Comments on: Gel Fuel Fireplaces: A Frugal Home Heating Alternative

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:29:22 +0000

I have one in my living room and it works great. I actually too the metal box about of the frame and installed it in a wall in my condo. It really does warm a room for a few hours. I keep it very cool in my place (I Live in the northeast) If its 63 by the time I have this fireplace one for an hour or two it will go up to 70 with out me turning up the heater.

By: Nathan Hughes (Malden)

Nathan Hughes (Malden) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:18:19 +0000

No matter what anyone says (especially the “Frugal Dad”), gel fuel fireplaces are for AMBIANCE — they will NOT noticeably warm a room or give off enough heat to offset the price of the gel cans. Even if you follow the recipe and make your own, they won’t. It is deceptive and unethical to advise people that they will…even more so when you consider that a cash-strapped parent might be considering whether or not this is a viable alternative to paying a $200/mo. natural gas bill.

I mean, really, Frugal Dad, why don’t you just set up a scam that promised to have one delivered if they wire you the money? Or, better yet, tell them that you a the king of gel can city and need their money to pay for the legal fees barring the release of your gel can inheritance?

This is NOT a home heating alternative. Not in any way. Not at ALL!!!

This is decorative and offers a little ambiance. To claim otherwise is deceptive and unconscionable.

By: Thermostat Setting For Winter Nights | Frugal Dad

Thermostat Setting For Winter Nights | Frugal Dad — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:00:52 +0000

[...] around the fireplace. In the early evenings a fire in the fireplace can replace the need for central heating, assuming [...]

By: Gary M

Gary M — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:13:10 +0000

I have two gel fireplaces, and I love them. However, no way are they economical. The cans last 2 1/2 hours (tops) and cost $3.00 a piece. And actually, they put out 3000 btu’s per can, so if you burn 3 cans, you’ll get 9000 btu’s.

By: lil mike

lil mike — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:06:20 +0000

This alcohol gel sounds interesting. Wood, even when free, is not free of harmful pollutants that it adds to the air when burnt. In my region ( Northern California) one can get fined for burning wood on certain days.

By: Susan Redfeather

Susan Redfeather — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:42:41 +0000

I have the recipe for gel fuel. I will happily give it to you if you email me at Airanda2@aol.com With the economy the way it is we all need a little help.

By: Canadian Tire Gift Cards, Tip’d and Weekend Links | Million Dollar Journey

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:51:40 +0000

[...] Frugal Dad explains and likes Gel Fuel Fireplaces: A Frugal Home Heating Alternative. [...]

By: James

James — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:12:05 +0000

By this calculation, (1) 3000 BTU can of gel fuel will heat approximately 88-132 sq ft. So a single can could heat a 8×10 room for 2.5 hours I guess. That’s great if the power went out. But I really don’t want to pay $80/case a week for these things on a regular basis.

By: Bill in NC

Bill in NC — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:08:46 +0000

These fireplaces are sold for looks, not warmth.

3000 BTUs is less output than even a small portable heater like the Buddy:

http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-Portable-Propane-F273400/dp/B00005LEXI

By: Lesley

Lesley — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:57:37 +0000

I have considered purchasing gel cans for a back-up when the electricity is off (heat pump). I would use it in a 300 sq. ft area with standard ceilings. Does anyone know to how figure the BTU’s and number of cans needed for a 3 day emergency? The needed temperature is 52-64F.

Thanks
Lesley