FAQ
Accueil » Tips and FAQ » FAQAt Lizards, we understand that a fireplace project raises many questions: safety, installation, actual heating, daily use, choice between bioethanol, electric, water vapor, or outdoor gas…
This FAQ compiles answers to our clients’ most frequent questions. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, we are, of course, available to provide personalized advice.
A. Understanding the different types of fireplaces
The choice primarily depends on your space, technical limitations, and your desired level of warmth and ambiance. Bioethanol fireplaces create a real flame and can provide supplemental heating. Electric or water vapor fireplaces are perfect for those primarily seeking visual ambiance, without the need for fuel. Outdoor gas fireplaces are designed for exterior use, allowing you to enjoy a cozy fire on a terrace or in a garden. During a project consultation, we will guide you to the solution best suited to your situation.
Lizards specializes in three main types of designer fireplaces:
• Bioethanol fireplaces, offering a real flame, ideal for renovations or apartments. In Switzerland, ventilation is required for calorific values exceeding 2 kW;
• Electric and water vapor fireplaces, which create a very realistic decorative flame effect without combustion;
• Outdoor gas fireplaces, also known as garden fireplaces, perfect for creating cozy spaces on terraces and in outdoor areas.
B. Bioethanol Fireplaces: Operation, Heat, Fuel
No. It’s essential to use only bioethanol specifically designed for bioethanol fireplaces. Automotive ‘bioethanol’ sold at gas stations contains gasoline and other additives; it must never be used in a fireplace.
Yes. On average, a fireplace with a 2-liter burner generates a heat output of about 2.26 to 3.26 kW, which can heat a room of around 30 m², depending on the home’s insulation and the room’s layout.
High-quality bioethanol, specifically designed for domestic fireplaces, produces virtually no odor during combustion. A slight smell might be noticeable when refilling or extinguishing, but it remains very minimal with the right fuel.
As a guide, about 5 liters of bioethanol burn for 5 to 10 hours. The duration depends on the burner size and flame setting: the more open and intense the flame, the faster the combustion.
Bioethanol is made from renewable (plant-based) resources and degrades easily in the environment. When burned in a suitable fireplace, residual emissions are primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor. Like any fuel, its impact also depends on production and how it’s used; we recommend quality products for home use.
Bioethanol is an alcohol produced by the fermentation of sugars derived from agricultural or forestry raw materials. It is biodegradable, miscible in water, and when burned in a suitable fireplace, it primarily releases carbon dioxide and water vapor.
You can get it directly from Lizards: we offer pure, odorless bioethanol, suitable for home fireplaces. You can also find it in some supermarkets or hardware stores, but quality can vary; it’s important to check that the product is specifically designed for use in bioethanol fireplaces.
C. Installation & Feasibility
fireplacesMobile / freestanding are immediately operational: they do not require any installation work or connection.
fireplacesBuilt-in or those integrated into a surround, however, require a more precise study and professional installation. In this case, Lizards handles the commissioning, in compliance with manufacturer recommendations and safety regulations.
In some cases, it is possible to install a bioethanol burner in place of logs in an existing fireplace. However, it is important to check the condition of the firebox, safety distances, and ventilation. We recommend consulting us for a feasibility study before any such installation.
Yes, wall-mounted models are supplied with the fixing screws and appropriate wall plugs. We are available to advise you on the type of support and the safest installation.
Yes. For built-in, integrated, or customprojects, we can perform an on-site technical visit. This allows us to verify project feasibility, space constraints, ventilation, surrounding materials, and discuss the best integration options.
D. Usage & Comfort (Bioethanol)
Most of the models we offer allow you to adjust the flame intensity. This enables you to achieve a higher or lower flame and, consequently, to slightly adjust the burn time.
Yes, you can turn off the fireplace before all the fuel is consumed. The burner’s closing mechanism allows you to stop the flame when you leave the room or the house, to avoid leaving the fire unattended.
For fireplacesmanual, lighting is done using a fireplace lighter or long matches, once the burner is filled according to the instructions.
For modelsequipped with an electronic system, lighting is done by pressing the designated button or via the remote control, depending on the model’s configuration.
Yes, decorative pebbles can be placed around the burner, provided the manufacturer’s instructions are followed: they must not obstruct the burner openings or impede the proper circulation of air and flame.
E. Maintenance & Cleaning
Burners are typically made of stainless steel. It’s recommended to clean them with a soft cloth to prevent scratching, using a pH-neutral cleaning product. Always ensure the burner is cold and empty before cleaning.
Simply clean it with a soft cloth and a classic, non-abrasive household cleaner. Avoid using products like gasoline, acetone, or white spirit, as these can damage the paint and finishes, as well as certain burner parts.
F. Electric and Water Vapor Fireplaces
Electric and water vapor fireplaces are particularly well-suited for family homes, as the flame isn’t ‘real’ and the surfaces are generally less hot than with a combustion fireplace. However, we always recommend some safety precautions depending on the chosen model.
All our electric fireplaces come with a built-in supplemental heater, while water vapor fireplaces offer a very realistic flame effect but no heating function.
No. These fireplaces do not require a flue as there is no combustion. They simply need an electrical power supply and, for certain water vapor models, a water tank or direct water connection. However, aesthetic integration (such as a surround, niche, or custom furniture) may require installation work, which we would be happy to discuss with you.
G. Garden Fireplaces / Outdoor Gas Fireplaces
Gas garden fire pits are designed for outdoor use. However, we recommend using protective covers and taking certain precautions (shelter, regular cleaning) to preserve their appearance and durability. Instructions vary by model.
Depending on the model, your garden fireplace operates with a gas cylinder or a fixed connection. We assist you with each model to ensure a safe and suitable installation for your space. For fixed installations, a preliminary study is recommended for complete peace of mind.
On our site, we favor the term “garden fireplace,” as it’s the most understandable and most searched for by the majority of users. We may occasionally use the term “outdoor” in some descriptions, but the main category will remain “garden fireplaces” or “outdoor gas fireplaces.”
H. Prices, Quotes & Lizards Services
Yes, we can install built-in, integrated, or technical fireplaces, either directly or through qualified partners. For mobile or certain electric fireplaces, no extensive installation is needed, but we’re here to advise you on their placement.
Yes, Lizards offers the option to subscribe to a maintenance contract for regular monitoring of your installations. This contract allows for periodic checks, ensures appropriate maintenance, and provides priority support when needed.
You can contact us via the contact form, by phone, by email, or by scheduling an appointment at the showroom. Ideally, prepare some information about your space (photos, dimensions, type of dwelling) so we can quickly guide you to the most relevant solutions and provide an initial estimate.
All our products come with a 2-year warranty, as detailed in our general terms and conditions. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and certain malfunctions. Please feel free to contact us for more details.
The price is not limited to the product itself. Depending on the project, it may include:
- the feasibility study,
- the on-site technical visit,
- coordination with your tradespeople,
- professional installation,
- commissioning and user training,
- after-sales service.
Each quote clearly specifies what is included.
Some models are highly configurable (dimensions, finishes, custom integration), and their price depends on many technical parameters. When the cost varies significantly from one project to another, we prefer to provide a personalized quote after assessing your specific needs. To give you an idea, we indicate price ranges or ‘starting from’ prices whenever possible.

