Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How does an InFlame Alcohol Fireplace operate?
2. Where does Sunjel™ Premium come from and how is it made?
3. How long does the Sunjel™ Premium burn for?
4. Do I need a chimney or vent for an Alcohol Fireplace?
5. What is involved with installing a  Sunjel™ Fireplace?
6. How much heat will I get from my Sunjel™ Fireplace?
7. Do the Fireplaces require maintenance?
8. Do I have to burn all the Sunjel™ Premium once I light the fireplace?
9. I have heard Sunjel™ Premium carries the EcoLogo, what does this mean?
10. What is Ethanol Alcohol?
11. What is the ULC listing number(s)?
12. What is the ‘Fuel Holder Box’ that I keep reading about on your website?
13. What are the logs made out of and will they burn?
14. I have an existing wood burning fireplace but the chimney doesn’t work. Can I use an InFlame insert for my fireplace?
15. If I install an InFlame Log & Grate, will I need an inspection by local authorities?
16. Do I require a screen for my existing fireplace if I use an InFlame Log & Grate Insert?
17. What is the warranty for an InFlame Fireplace?


1. How does an InFlame Alcohol Fireplace operate?

Sunjel™ Fireplaces operate on a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, alcohol gel called Sunjel™ Premium. The gel is made from 100% natural sugar-cane or corn and burns into water vapour. The Sunjel™ Premium is poured into a ‘Fuel Holder Box’ that sits between a set of realistic ceramic logs. The Sunjel™ Premium is ignited with a long match or barbeque lighter. It is easy to operate the fireplace as every Sunjel™ Fireplace is equipped with a manual shut-off for safety and convenience. This allows you to shut down and re-light the fireplace at your convenience. The Sunjel™ Premium is certified by Environment Canada as a ‘green’ product, to the highest of Government Standards, allowing it to be burned indoors thus eliminating the need for a chimney or exterior venting. Back to List

2. Where Does Sunjel™ Premium come from and how is it made?

Sunjel™ Premium is a renewable resource derived from 100% natural sugar-cane or corn. The alcohol that results from the fermenting process of sugar-cane or corn is called Ethanol Alcohol. Ethanol Alcohol is the cleanest and safest burning alcohol gel on the market today. It cannot self-ignite and can be easily stored at room temperature in a closet or cupboard. Sunjel™ Premium has been tested and complies with all Canadian Government Standards. It is the only fireplace gel on the Canadian market certified with the ‘EcoLogo’ by Environment Canada as a ‘Simulated Fireplace Gel’ specifically for InFlame Alcohol Burning Fireplaces. Back to List

3. How long does the Sunjel™ Premium burn for?

The Sunjel™ Premium burns for 2 to 3 hours depending on a number of variables. Humidity levels of your home and altitude are both contributing factors that may affect burn time. InFlame guarantees a minimum burn time of 2 hours regardless of the conditions of your home. The national average shows that the majority of Sunjel™ Premium users receive a 2 1/2 hour burn time. The unit does not have to be burned for the complete cycle once lit as all InFlame Fireplaces are equipped with a manual shut-off so that you can control how long you want to have a fire. Back to List

4. Do I need a chimney or vent for an Alcohol Fireplace?

There is no chimney or venting required with an InFlame Fireplace. The Sunjel™ Premium Ethanol Alcohol Gel burns clean, free of smoke and fumes and into water vapour, eliminating the need for standard exterior venting. Sunjel™ Premium is certified by Environment Canada to be burned indoors without a chimney. All InFlame Fireplaces are also ULC Listed (Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada) for ‘un-vented use’ to Canadian Government Standards. 9.3-M86   AND CAN-ULC-S610-m87. Back to List

5. What is involved with installing a  Sunjel™ Fireplace?

There is minor assembly required but no installation. Sunjel™ Fireplaces do not require natural gas, electrical or propane services, so they are completely freestanding allowing them to be placed virtually anywhere in a room .  When you move, remember!   You can take  your Sunjel™ Fireplace with you!

