10 Misconceptions About Fireplaces—especially those using water vapor or ethanol—often shape how people perceive these modern fireplace solutions. While praised for their sleek design and easy installation, they remain surrounded by persistent myths. Questions about safety, maintenance, or efficiency continue to circulate. AFIRE invites you to uncover the truth behind these beliefs. Understanding the unique advantages of water vapor fireplaces and ethanol burners will help you make an informed choice for your interior.
Quick Overview of Water Vapor and Ethanol Fireplaces
Water vapor fireplaces and ethanol burners offer a warm, modern ambiance without the drawbacks of traditional fireplaces. Their contemporary design and easy setup—without the need for chimneys—make them ideal for modern interiors. However, despite these advantages, many misconceptions persist, causing confusion about their safety, performance, and maintenance.
In this article, AFIRE takes you through the truth behind the myths. Discover why these innovative fireplaces are perfect for enhancing your living space, while ensuring a safe and user-friendly experience.
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Eco-friendly fireplaces.
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Fireplaces for all interior designs.
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Real flame fire with total safety.
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Constraints !
1. Fireplaces are difficult to install and require a chimney
No, water vapor fireplaces and ethanol burners do not require a chimney flue. Unlike traditional fireplaces, these modern solutions operate without burning wood or gas, and therefore produce no smoke, toxic gases, or soot. This makes them ideal for installations in spaces where a vent or exhaust system is not possible or desired. They can be installed in almost any indoor space, offering complete design freedom.
👉 Visit our dedicated page on vent-free fireplaces
2. Fireplaces are polluting
Unlike traditional fireplaces, water vapor and ethanol fireplaces operate without burning wood or fossil fuels. Water vapor fireplaces produce pure steam with no harmful emissions, as they use only water as their “fuel.” Ethanol fireplaces use bioethanol, a renewable fuel derived from plant materials. When burned, bioethanol produces only a small amount of carbon dioxide and water vapor—similar to human breath—with no smoke, soot, or fine particles.
👉 Learn more about our eco-friendly fireplaces.
3. The purchase price of decorative fireplaces is high
The purchase price of decorative fireplaces with real flames may seem high at first, but it is largely offset by the savings they offer. Unlike traditional fireplaces, they require no chimney or costly installation work, making them easy to integrate into any interior. On top of this simplified setup, water vapor fireplaces only use water, resulting in an almost zero operating cost. They provide a warm atmosphere and a modern style, without the recurring expenses or maintenance and cleaning constraints of classic fireplaces.
4. Ethanol burners or water vapor fireplaces are dangerous
Absolutely not—quite the opposite! Modern ethanol burners and water vapor fireplaces are among the safest options on the market. Designed with advanced safety systems, these appliances ensure worry-free use. Bioethanol burners are equipped with safety sensors, flame control systems, and automatic shutdown mechanisms in case of danger. As for water vapor fireplaces, they produce “cold” flames with no combustion, completely eliminating the risk of burns or fire. These features make water vapor electric fireplaces the safest real-flame fireplaces available today. Thanks to their total safety, they can be perfectly integrated into private or public spaces where safety is a priority.
👉 More details about water vapor fireplace safety
5. Water vapor fireplaces produce excessive humidity and condensation
No, water vapor fireplaces do not produce excessive humidity or condensation. The vapor released consists of fine water particles, known as “dry steam,” which are immediately absorbed by the surrounding air. This allows for use without any risk of moisture marks or condensation.
👉 Learn more on our page about dry steam fireplaces.
6. Fireplaces are not suitable for apartments or city homes
False! Water vapor fireplaces and ethanol burners are perfectly suited for apartments and city homes. Unlike traditional fireplaces, they do not require a flue, smoke vent, or bulky fuel like wood. Their installation is simple and does not involve major renovation work, making them ideal for urban spaces where installation constraints are often stricter. These modern fireplaces provide a warm and safe ambiance, even in the most compact interiors.
👉 To learn more, visit our page on fireplaces for apartments and city homes.
7. You can’t install fireplaces in public places like hotels, restaurants, and shops
False! Water vapor fireplaces are ideal for public places such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. Thanks to their “cold flame” technology without combustion, they eliminate any risk of burns or fire, ensuring maximum safety for both clients and staff. These fireplaces require neither flue nor smoke exhaust, which makes them easy to install in spaces open to the public. They provide a warm and elegant atmosphere, perfectly safe and suitable for environments where safety is a priority.
👉 Check out our dedicated page on fireplaces for hotels, restaurants, and public spaces.
8. You can't install a television next to or above a fireplace
False! With water vapor fireplaces, it is entirely possible to install a television next to or above the fireplace. These fireplaces produce “cold” flames made from water vapor and emit no heat, making them safe for sensitive electronic equipment. In addition, there is no condensation, as the fine vapor particles are immediately absorbed by the surrounding air. You can therefore create a modern and cozy space without any risk to your television.
As for ethanol fireplaces and burners, it is also possible to install a television nearby, with a few precautions. It is recommended to leave a minimum distance between the flame and the device. This allows you to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a real flame without risking damage to your television.
👉 See all the details on our dedicated page about fireplaces compatible with televisions.
9. Water vapor fireplaces are not suitable for renovation or home improvement projects.
False! Water vapor fireplaces are perfectly suited for renovation and home improvement projects. Their installation is simple and requires neither a flue nor heavy construction work, making them ideal for modern and flexible layouts. Available in a variety of styles, they integrate seamlessly into any interior, adding a warm and elegant touch without the constraints of a traditional fireplace.
👉 Learn more on our page dedicated to fireplaces for designers and interior architects.
10. Fireplaces are a hassle
False! Water vapor fireplaces and ethanol burners are designed to greatly reduce the constraints of traditional fireplaces. These decorative fireplaces do not require a smoke exhaust flue, eliminating the need for major installation work. This makes their integration simple, quick, and flexible. Moreover, bioethanol fuel is easy to obtain, while water vapor fireplaces only use tap water—no need for wood or gas deliveries. They offer a warm and elegant ambiance without the inconveniences of classic fireplaces.
👉 Ideas for setting up a decorative fireplace without a flue and without constraints
10 Misconceptions About Fireplaces: Water Vapor and Ethanol – Conclusion
The 10 misconceptions about water vapor and ethanol fireplaces reveal how public perception is often shaped by outdated ideas and incomplete information. In reality, these modern decorative fireplaces are praised for their design and ease of use. They offer safe and practical solutions, ideal for contemporary interiors.
By debunking these myths, AFIRE helps you better understand their true benefits. With clear and complete information, you can now make a confident choice.
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