Automatic or Mechanical Biofireplace: Which to Choose
A biofireplace brings a real flame where a chimney is impossible: in an apartment, office, restaurant or hotel. The first question our clients ask is which fuel block to choose, mechanical or automatic. Here is how they differ in practice and who each one suits.
Who chooses a mechanical biofireplace
People usually choose a mechanical biofireplace for two reasons. The first is budget: mechanical models are noticeably cheaper. The second is the ritual itself: some people genuinely enjoy lighting the fire by hand with a lighter, just like a real fireplace.
Who chooses an automatic biofireplace
Automatic models are chosen by people used to controlling everything from a smartphone: adjusting flame height, checking how much fuel is left in the tank, connecting the fireplace to a smart home system. Young people and IT professionals almost always go for automatic.
The main difference in practice
A mechanical block has no flame height adjustment. As a result it uses more fuel, and in summer it gets hot near the fireplace, so people turn it on less often.
An automatic block lets you adjust flame height — there are 4 levels. This gives several advantages:
- lower fuel consumption: the automatic system burns bioethanol vapor, so it uses less fuel than a mechanical block;
- in summer you can run the fireplace on the first flame level without it getting too hot nearby;
- the fireplace is easier to use all year round.
Biofireplaces for restaurants, cafés and hotels
For any commercial space we clearly recommend automatic models. The buttons can be locked so guests cannot turn the fireplace on or off themselves. Only a trusted person, such as the manager on duty, controls it. For a venue this is first and foremost a matter of safety.
How much it costs
A mechanical biofireplace is cheaper. An automatic one costs roughly twice as much or more: automatic blocks differ in functionality and come in several price categories.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grill kebabs on a biofireplace? No. A biofireplace is made for atmosphere: to enjoy a real flame and get a little warmth from it in any room where a chimney is not possible.
Do clients regret their choice? No, people make the purchase consciously. Sometimes, while ordering, a client asks to switch from mechanical to automatic because they want flame height control. Our job is to explain the difference between models and install the fireplace correctly, so there is nothing to regret after the purchase.
Our advice
We recommend a mechanical model if you need an affordable option or a fireplace that works during power outages. A mechanical biofireplace does not depend on electricity: you can warm yourself by it, and it gives light during blackouts, which is very relevant in Ukraine today.
We recommend an automatic model in almost all other cases. It is switched on and off from a smartphone, you can adjust flame height and see the remaining fuel in the tank. You can also set a PIN code so children cannot turn the fireplace on without their parents' permission. Automatic models have many advantages, so this is what we recommend most often.
You can see both types working and get advice at our 4ROOM showroom.
