Indoor and Outdoor Fireplaces: The Complete Selection Guide

For years, the discussion about the fireplace began and ended with heating. Today, its most interesting use lies elsewhere: in aesthetics and atmosphere. Modern technologies provide a living flame without a chimney, without smoke and — in the case of steam fireplaces — even without heat. This means that the fireplace now has a place in your space twelve months a year, from a winter evening to a summer dinner on the terrace.

At BBQ Specialist we design, supply and manufacture fireplaces for residential and commercial spaces. Below you will find the complete selection guide: what technologies exist, what infrastructure each requires, what changes between indoor and outdoor spaces and when special construction gives the result that the finished product does not reach.

 

The Fireplace as an Architectural Element

A fireplace affects the space even when it is turned off. It determines the layout of living rooms, creates a viewing axis, gives texture and depth to a wall. When lit, it changes the lighting and rhythm of the evening.

This dimension explains why the demand for fireplaces is moving from classic heating models to solutions where the image of the flame has priority:

• In the home: the fireplace becomes the centerpiece of the living room or the “jewel” of the veranda, where previously there was an empty wall.
• In hospitality: hotels, restaurants and bars use the flame to expand the use of outdoor spaces and create a reference point that guests photograph and share.
• In semi-outdoor spaces: pergolas, patios and roof gardens acquire character and are used more months of the year.

 

Summer, in fact, has its own dynamics. Low-heat flames — bioethanol in an open space — and the cool flames of steam fireplaces give the full image of fire without burdening the temperature of the room.

 

The Four Fireplace Technologies

The choice starts with the fuel. Each technology has different infrastructure requirements, a different flame image and a different user experience.

 

Wood Fireplaces

The authentic experience: live flame, sound, aroma of wood. It remains the choice for anyone who wants the fireplace to also provide substantial heating.

Modern energy-efficient wood fireplaces operate with a closed combustion chamber and glass-ceramic glass. Combustion is controlled, efficiency increases significantly compared to a traditional open fireplace, and some models are connected to the home’s heating network — such as energy fireplaces with a closed expansion tank, which cover spaces of around 70–90 sq m. or in combination with a fan heater distribute the heat to more spaces.

Requires: chimney with the correct cross-section and height, wood storage space, regular ash cleaning and annual chimney inspection.

 

Gas & LPG Fireplaces

Ignition with a button or remote control, adjustable flame height, stable performance, zero ash. It is the solution for anyone who wants immediate use without preparation.

The range includes energy-efficient gas fireplaces from approximately 4.8 kW for spaces up to 50 sq m, to powerful 8.5–17 kW models for 90–180 sq m, as well as impressive three-sided or corner versions, where the flame is visible from multiple sides and functions as a space divider.

Requires: supply natural gas or LPG connection, as well as an exhaust system depending on the type of chamber.

 

Bioethanol Fireplaces

The technology that changed the game. Bioethanol burns cleanly, producing water vapor and carbon dioxide — smokeless, ashless, odorless. The practical result: a fireplace without a chimney, in almost any location.

Fireplaces come in many forms: wall-mounted, built-in, transparent (with views from two rooms), floor-standing, tabletop and portable. Our collection includes certified TÜV Kratki burners, as well as architectural series from EcoSmart Fire and Planika, which collaborate with designers and architects internationally.

Requires: adequate ventilation of the space, maintaining safety distances and correctly filling the burner with the burner turned off and cold.

 

Electric Steam Fireplaces

The most impressive technology in the category is the Electric Steam Fireplaces. An ultrasonic sublimator converts water into extremely fine water vapor, which is illuminated by LEDs and reproduces the movement of the flame with exceptional realism. The “flame” is cool to the touch and the steam naturally dissipates in the air.

It is the ideal choice for spaces with children, for professional spaces with strict safety requirements and for summer use, where we want the image of fire without heat. In our range you will find AFIRE models in widths from 50 to 150 centimeters, with the possibility of integration into furniture, a wall or an island.

Requires: an outlet and water. Nothing else.

 

Comparison Table

 

Outdoor Fireplaces

The outdoor space has its own rules: wind, humidity, solar radiation, temperature changes. Materials and construction count more than anywhere else.

 

Autonomous Homes & Firepits

The independent fireplaces are placed freely in the garden or on the terrace and create a seating area around them. Our collection includes architectural designs by EcoSmart Fire (Flex, Base, Ark, Cosmo series) and Planika (Faro, Galio Corten), solutions that are integrated into walls, benches or stand as autonomous fire sculptures.

 

Corten constructions

Corten steel develops a stable oxidation patina over time, which acts as a protective layer for the metal underneath. The result is the characteristic warm tile color that blends with stone, wood and green.

We manufacture firepit barbecue Corten in many configurations: freestanding, with built-in bench, with wood case, as well as professional XL versions and in trailers for catering and events.

