subject: Top 3 Reasons NOT to buy a Gel Flame Fireplace [print this page] If you have been looking for a gel flame fireplace for your home, you may be wondering if it is the right choice for you. Many people have bought one of these fireplaces for their homes over the last twenty plus years, so it makes sense to learn from the experience of others. They have their pros and cons, so let's take a closer look. 1. Gel Flame Fireplaces do not give off much heat. Since I have two of these appliances in my home, take it from me, it is not a good source of heat for your home. After doing a lot of research on them, I found lots of information on the subject that suggested that these fireplaces put out enough heat to comfortably warm a room. This is simply not the case. I guess if you lived in South Florida and you wanted to knock the chill out of a room on a cool January morning, they would be perfect. The appeal of these appliances is the ambient lighting and mood setting. They are perfect for that application. 2.Buying replacement fuel cans can be expensive. If you are not familiar with the way that gel flame fireplaces operate, cans of gelled alcohol are burned to create the very real and authentic looking flame. When the cans are burned out, the different manufacturers suggest that you do not refill them with aftermarket gel fuel. The different models are designed to burn up to three cans of gel fuel at a time, and each container will last between two to three hours. It won't take long to go through several cans. I would suggest only burning one can at a time. I do this sometimes if I am lighting it just for myself. One of my models is designed to burn three cans at a time, and if I have company, I always burn three. Yes, this can get expensive, but if you buy in bulk, the cost can hurt a little less. 3. They are expensive to purchase. Yes, some gel flame fireplace models can be very expensive. Some models can be well over $500. But high quality and very attractive models can be found for much less. There are small personal sized models for even less. Want a quick tip? The smallest models burn a smaller can of gel fuel. The small cans are much more affordable. Would I recommend a gel flame fireplace to my friends or family? My answer is absolutely yes. My fireplace is the focal point of parties and family gatherings at my house. Every time I have someone over to my house that has never seen one; they are amazed and are filled with questions about it. I love both of mine and I am sure you will too.
