ventless fireplaces...look cool! Anyone have one?

[wildernesslodgelover]

Here is a link from today's "Early Show" on CBS...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/12/earlyshow/living/home/main6087145.shtml

I really like the idea of this...anyone have one, and do you love it? I want something to crackle and pop when it has a flame.

 

[Tuffcookie]

I have one in my master bedroom. I LOVE IT!!! I will eventually get one in the livingroom. It really puts the heat out!

TC

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Oooh, can you post a picture? Do the flames make that crackling sound? I really like the first one shown on the clip...this one..

http://www.anywherefireplaces.com/tribeca/

and it is the most affordable. My decor is not modern, but it is eclectic-ish.

I have seens some that have rocks or crushed glass where the fire burns...do you have that...or *could* you put that in there if you wanted to?

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

one little bump....

 

[Tuffcookie]

Sorry, just read this. I will go home at lunch, take a picture, & post!

TC

 

[Tuffcookie]

Here are the pix:

Mine puts out 24,000 BTUs of heat. So nice on a cold, Ohio night!

TC

 

[loveysbydesign]

We just bought one on walmart.com that looks like an iron wood stove!
http://www.walmart.com/browse/Appli...d=133032&fromPageCatId=133032&catNavId=133032
We bought the one that's listed for $84 on rollback 2 weeks ago for $68!

 

[RUDisney]

We had the same one Tuffcookie has, only the wood was darker.

We got rid of it when we insulated the house. We were concerned about condensation from the fireplace not being vented.

We replaced it with a vented fireplace. I don't have a good picture of it on my computer to post, sorry.

We don't use it for any crackling noise. We use it for the direct heat it provides.

 

[Colleen27]

We decided against a ventless for safety reasons, after reading that all it takes is minor malfunction for it to start burning less cleanly and putting out carbon monoxide, which of course has no where to go because of the lack of a vent. Here's a good basic explanation of the concerns: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/29/AR2006092900605.html Canada and I believe Mass. have prohibited their use in residential applications because of the potential for CO buildup.

To be honest if we'd been installing it for decorative use I'd have been less concerned, but we use our fireplace as the primary heat for our main floor. We ultimately went with a high-efficiency direct (rear) vent fireplace, and I love it. It wasn't difficult to install, and I feel better knowing that it is vented.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Colleen, I agree safety has to be a concern! I had mine installed by a heating contractor. I also have a carbon monoxide detector about 5' away from the fireplace.


TC

 

[RUDisney]

Colleen, I agree safety has to be a concern! I had mine installed by a heating contractor. I also have a carbon monoxide detector about 5' away from the fireplace.


TC

Ditto on both of these points.

We still have the CO detector near the vented fireplace. You can't be too careful.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

oh, TC, so warm and cozy looking! Very pretty! Thanks so much for sharing.

lovey-yours is cool, too!

As for the safety issues, I am glad you all posted about it. I gotta say, I was thinking.."Hmmm.what kinds of fumes will I be breathing in?" I was not even thinking of carbon monoxide, yikes! I will definitely look into this further before I get one. We are NOT using it for heat, more for CHARM. We live in SoFla and on a chilly night, we may want to feel some warmth, but really, it is strictly for ambiance.

Coleen-what do you mean that if you had it for decorative purposes, you would be less concerned? Do you mean that since it would not burn as often, it would not be as much of a hazard? I am hoping that is what you meant, because we would only burn ours for parties and gatherings.

 

[Colleen27]

Coleen-what do you mean that if you had it for decorative purposes, you would be less concerned? Do you mean that since it would not burn as often, it would not be as much of a hazard? I am hoping that is what you meant, because we would only burn ours for parties and gatherings.

That's exactly what I mean. Our fireplace gets a LOT of use - its the bulk of our heat, and we live in Michigan! If it was something we only ran for ambiance or a little extra warmth on especially cold nights I wouldn't worry over it, but ours runs like a furnace. It has a blower and a thermostat, and it cycles on as needed while we sleep, while we're out, etc. Even with a CO detector near the fireplace, I feel better about having a vented model.

ETA: It isn't only the amount of running time that made me uncomfortable about ventless. It was more the unattended running time. If it were something we only used when we are in the room to enjoy it (and to respond if the CO detector does go off), that would be one thing, but my worry was that something would go wrong when we were out and we'd come home to find that the O2 sensor had shut off the unit and our pipes froze, or that enough CO built up in the house to harm our pets. So again, not a concern if you're just using it for charm.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

That's exactly what I mean. Our fireplace gets a LOT of use - its the bulk of our heat, and we live in Michigan! If it was something we only ran for ambiance or a little extra warmth on especially cold nights I wouldn't worry over it, but ours runs like a furnace. It has a blower and a thermostat, and it cycles on as needed while we sleep, while we're out, etc. Even with a CO detector near the fireplace, I feel better about having a vented model.