Useful detail from our experience: in the first months, until the patina stabilizes, Corten can leave marks on light colored floors. In marble or white cement we recommend a base or a discreet mounting tray.

 

The Fire That Cooks

A separate category combines a fireplace and a grill: the fire burns in the center and the perimeter steel plate acts as a grilling surface. OFYR 120 Pro and Somagic type cast iron braseros are just that — fireplace aesthetics and outdoor kitchen functionality in one object.

If you are planning a complete space, see also the outdoor kitchens: the fireplace and the outdoor kitchen are perfectly combined in the same study.

 

What We Pay Attention to in Open Space

• Wind: choose a location with natural protection or add a glass windbreak. Wind affects both flame stability and consumption.
• Materials: stainless steel 304 and Corten withstand the humidity and salinity of coastal areas.
• Distances: we keep a free zone from awnings, wooden pergolas, plants and fabrics.
• Base: stable, flat and non-combustible support surface.
• Protection: cover for the months of non-use significantly extends the life of the structure.

 

See the collection: Outdoor Fireplaces · Outdoor Gas Fireplaces · Outdoor Wood Fireplaces

 

Indoor Fireplaces

Indoors, the conversation changes: here the existing infrastructure, ventilation and the way the fireplace fits into the decor matter.

 

Energy-efficient Fireplaces

For anyone who wants the fireplace to provide substantial heating, energy-efficient wood or gas models are the right base. The closed combustion chamber keeps the heat inside the space and allows for control of combustion, while models with a hydraulic connection also provide heat to the rest of the house.

 

Bioethanol Fireplaces

The most flexible solution for existing homes and apartments, where the construction of a chimney is not feasible. A wall-mounted fireplace is installed in a few hours, a through fireplace acts as a dividing element between the living room and dining room, while the tabletop versions are freely movable.

 

Electric Steam Fireplaces

For spaces where safety is an absolute priority — children’s rooms, reception areas, hotel lobbies, shops — the cool steam flame gives all the visual impression with zero risk. Read in detail how electric steam fireplaces work and why they have become a trend in interior decoration.

See the collection: Indoor Fireplaces · Bioethanol Fireplaces · Electric Steam Fireplaces · Wood Fireplaces · Gas Fireplaces

 

Fireplaces in Commercial Spaces

For hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars, a fireplace is an investment with measurable results:

• It extends the outdoor dining season by several weeks in spring and autumn.
• It creates a reference point that visitors take photos of, with a direct benefit to the store’s visibility.
• Upgrades premium seating, as tables around the flame become the most sought-after.
• It solves the issue of infrastructure in leased spaces: bioethanol stoves and steam fireplaces are installed without intervention in the building shell.

For the study of complete professional spaces, see the service design of mass catering spaces.

 

How to Choose in 5 Steps

1. Define the space. Indoor, outdoor or semi-outdoor? A semi-outdoor space behaves as outdoor in terms of materials and as indoor in terms of ventilation.
2. Define the goal. Heating, atmosphere or cooking? The answer immediately determines the technology.
3. Check the infrastructure. Is there a chimney? Gas supply? Socket near the point? If the answer is only the socket, the options are bioethanol and steam.
4. Specify dimensions and location. Wall-mounted, built-in, open-hearth, island or freestanding; Measure the available opening and free distances.
5. Decide ready-made or custom construction. If the dimensions, shape or combination of functions deviate from the typical, custom construction gives the result with precision.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does a bioethanol fireplace need a chimney?

No. The combustion of bioethanol produces water vapor and carbon dioxide, so exhaust gas extraction is not required. However, adequate ventilation of the space is required and the manufacturer’s instructions for the size of the space per burner are followed.

 

Which fireplace operates in the summer without heating the space?

The electric steam fireplace. Its flame is an optical effect of illuminated water vapor and remains cool. Outdoors, bioethanol fireplaces also operate comfortably in the summer months.

 

How long does a bioethanol fill last?

It depends on the size of the burner and the flame setting. Manufacturers give specific autonomy per model, which we tell you before each choice.

 

Can the fireplace be combined with a grill?

Yes, and it is one of the most popular combinations. Solutions such as OFYR incorporate a grilling surface around the fire, while in a special construction we design a fireplace and grill in the same composition.

 

What maintenance does each technology require?

Wood requires ash cleaning and an annual chimney check. Gas requires periodic connection and burner checks. Bioethanol is limited to cleaning the hearth. Steam only needs filling with water and periodic cleaning of the container.

 

Start with Your Space

Every good fireplace starts with a proper mapping of the space and an honest discussion about what you want to achieve. At BBQ Specialist we have the range for every technology and the workshop for what is not available ready-made.

See the entire fireplace collection or contact us so that we can design together the solution that suits your space.