Fireplace Buying Guide Australia – Bioethanol, Electric & Outdoor Fireplaces
Modern fireplaces have moved well beyond traditional wood-burning designs. Today, Australian homes, apartments and outdoor entertaining areas are using sleek, efficient fireplaces as both design statements and practical heating solutions. Whether you are upgrading an existing living room, fitting out a new build, or creating a resort-style outdoor space, choosing the right fireplace is a decision you want to get right the first time.
This buying guide walks you through the main types of modern fireplaces – bioethanol, electric and outdoor fireplaces – and helps you understand which option is best suited to your space, lifestyle and installation conditions.
Types of Fireplaces Explained
Before you start comparing specific models, it helps to understand the core categories of fireplaces available in Australia today. At a high level, most contemporary designer fireplaces fall into three groups:
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Bioethanol fireplaces – real flames powered by liquid ethanol fuel, typically flue-free.
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Electric fireplaces – electric heaters with highly realistic flame effects and flexible installation.
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Outdoor fireplaces – built specifically for alfresco living, patios and outdoor rooms.
Each type has its own strengths, installation requirements and ideal use cases. The right choice for you will depend on whether your priority is flexibility, realism, heat output, indoor vs outdoor use, or architectural impact.
Bioethanol Fireplaces
Bioethanol fireplaces – sometimes referred to simply as ethanol fireplaces – use clean-burning liquid ethanol fuel to create a real flame without the need for a traditional flue or chimney. Brands like Decoflame and Planika specialise in premium ethanol fireplace solutions, from sleek wall-mounted units to custom-built burners that can be integrated into cabinetry or joinery.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces use advanced LED and projection technology to create a convincing flame effect, combined with an electric heater. High-end manufacturers such as Amantii focus on ultra-realistic flame displays, flexible installation options and low-maintenance operation.
Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces are designed to live outside – on decks, patios, terraces and poolside entertaining areas. They can be freestanding units, built-in fire features or modular designs that integrate with outdoor kitchens and seating zones. When combined with complementary fire pits, you can create a multi-zone outdoor heating and ambience package for year-round use.
Bioethanol Fireplaces
Bioethanol fireplaces are a popular choice for modern Australian homes because they offer real flames without many of the constraints that come with traditional wood or gas fires.
How Ethanol Fireplaces Work
An ethanol fireplace uses a stainless-steel burner filled with liquid bioethanol fuel. When lit, the fuel burns cleanly, producing a real flame and radiant heat. There is no need for a flue in most installations, which is why ethanol fireplaces are often called "flue-free fireplaces".
Premium brands like Decoflame and Planika offer manual and automatic burners, as well as fully integrated fireplace systems that can be dropped into walls, cabinets or custom-built surrounds. Many models allow fine control over flame height and burn time.
Advantages of Flue-Free Fireplaces
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Flexible installation – no traditional chimney means more freedom in where the fireplace can be placed.
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Clean-burning fuel – quality ethanol produces no smoke and minimal odour when used correctly.
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Design versatility – from frameless linear burners to sculptural centrepiece fires.
Typical Installation Scenarios
Bioethanol fireplaces are commonly used in:
- Open-plan living and dining rooms where running a flue is difficult.
- Renovations where you want a fireplace look without opening walls and roofs.
- Feature walls, media walls and built-in cabinetry.
- Indoor-outdoor transitional spaces such as enclosed balconies and covered alfresco rooms (subject to ventilation guidelines).
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces have rapidly evolved in recent years. High-end models from brands like Amantii deliver impressive flame realism, adjustable colour and intensity, and multiple installation options – all without the need for fuel storage or ventilation.
Realistic Flame Technology
Modern electric fireplaces use layered LED lighting, reflections and sometimes water-vapour effects to create a three-dimensional flame appearance. Many units allow you to run the flame effect with or without heat, so you can enjoy the ambience in warmer months without overheating the room.
Wall-Mounted and Built-In Options
Electric fireplaces can be:
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Wall-mounted – fixed directly to a wall like a TV, ideal for apartments or where depth is limited.
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Built-in or recessed – framed into a cavity or media wall for a seamless, architectural look.
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Linear multi-sided units – offering corner or three-sided viewing angles for dramatic design statements.
Suitability for Apartments and Modern Homes
Because electric fireplaces require no flue and draw modest electrical power, they are particularly suited to:
- Apartments and townhouses with strict building rules.
- New builds where you want clean lines and minimal maintenance.
- Homes where gas or wood is not practical or desired.
Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces extend your living space beyond the back door, turning patios, decks and pool areas into year-round entertaining zones. They provide both warmth and a strong visual focal point, especially when combined with outdoor kitchens, lounges and complementary fire pits.
Outdoor Heating Solutions
Depending on the design, outdoor fireplaces can provide radiant heat to nearby seating areas, take the edge off cool evenings and encourage longer use of outdoor spaces across autumn and winter.
Entertaining Areas and Patios
Popular locations for outdoor fireplaces include:
- Covered alfresco dining areas.
- Open decks with lounge seating.
- Poolside cabanas and pergolas.
Integration with Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Pits
For a cohesive design, many homeowners integrate outdoor fireplaces with built-in seating, barbecues and cooking zones. Pairing an outdoor fireplace with complementary fire pits allows you to create multiple zones – for example, a dining area near the fireplace and a relaxed conversation pit around a dedicated fire bowl.
Choosing the Right Fireplace
To narrow down which fireplace is right for your project, consider the following factors:
Indoor vs Outdoor Use
Decide whether the main goal is to heat and style an indoor living space, upgrade a semi-enclosed balcony, or create an outdoor entertaining zone. Bioethanol and electric models can often be used in flexible, semi-outdoor settings when installed in line with manufacturer guidelines.
Room Size and Heat Requirements
Match the fireplace size and heat output to the room it will serve. A small feature fireplace in a large open-plan area may be more about ambience than whole-room heating, while a correctly sized unit can contribute meaningful warmth. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended room size and ventilation requirements.
Installation Requirements
Consider:
- Whether you have access to power at the desired location (for electric units).
- Ventilation and clearance distances for ethanol fireplaces.
- Wall and floor construction for built-in designs.
- Weather exposure for outdoor fireplaces.
Design Preferences
Think about whether you want the fireplace to disappear into the architecture or stand out as a statement piece. Linear designs suit modern, minimalist homes, while framed or more traditional shapes can work well in classic interiors.
Fireplace Safety and Installation Considerations
Regardless of fuel type, all fireplaces must be installed and used according to manufacturer guidelines and relevant Australian standards. Key safety points include:
- Maintaining clearances from combustible materials.
- Ensuring adequate ventilation, particularly for ethanol fireplaces.
- Following mounting and fixing instructions for wall-mounted units.
- Using only approved fuel types and accessories.
- Keeping children and pets at a safe distance from open flames and hot glass fronts.
For complex installations – especially built-in and custom designs – working with qualified trades and following manufacturer installation manuals is essential.
Explore Fireplaces at Outdoorium
Outdoorium curates a focused range of premium fireplace brands to help you create a warm, design-led home:
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Decoflame – Danish-designed bioethanol fireplaces and burners.
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Planika – advanced ethanol fireplace systems and outdoor fire features.
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Napoleon – innovative indoor and outdoor heating solutions.
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Amantii – high-end electric fireplaces with realistic flame effects.
Start with our Fireplaces hub to explore the full range of ethanol, electric and outdoor fireplaces, or pair your new fireplace with complementary fire pits for a complete indoor–outdoor heating plan.
