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Buying a bioethanol stove: 5 questions you should ask yourself beforehand

A bioethanol stove brings real flames into any living space – without a fireplace connection or any building work. But what output is permitted in Switzerland, how safe are these stoves really, and what precautions need to be taken when operating them? As a Swiss manufacturer of TÜV SÜD approved bioethanol stoves, Attika answers the five most important questions to ask before buying.

1. Do I need a fireplace connection?

No. A bioethanol stove works without a fireplace connection. In Switzerland, the rule is that appliances with a burner output of less than 2 kW do not require a fireplace connection.

These are the benefits in terms of placement

No fireplace connection or planning permission required
Flexible placement in the living space – provided safety distances from flammable materials are maintained
Ideal for rented flats – the stove can be taken with you when you move house
Simple and safe to use

What you need to know

A mains power supply is required
The combustion of bioethanol produces water vapor and CO² – ensure there is adequate ventilation and appropriate humidity levels in the room
National and local building regulations must be complied with

2. Does a bioethanol stove really give off heat?

Yes – as bioethanol burns with real flames, the stove gives off noticeable radiant heat. The heat output can be adjusted by controlling the height of the flame: the higher the flame, the more heat is given off.

Important to note: A bioethanol stove is not a heating appliance in the traditional sense, like a wood stove. It is a decorative fire that gives off pleasant warmth and must not be used as a primary source of heating. However, it is ideal as an atmospheric addition to a room’s heating – particularly on cool evenings.

3. How safe is a bioethanol stove?

Attika bioethanol stoves have been approved by TÜV SÜD Germany in accordance with EN 16647:2016-04 – the authoritative European standard for bioethanol fireplaces. Safety is a key purchasing criterion for bioethanol stoves, as there are significant differences between products and manufacturing methods.

The Attika Burner is equipped with six safety systems

Overfill sensor – prevents uncontrolled filling
Overheating sensor – switches off automatically if the temperature is too high
CO² sensor – stops operation if the oxygen level in the room is too low
Pressure relief valve – protects against pressure build-up in the Burner
Automatic ignition – the fire is ignited electronically, eliminating the need for manual ignition using an open fire

Automatic pump – the tank is filled using the pump supplied, without spillage and without the need for manual transfer; as soon as the tank is full, the system stops automatically

Buying advice: Before purchasing a bioethanol stove, always check the burner certification and the materials used. Not every manufacturer uses certified safety technology.

4. Do I need to ventilate the room whilst the bioethanol stove is in use?

Generally speaking, yes – ventilation is important. Like any open flame, the combustion of bioethanol consumes oxygen and releases CO² and water vapor. Whether ventilation is required, and to what extent, depends on the volume of the room and the existing ventilation – mechanical ventilation may also play a role. With good air circulation, neither smoke nor soot is produced.

Should the CO² levels in the room become too high, the Attika stove will switch itself off automatically thanks to its CO² sensor. You will find detailed information on air exchange rates based on room volume in the user manual for your Attika stove.

5. How easy is it to operate a bioethanol stove?

It is very straightforward to operate. Refuelling is carried out via an automatic pump, which switches off as soon as the tank is full. The stove is controlled via the remote control or the Attika BIO App. You can check the stove’s status and the remaining bioethanol level at any time via the control panel or the app. The app works without the need for a login or user account.

Once paired via Bluetooth, you have direct access to all functions: switching on, adjusting the flame height or «Eco wave» mode, setting the timer, and switching off. Those who prefer a more traditional approach can conveniently control the bioethanol stove using the remote control supplied.

Maintenance and cleaning

Attika bioethanol stoves are maintenance-free. As bioethanol burns almost residue-free, regular maintenance by a specialist is not required. It is simply advisable to check the fireplace regularly for external dirt and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.

Cleaning is just as straightforward: allow the fireplace to cool completely, wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth and carefully remove any dirt from the burner area. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents to prevent damage to the materials.

Important note for Switzerland

Attika bioethanol stoves are designed for operation without a chimney at a power output of up to 2 kW – in accordance with Swiss regulations for bioethanol fireplaces without a fireplace connection. The «Eco wave» mode and individual flame settings are therefore not available for appliances in Switzerland. This also explains why the view of the flames on Swiss models appears smaller than in international product images.

Discover Attika’s bioethanol stoves – and find the model that suits your living space. Configure your ideal stove using the Attika configurator, find out more about the product benefits, or get personalised advice from a Attika dealer near you.