Best Gel Fireplaces

While pricey, this option offers durability and great ambiance with a clean, stainless steel look.

Great modern look. Heats up quickly and produces 18,000 BTU with a burn time of four to six hours. Durable construction. Easy installation, and easy to use.

Eden Ventless Bio Ethanol Fireplace

This does go through a fair amount of fuel if you use it a lot, so consider finding a source where you can buy fuel in bulk. Instructions are a little lacking. On the expensive side.

Best Bang for the Buck

Regal Flame

A great value on a colorful, portable tabletop fireplace.

Comes in a variety of colors. Produces 2000 BTUs, enough to heat a 250 square foot room. Good source of light and heat for tabletops. Easy to fill. Portability at a great price.

Ethanol Fireplace Burner Insert

Only burns about 45 minutes before you have to let it cool to refill it. Buying a long, thin funnel for refilling is recommended. Some units arrive with scratches or broken parts.

Ignis Products

Stands out for its sturdy construction and the fact that it can go five hours between refills.

Comes by itself, or you can purchase it with a grate. Puts out 6000 BTUs and can burn for five hours between refills. Easy wipe-down cleaning. Sturdy stainless steel unit that inserts into tabletops or fireplaces.

Chateau Gel Corner Fireplace

Some buyers report issues with this option rusting within six months. Aesthetically, some find it hard to get a good-looking flame.

Real Flame

Customers love the look and sound of this corner fireplace, although some found it to be smaller than they anticipated.

A sturdy unit with an attractive white finish look. Assembles in about an hour. Fireplace holds one to three canisters at a time, which burn for up to three hours. Sounds like a real fire. Easy to use.

Copper El Fuego Ventless Tabletop Bio Ethanol Fireplace

Only the front of this fireplace is white; the back is bare, which shouldn't be an issue if you have it in a corner. Can be flimsy if you have to move it around at all. On the small and expensive side.

Sunnydaze Decor

An attractive option at a decent price, but buyers should take precautions when using it.

Comes in a choice of copper, stainless steel, or white finish. Has tempered glass and feet to protect tabletops. Decent price. Easy to set up and use.