HearthCabinet

Single-use Alcohol Gel Cartridges

What is it?

A thickened gel made from isopropyl alcohol, water, and a gelling agent—similar to hand sanitizer or chafing fuel

Packaged in sealed, single-use aluminum cartridges

Safety

✅ Eliminates spill risk

✅ Sits in a metal cartridge holder behind a locked safety screen

Certifications & Approvals

✅ FDNY Approved

✅ NYC Department of Buildings Approved

✅ UL Standard 1370 Compliant

Ease of Use

✅ Drop-in cartridges mean no mess

Flame Quality

Real, crackling flame

Heat Output

Moderate

Sound

Gentle crackle

Odor/Emissions

✅ Clean burn, little to no odor

Maintenance

✅ Minimal (no refilling or residue)

Model Variety

✅ Available in a range of materials, finishes, and sizes, including custom designs

Pourable

Liquid Bioethanol

What is it?

A clear, odorless alcohol derived from plant fermentation.

Sold in bottles or jugs.

Safety

⚠️ Spill risk while refueling

⚠️ Requires burner to fully cool before refueling

Certifications & Approvals

❌ Not approved in NYC or other highly regulated cities

⚠️ Rarely UL Standard 1370 Compliant

Ease of Use

⚠️ Requires careful measuring and pouring

Flame Quality

Larger, natural-looking flame, may flicker

Heat Output

High

Sound

Soft “hiss” or “whoosh”

Odor/Emissions

✅ Low odor

Maintenance

⚠️ Frequent cleaning and refueling

Model Variety

✅ Available in a variety of configurations

❌ No customization

Pourable

Liquid Isopropyl Alcohol

What is it?

Common rubbing alcohol, used in tabletop burners or DIY setups 

Not formulated for fireplaces

Safety

❌ High risk of spills, flash fire, and flame jetting

❌ No safeguards

Certifications & Approvals

❌ Almost never code-compliant or certified

❌ Consumer Alert issued by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Ease of Use

✅ Easy to pour, but unsafe

Flame Quality

Dim, blue flame

Heat Output

Low

Sound

Minimal

Odor/Emissions

Stronger odor, potential soot

Maintenance

⚠️ Degrades quickly, can fill with soot

Model Variety

Narrow range of configurations, mostly tabletop

Ventless fireplaces offer the benefits of a fireplace without the need for electricity, gas, or a chimney. But the ventless fireplace models on the market are designed to use different fuel sources, and each fuel source comes with pros and cons. Which ventless fireplace fuel choice is right for you? 

WHICH IS BEST FOR VENTLESS FIREPLACES?

Alcohol Gel vs. Bioethanol vs. Liquid Alcohol

About HearthCabinet Ventless Fireplaces

Using our patented, eco-friendly alcohol gel cartridges to fuel real flames, HearthCabinet is the safest ventless fireplace on the market — and the only approved for use in New York City.

While alternatives like bioethanol and pourable isopropyl alcohol exist, they come with the risks of fuel spills and flash fires. Alternatives also have the downsides of odor and high maintenance. Since 2005,  homeowners, architects, and designers have continued to choose HearthCabinet for their fireplace projects.

Request an in-person or virtual product demo

Mike House
Architect, RAAD Studio

"HearthCabinet has been a fantastic resource for us. Many of our clients want fireplaces but could never have a vented unit and HC is the safest ventless fireplace on the market. We use them all the time and will continue to do so."