ETA: It isn't only the amount of running time that made me uncomfortable about ventless. It was more the unattended running time. If it were something we only used when we are in the room to enjoy it (and to respond if the CO detector does go off), that would be one thing, but my worry was that something would go wrong when we were out and we'd come home to find that the O2 sensor had shut off the unit and our pipes froze, or that enough CO built up in the house to harm our pets. So again, not a concern if you're just using it for charm.

Ahhh, I see. Thank you! I will say, though...I don't want to inhale even a smidgen of something toxic, ya know? Like...I worry that even though I will not immediately DIE...I just don't think it is good for you. That said, I also know I inhale all sorts of wacky fumes all day long that I am probably unaware of. BUT...if I can help it, and know about it and prevent it for myself AND my DH and my 11 year old DD, I probably should do that!

I am going to look into it further. I can honestly say, that after the initial "newness" wears off, we will probably only use it once a month for a couple hours at a time.

BTW...do you think I could roast marshmallows on that flame??? My parents used to have a REAL fireplace before they moved, and the kids LOVED to do that. Is that a crazy idea? Will it be a mess? Is it unhealthy to cook something edible over that gel flame?

 

[loveysbydesign]

The one I ordered is electric and doesn't put off fumes or co2

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

The one I ordered is electric and doesn't put off fumes or co2

Does it make a crackling sound? (geez, can you tell I am obsessed with the crackling sound? LOL)

 

[Tuffcookie]

You are not suppose to cook over the ventless, gas fireplaces. Mine does not make a crackling noise.

TC

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

You are not suppose to cook over the ventless, gas fireplaces. Mine does not make a crackling noise.

TC

Whaaaat? No crackling sound? If I am going to risk my family's health and well being, I at least want some CRACKLING!!!! LOL.

Thanks for all the input, folks...i will let you know what I decide to get!

 

[RUDisney]

When we get the urge for toasted marshmallows, we make them over our gas stove. The gas fireplaces have a screen or glass mounted in front of them that I guess you could move, but I'd be concerned about something in the fire chamber getting bumped and causing a gas leak.

You probably have a grill. If you're jonesing for some marshmallows, hold a stick over that to toast them.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

When we get the urge for toasted marshmallows, we make them over our gas stove. The gas fireplaces have a screen or glass mounted in front of them that I guess you could move, but I'd be concerned about something in the fire chamber getting bumped and causing a gas leak.

You probably have a grill. If you're jonesing for some marshmallows, hold a stick over that to toast them.

Well, we do have a firepit outside that we use to roast marshmallows. It is like a coffee table, but the middle is removable and we throw wood in there and light it up often. I just wanted an indoor option, too!

I don't think what I am looking at is gas, per se. I just googled and found this, I copied and pasted. These are the ventless fireplaces I am talking about. OH...and it says it DOES crackle like a real fireplace!
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Real Flameis the original, premium gel fuel designed for use with ventless gel fireplaces and accessories. For more than 25 years, Real Flame has been the leading alcohol based gel fuel on the market. Real Flame gel is an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, clean burning gel that doesn't leave any soot, smoke or ashes behind so there’s no messy clean up. Best of all, Real Flame creates a robust, bright yellow, orange and red flame that crackles just like a log fire.


Made in the U.S.A.,Real Flame is made from pure, premium grade isopropyl alcohol and thickeners to enhance stability. Real Flame is the safest, most viscous (thick) gel fuel available on the market. It is not liquid and will not break down, separate or liquefy as quickly as other brands. To maintain the integrity and stability of Real Flame, all Real Flame gel cans are specially treated to prevent rusting on the inside.


Real Flame is a safe, clean burning gel that is regularly tested by numerous independent labs. Air quality results while burning Real Flame gel fuel fall well below the standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (O.S.H.A.) and the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.). Each batch of Real Flame gel fuel production is closely monitored to ensure the highest quality.


Each can of Real Flamegel fuel is designed to burn for up to 2 ½ to 3 hours long. If you wish to create a fire for a shorter period, simply extinguish the flame and re-cap the can. Re-use any remaining gel fuel for your next fire. For each fire, you may use one to three cans of gel fuel at a time, depending on the size of fire you wish to create. When compared to cartridge style cans, one can of Real Flame gel fuel costs a fraction of the more expensive cartridge style can.