6. How much heat will I get from my Sunjel™ Fireplace?

InFlame Fireplaces have a heat output of up to 9000BTUs/hr depending on the fireplace.  This is guaranteed to bring ample warmth to any room in your home. A typical electric fireplace offers from 1500 to 5000 BTUs/hr (approximately.) so our entry level 6000 BTU/hr max. output fireplace will provide you with a great heat supplement. If you have a larger space, a 9000 BTU/hr unit may be more suitable and remember, there is no chimney with a Sunjel™ Fireplace, so you are getting 99% heat efficiency as no heat is lost up the chimney. Sunjel™ Premium burns into water vapour so the extra humidity also helps to increase the warmth in a typical room. Back to List

7. Do Sunjel™ Fireplaces require maintenance?

Sunjel™ fireplaces are virtually maintenance free and require a simple wipe down with a damp cloth every 3 to 4 months. The Sunjel™ refill bottles are recyclable and can be disposed of in your local recycle bin. Back to List

8. Do I have to burn all the Sunjel™ Premium once I light the fireplace?

No. All Sunjel™ Fireplaces are equipped with a manual shut-off allowing you to shut-down and re-light the fireplace at your convenience. Back to List

9. I have heard Sunjel™ Premium carries the EcoLogo, what does this mean?

It means that Sunjel™ Premium is certified by Environment Canada as an ‘Environmentally Friendly’ product for the consumer as well as a ‘green’ alternative to burning wood and other fossil fuels. The product has been certified and exceeds all Canadian Standards. Sunjel™ Premium is certified safe for indoor un-vented use. The EcoLogo demonstrates InFlame’s commitment to offering gel products that meet Environment Canada’s stringent environmental, quality and performance criteria, guaranteeing safety to you the consumer, your family, and the environment. InFlame is the only Canadian company certified by Environment Canada for ‘Simulated Fireplace Gel’. Back to List

10. What is Ethanol Alcohol?

Ethanol Alcohol is an alcohol gel fuel made from natural sugar-cane or corn. It is a renewable resource and is considered to be the cleanest burning alcohol manufactured today. The by-product of the burn is water vapour. Ethanol alcohol is superior to all other alcohol products and is the only alcohol that qualifies for certification under Environment Canada’s stringent Environmental Choice Program’s requirements. Back to List

11. What is the ULC listing number(s)?

The InFlame Fireplace and Insert line is Listed to Canadian Government Standards ULC CAN3-B140.9.3-M86 and CAN ULC-S610-M87. Back to List

12. What is the ‘Fuel Holder Box’ that I keep reading about on your website?

The Fuel Holder Box is the box that holds the Sunjel™ Premium. This box is equipped with a manual shut-off for safety and convenience. The Fuel Holder Box makes the unit very easy to operate and safe to use. Back to List

13. What are the logs made out of and will they burn?

The realistic looking fire logs are made out of steel reinforced ceramic and are fire-proof so they will not burn. They are heat resistant to gas fireplace standards and the ceramic core allows them to retain and radiate heat. The logs are hand painted for a realistic effect to resemble ‘cedar’. Back to List

14. I have an existing wood burning fireplace but the chimney doesn’t work. Does InFlame distribute a fireplace Insert for this type of application?

Most definitely! InFlame distributes a wonderful line of Sunjel™ Log & Grate Inserts for non-functional wood burning fireplaces. They are  available in four (4) different sizes and because the logs are all loose, you have the freedom to arrange the logs to suit your own personal taste.  Even if  your  chimney still works, you can eliminate all the mess and fuss associated with burning real wood.  You will also be doing your part to protect our environment by  using our clean burning Sunjel™ Premium! Sunjel TM Log & Grate Inserts are easy to install so you can enjoy a ‘Real Fire’ in your fireplace in under 20 minutes.

15. If I install an Sunjel™ Log & Grate Insert, will I need an inspection by local   authorities?

No. The only requirement for installation is that your fireplace is or was a wood burning fireplace. The condition of your chimney will not affect your InFlame installation. In other words, you can install an InFlame log & grate insert into your existing wood burning fireplace even if the chimney is not operational. In fact, most of our customers will close the flue on the chimney completely in order to retain as much heat as possible. The only thing that you will need to be sure of is that the actual opening of the fireplace or the interior of the fireplace box is in good condition and is fire-proof. Investigation by your local Chimney Sweep company may be required if you are unsure as to its condition. Large gaps in the firebrick or loose block or brick are usually indications that you may need to do some minor repairs. Back to List

16. Do I require a screen for my existing fireplace if I use an InFlame Log & Grate Insert?

A screen is required for safety of small children and household pets. Remember, an InFlame fireplace has a 'Real Fire'. Back to List

17. What is the warranty for an InFlame Fireplace?

All InFlame Fireplaces and Log & Grate Inserts come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. See your local Dealer for details. (Not applicable for Coal Stove Inserts or Chiminea Inserts that come with a standard manufacturers guarantee.) Back to List