GelFlameFireplace.com FAQ's

Real Flame FAQ | Anywhere Fireplaces FAQ

Real Flame Fireplaces

What is Real Flame made from?
Answer: The main component of Real Flame Gel Fuel is Isopropyl (ahy-suh-pro-pil) alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol. Due to its chemical composition, isopropyl alcohol is non-toxic and burns completely clean, leaving behind no Carbon Monoxide, soot or ash. The isopropyl alcohol also creates the large red, orange, and yellow flames that you see when you burn Real Flame. There is also a general thickener added to create a gelled product.

Value wise, how does the gel compare to like products in the market place?
Answer: A Duraflame log can be purchased for approximately $5.00, roughly the same price as two cans of Real Flame Gel Fuel, however the logs need to be vented. Also, you can control the burn length of Real Flame Gel Fuel, extinguishing the cans and relighting if you do not wish to burn the full three hours. This is not true of a wood or duraflame fire.

How long will my Real Flame Gel Fuel cans burn?
Answer: Real Flame Gel Fuel cans are designed to burn between 2.5 and 3 hours. Be sure to shake cans before use to distribute the product evenly to achieve the maximum burn.

I hear crackling and popping when I burn my cans of Real Flame Gel Fuel. Is this normal?
Answer: Yes. There is a special ingredient added to the gel fuel to create the crackling and popping that you hear, designed to resemble the same soothing sounds of a wood fire.

Is Real Flame safe to burn indoors?
Answer: Yes. Real Flame gel fuel is completely non-toxic when used as directed, and made for both indoor and outdoor use.

Does Real Flame Gel Fuel actually put off any heat or is it strictly for ambiance?
Answer: Although not recommended as a primary heat source, Real Flame Gel Fuel does give off roughly 3,000 BTUs of heat per can per hour. This means if you burn all three cans for the full three hours, you will raise the temperature of a 10’x 12’ room between 4-6 degrees.

Real Flame looks a lot like Sterno. Is there any difference in the two, and can I use Sterno in my Real Flame fireplace. ?
Answer: Although it is a similar concept, sterno and Real Flame Gel Fuel are two completely different products. Sterno is composed of methyl alcohol as opposed to isopropyl alcohol. The methyl alcohol creates the small blue flame that you see when you burn a sterno can. Isopropyl alcohol burns a bright orange robust flame. Methyl alcohol also creates carbon monoxide, and is not safe to burn in large quantities. We do not recommend using sterno in any Real Flame products.

What is the shelf-life of my Real Flame Gel Fuel?
Answer: We recommend that you use your gel fuel within a year of receiving the product. As the product ages, it will slowly convert from a gel to a liquid. The product is still good to use as long as it is not in a liquid format, however the product may not burn the full 2.5 – 3 hours.

My gel has turned into a liquid, what should I do with it?
Answer: You can take any liquid Real Flame to any place in your area that accepts old paint cans.

I have an outdoor Real Flame fireplace. Can I roast marshmallows over it?
Answer: Although Real Flame is a non-toxic product; we do not recommend cooking anything over Real Flame fires.

I have noticed that there are two different can sizes of Real Flame Gel Fuel. What is the difference?
Answer: We offer Real Flame Gel Fuel in 13 oz and 7 oz cans. The 13 oz cans are used for all indoor and outdoor fireplaces; the 7 oz cans are used with the Real Flame Personal Fireplace line. Real Flame Pour Gel is used in the Envision, the Insight, the Hampton Fire Bowl and the Ceramic Fire Pots. Real Flame Citronella Pour Gel Fuel is for outdoor use and can be substituted in any outdoor fireplace that uses regular pour gel.

Can I use my Real Flame Gel Fuel in other products?
Answer: Real Flame Gel Fuel has only been tested in Real Flame products. We do not recommend that the fuel be used for anything other than its intended use.

Anywhere Fireplaces

Are these fireplaces safe to use indoors? 
Answer: Yes. The Anywhere Fireplace™ can be used anywhere indoors as long as the wall models are mounted according to directions. Floor and stand models are safe to place on carpeting. All models should be positioned at least 3′ from any flammable materials.

