Fireplace Buying Guide Australia: Electric, Bioethanol & Outdoor Fireplaces

Choosing a fireplace starts with the technology and installation environment, not the styling. Outdoorium’s current range is focused on electric fireplaces, bioethanol fireplaces and selected outdoor fire products from brands including Napoleon, Amantii, Planika and Decoflame.

This guide is a starting point only. The exact product page and manufacturer installation documentation should be used before purchasing or designing cabinetry, surrounds or electrical/fuel provisions.

Electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces use electricity for the flame effect and, on heating models, an electric heater. They do not create a real combustion flame. Outdoorium’s current electric-fireplace range includes Napoleon Electric Fireplaces and Amantii Electric Fireplaces, along with other current electric-fireplace collections.

Check before buying

• Exact overall and viewing dimensions.
• Recessed, built-in, wall-mounted or multi-sided installation options for the model.
• Electrical requirements.
• Model-specific heat output and whether flame effects can operate without heat.
• Indoor/outdoor suitability stated by the manufacturer.

Bioethanol fireplaces

Bioethanol fireplaces create a real flame using approved ethanol fuel. Outdoorium’s premium range includes Planika and Decoflame. Product formats include complete fireplaces and built-in/insert solutions, depending on the model.

Check before buying

• Whether the selected product is manual or automatic.
• Approved fuel and operating instructions.
• Required room volume, ventilation and clearances.
• Exact built-in/opening dimensions where applicable.
• Manufacturer requirements for surrounding materials.
• Whether the exact model is approved for the intended indoor, outdoor or semi-enclosed location.

For a brand-level starting point, see Planika vs Decoflame Bioethanol Fireplaces, then verify the exact model documentation.

Outdoor gas fireplaces and fire pits

Outdoor gas fire products are a separate category from electric and bioethanol fireplaces. Outdoorium’s current range includes selected Planika Fire Pits and other products within the Fire Pits collection.

Gas products require particular attention to the exact gas type, installation environment, ventilation, clearances and applicable installation requirements. Use the manufacturer documentation and appropriately qualified trades where required.

Built-in versus freestanding

A freestanding product can reduce custom-building work, but it still requires compliance with the manufacturer’s placement and clearance instructions. A built-in fireplace or burner gives greater architectural integration but should be selected before the surrounding joinery, cabinetry or masonry is finalised.

Indoor, outdoor and semi-enclosed spaces

Do not infer suitability from the appearance of a fireplace. A product described as a fireplace is not automatically approved for every indoor or outdoor environment. Weather exposure, room volume, ventilation, clearances and electrical or fuel requirements are model-specific.

Planning checklist

• Choose the technology: electric, bioethanol or outdoor gas/fire feature.
• Choose the exact model before designing a custom opening or surround.
• Download and review the current installation manual.
• Confirm dimensions, clearances, ventilation and surrounding-material requirements.
• Confirm power, approved fuel or gas requirements.
• Check manufacturer-stated indoor/outdoor suitability.
• Use qualified trades where the installation requires them.

Explore Outdoorium’s fireplace range

Start with the Fireplaces collection, then narrow the search to Bioethanol Fireplaces, Napoleon Electric Fireplaces, Amantii Electric Fireplaces, Planika or Decoflame. For outdoor flame features, browse Fire Pits.

Compare the broader range in Outdoorium's Electric Fireplaces collection, then use the individual product manual to confirm installation and environmental requirements.