About Gel Fires

Gel fireplaces were developed in the US around 20 years ago and are now available in the UK.

Intended mainly as a design feature to add ambience and act as a focal point in a room, they are easy to install and do not require a chimney or a flue. They do produce some heat, enough to take the chill off a room, but are not intended to replace your central heating system. Heat output is comparable to that of an electric heater - gel fireplaces can produce the equivalent of 2.6Kw (2600 watts) heat output.

There are two types of gel fireplace available: Wall hanging and freestanding. Wall handing units can simply be attached to a wall with 2-4 screws or may be inset to create a sleek and attractive addition to any room. Free standing units are delivered fully assembled (never flat packed) and can be placed against any wall in your home to create an instant real fireplace with full surround and mantlepiece.

Most gel fireplaces operate using 2-3 tins of fire gel. Both reusable fire gel reservoirs and disposable fire gel tins can be used. These can be refilled using 1 litre bottles of gel, as a more economical way of running your gel fireplace.

Gel Fireplaces - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a chimney or flue?

No smoke or soot is produced, just water vapour and small amounts of CO2, therefore no chimney or flue is required.

2. Are there any building regulations connected to gel fireplaces?

There are no building regulations affecting the installation of gel fireplaces. You may install a gel fireplace in any room in your home.

3. How do I install my gel fireplace?

Wall-hanging units can be attached to the wall with between 2 and 4 screws (depending on the model). If you intend to attach it to an internal wall you will require wall plugs. Screws and wall plugs are included with each wall-hanging fireplace.

Free-standing units will be delivered fully assembled (never flat-placked) and can simply be unwrapped and placed against the wall.

4. How do I clean a stainless steel gel fireplace?

We recommend using baby oil and a soft lint-free cloth to clean your stainless steel gel fireplace. You will be amazed at the results!

5. I live in a smoke control zone. Can I create a real flame fire in my home with a gel fireplace?

If you live in a smoke control zone, such as Central London, you are not allowed to burn wood or coal. A gel fireplace is the ideal solution as no smoke or soot is produced.

6. I have a blocked chimney / redundant fireplace and want to convert it into a gel fireplace. What do I need?

You can create your own gel fireplace simply and quickly with our range of accessories. Please see our Make your own gel fireplace guide (Coming soon).

7. Do gel fireplaces produce heat?

Yes. A gel fireplace is primarily designed to be a room feature or focal point and is not intended to be a replacement for your central heating system. However, they are ideal as a backup source of heat or to take the chill off a room. A gel fireplace can produce the same amount of heat as a 2.6Kw (2600 watt) electric heater, but with the added charm of a real flame fire.