How should I care for and clean my stainless steel fireplace?
Answer: You can easily clean your stainless steel fireplace by using an ordinary standard stainless steel spray cleaner found in your local supermarket or hardware store along with a soft cloth to wipe it down. If you have and choose to remove discoloration of the fuel tray and lid, we recommend removing the fuel tray from the fireplace and use a paste or cream like stainless steel cleaner and a soft cloth to rub and buff it clean.

Do the flames or heat cause any discoloration of the stainless steel?
Answer: The heat produced by the fire can cause some discoloration to the fuel tray and lid. Extended and constant use of your fireplace may lead to slight tarnishing and discoloration of the fireplace itself but can easily be cleaned off. See below if cleaning and care instructions.

Will the fireplace give off heat?
Answer: While the flame provided by burning the liquid bio-ethanol fuel for fireplaces is decorative and beautiful, it also is efficient in providing heat. Due to the ventless nature of the fireplaces themselves, no heat is lost up the flu or vent. Depending upon the size of the fireplace and opening of the fuel tray, it will produce up to 13,000 BTU or 3.5Kw/H of heating energy. This is enough energy to heat approximately 375 sq. Ft. of living space.

Is the fire emissions harmful to humans or pets?
Answer: OZOFire™ burns clean without emitting any harmful toxins into the air, with only harmless water vapor produced as a byproduct and a small amount of Carbon Dioxide. If you do not use OZOFire as your fuel, make sure you ONLY use liquid bio-ethanol fuel for fireplaces, as any other kind of fuel can emit harmful toxins or be unsafe.

On what kind of walls can I mount my fireplace onto?
Answer: For the wall mount models, only mount them on a sturdy, flat, vertical wall surface. You can mount it against brick, drywall, stone, tile, and wallpapered walls. Do not mount it on any wall with a fabric or cloth covering. Make sure the provided spacers are screwed onto the back side of the fireplace so the fireplace as directed so that the fireplace is not directly against the wall.

What kind of fuel should I use?
Answer: We recommend using OZOFire liquid bio-ethanol fuel for fireplaces as it is tested the safest fuel for indoor fireplaces. If you use another brand of fuel, make sure you ONLY USE SPECIFICALLY MADE LIQUID BIO-ETHANOL FUEL FOR FIREPLACES, as any other kind of fuel can emit harmful toxins or be unsafe. NEVER USE BIO-ETHANOL FUEL FOR CARS OR ANY FUEL NOT INTENDED FOR VENTLESS FIREPLACES.

How do i add fuel to my fireplace?
Answer: NEVER add fuel to a fireplace that is already burning or hot. Carefully pour the fuel directly into the fuel tray using a funnel or other pouring device. Do not use a funnel you will later use with food or liquids you will drink.
DO NOT allow children to refuel the Fireplace. If fuel spills clean up immediately and thoroughly. Fuel spilled on a non-porous or absorbent surface will eventually evaporate. DO NOT OVERFILL. Only fill the fuel tray ¾ full before lighting.

How do I light the fuel in my fireplace?
Answer: Use a long match or long/wand lighter to light the fuel. Because a “Flash” is possible when lighting a fire, keep your face away from burner. Unlit fuel can give off some fumes which are combustible, so it is best to light fire immediately after filling the fireplace fuel tank.

How do I extinguish Ozofire Fuel in my fireplace?
Answer: All fireplaces have a fuel tray with a lid to cover the opening and a separate handle. Use the provided handle to close the lid to the fuel tray to “snuff” or extinguish the fire. By closing the lid, you eliminate the supply of oxygen which extinguishes the flame.

How do I control the heat and/of flame?
Answer: The larger the opening of the lid, the more oxygen mixes with the flame and creates a larger flame, thus producing more heat. To adjust the size of the flame and heat production, adjust or dampen the lid.

My Fuel Tray (burner) came witha white cloth inside it. What is this and should it be kept or thrown out?
Answer: The white cloth inside some fuel tray (burner) models is a non flammable fiber that has shown to create a better dancing flame more evenly across the opening. It is not required to be used and you can still use your fireplace without it. However if you do use it, make sure it does not cover the small holes inside the top of the fuel tray as they are needed to supply oxygen to the fuel.

Can I recess my wall mount fireplace into my wall?
Answer: You can not recess your fireplace into a wall as it does get how and it needs to allow air to flow around all sides including the back side.