A hearth with an open flame is what makes a home truly cozy. But setting up a full-fledged fireplace in an ordinary apartment is quite problematic – they do not have chimneys. A good solution is to buy a bio-fireplace.
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Such a device can become an accent in the home, emphasizing the comfort and beauty of the design. The design of bio fireplaces is constantly being improved and, in addition to the usual mechanical (manually controlled) models, automatic ones have become available. In this article we will try to figure out what the difference is between a mechanical and automatic bio-fireplace and how significant it is.
Main differences
The simplest mechanical bio fireplace consists of a fuel tank, a damper or a simple flame arrester. For automatic models, the device is more complex and includes a programmable electronic module, a ventilation system, a power button, a remote control (optional for some models), as well as a small display on which the main parameters are displayed. There are also safety sensors and a CO2 sensor.
Advanced models provide a remote control for control, such as the Zefire M 600 automatic fireplace with remote control . Additionally, the model has a Wi-Fi module, which allows you to control its operation through the ZeFire Bio Fireplaces application, installed on smartphones running iOS or Android OS. The fireplace is also connected to the smart home system via Wi-Fi.
Execution Options
Unlike mechanical varieties, automatic models are available in only two types:
- floor;
- built-in
Built-in fireplaces can be:
- linear (example – AirTone Andalle 1800 );
- semicircular ( AirTone Andalle Radial 750 );
- corner ( AirTone Andalle Angle );
- central ( AirTone Andalle Round ).
It should be taken into account that the model with automatic control requires connection to a 220V power supply, for which it is equipped with a cord and plug. The energy consumption of the fireplace is small, but without it it will not be able to work. Built-in modules can be installed in a wall niche, fireplace portal, countertop, or cabinet.
Floor-standing mechanical bio fireplaces do not require a connection to the electrical network and operate by burning biofuel vapor (refueling, ignition and extinguishing occurs manually), while automatic bio fireplaces are equipped with a system for automatic ignition and flame regulation using a remote control or an application on a smartphone.
Fuel system
Fuel blocks for automatic models can reach up to 7 liters in volume. For mechanical ones, this figure does not exceed 5 liters. For an automatic bio fireplace with a fire line length of 500 mm, biofuel consumption is approximately 1 liter per hour, which means that a full tank will last for 7 hours of continuous burning.
It is also possible to adjust the height of the flame, thereby selecting the most suitable combustion mode for yourself. Usually the number of settings is 4-6. At minimum fire intensity, the fireplace can operate for a day or more. There is no need to be afraid of overheating – the built-in cooler will prevent the bio-fireplace from overheating. The minimum flow rate for automatic models starts at 0.3 liters per hour. But among mechanical devices there are very small tabletop ones that consume less than 0.1 liters per hour.
The advantage is that automation allows you to turn the fireplace on and off at any time. It is not necessary to burn all the fuel completely. The fuel in the tank of a bio fireplace that is not working will not evaporate. For mechanical models, it is necessary to completely consume the fuel, otherwise it will evaporate.
The bottom line is that in mechanical models, liquid fuel is poured into the burner, which subsequently evaporates in it. In an automatic system, the fuel evaporates in the tank, and the vapor itself is supplied to the burner. This solution is safer and allows you to reliably shut off the fuel supply after turning off the device.
Safety and convenience
The automation will not allow the fireplace to turn on if there is too little fuel in the tank or biofuel has spilled onto the work surface. The CO2 sensor will give a signal if the carbon dioxide content in the room increases and it needs to be ventilated. It is turned on by a built-in heating element; just press a button on the control panel or remote control. The shutdown is also automatic. All that is required from the owner is to periodically fill the tank with biofuel.
Pros and cons of automatic models
Like any other technical device, automatic bio fireplaces have both pros and cons. Positive properties include:
- increased security;
- ease of use;
- can be turned off and then turned on again at any time;
- remote control;
- integration with the smart home system;
- large tank volume.
Disadvantages compared to mechanical types:
- less variety of models;
- the need to connect to electricity;
- big sizes;
- complexity of the device;
- shorter warranty period;
- inability to move to another location;
- in most cases there are no ready-made finishing solutions; it is necessary to make them to order;
- high price, the lower level starts from 180-200 thousand rubles, a simple mechanical model can be taken from 20 thousand.
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Pros and cons of manually controlled bio fireplaces
The main advantages of mechanical bio fireplaces include:
- affordable price;
- simplicity of design, reliability and durability;
- a light weight;
- a large selection of models, including portable ones;
- There are ready-made kits with a portal.
Minuses:
- You cannot pour fuel into a bio fireplace that has just gone out, you need to wait until the fuel block cools down;
- the flame level is not adjustable;
- fuel consumption is not regulated;
- no display, remote control, ability to connect to the smart home system;
- no safety sensors.
Conclusion
A bio fireplace with automation is a perfect device that allows you to remotely turn the fire on and off, ensuring safety. Having it in the house allows you to make your home truly cozy. Choosing such a device is worth it for those who love convenience, comfort and are not inclined to save money. If the bio-fireplace rarely lights up, you don’t want to spend extra money, want to buy a small fireplace, or prefer to move the fireplace from place to place, then it’s better to stick with classical mechanics, i.e. manually controlled burner.
