Everybody loves the warmth and ambience of a fireplace. Having a wood burning or gas burning fireplace may be impractical in certain situations. If you don't already have one, it's a major decision to have one built. And an expensive decision, as well. A great alternative is a gel fireplace. It can be used almost anywhere because there's no need for a chimney or other ventilation system. Gel fireplaces use an environmentally friendly alcohol based gel in canisters which burns slowly, and is clean enough to be used indoors. It won't leave smoke, soot, or ash behind.
One of the great things about a gel fireplace is that it generates a real flame, as opposed to an electric fireplace where the flame is simulated. And that real flame is less expensive to generate than a wood-based flame, unless, of course, you're getting your wood by chopping down trees in your backyard.
Even is you already have a built in fireplace, but are tired of the mess and hassle involved with a wood burning fire, you can upgrade your existing fireplace to a gel fireplace easily. It's important to close off any existing gas lines or ventilation. Then it's just a matter of getting the gel canisters and perhaps some ceramic logs similar to the kind used in modern gas fireplaces. You can use multiple gel canisters for more realistic looking flame distribution.
The gel comes in canisters that hold enough to burn for between two and three hours. Although the gel flame is not perfectly clean burning, the gel has been approved by both OSHA and the EPA for indoor use. These agencies test both cleanliness and safety. With that said, it's always a good idea to leave the window slightly open to get some fresh air to circulate within the house. If you are going to use a gel burning fireplace in your home, it's also smart to make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector installed as well.
Gel fireplaces are good solutions for people without real fireplaces in their homes that still want the magic of real flames dancing. They're also great for renters and people who move a lot.
Most gel fireplaces are portable, so you can move them from room to room, and take them with you when you move. If you do plan to move it about, check and be sure it has the structural integrity that's required to take that extra stress.
The flame from the gel fireplace is bright and generates warmth. It also leaves a bit of residue and does require cleanup from time to time.
There are gel fireplaces that are specifically designed to be used outdoors. These are mostly portable and can be used for camping.
Gel fireplaces mostly small and medium sized. They are not going to provide the dramatic impact of a large, full bore wood-burning fireplace. Due to their smaller size, they're probably not your best choice to heat a medium or large room. In northern climates, where losing power after a snow or ice storm is more likely, a gel fireplace can be a good insurance policy.