fireplace completely, a complete bioethanol fireplace package may make more sense.
Our complete packages combine the fireplace surround, hearth, insert where required and suitable bioethanol fire so that the individual components work together.
If you’re considering replacing the complete fireplace, read our guide to how to choose a bioethanol fireplace or browse our full range of bioethanol fireplaces.
The easiest place to start is with a photograph and a few measurements. Send us a clear photograph of your existing fireplace along with the width and depth of the grate, or the height, width and depth of the opening if you’re considering an inset fire.
We can then help you narrow down which bioethanol conversion options are suitable for your fireplace.
Phone
01773 718718
Email
sales@castfireplaces.co.uk
