You can have a real fireplace with no chimney in New Zealand by choosing bioethanol or electric. A bioethanol fire burns a real flame with no smoke or ash and needs no chimney, flue to the roof or gas line, and an electric fire needs only a power point. Hanging versions start from NZ$4,595 and freestanding versions from NZ$4,480.
Fireplaces that need no chimney
| Fire | Type | Fuel | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoon Pedestal | Freestanding | Bioethanol | NZ$4,480 |
| Cocoon Aeris | Hanging, slim pole | Bioethanol | NZ$4,595 |
| Naked Flame electric | Hanging | Electric | NZ$7,090 |
| Naked Flame Sphere bioethanol | Hanging | Bioethanol | NZ$9,590 |
| Iconic 900 Pedestal | Freestanding | Bioethanol | NZ$9,995 |
| Iconic 900 | Hanging | Bioethanol | NZ$10,995 |
| Planika Pillar | Hanging, automatic | Bioethanol | NZ$21,330 |
How a fire works without a chimney
Bioethanol burns liquid fuel from a stainless burner. It produces mainly heat, water vapour and carbon dioxide rather than smoke, so there is no flue gas to send up a chimney. The room needs ventilation and a minimum volume for the burner: 80 m³ for the Sphere, 90 m³ for the Curve 90, Orbit, Silo and Iconic 900, and 110 m³ for the Curve 120.
Electric uses a flame-effect insert powered from a power point. There is no fuel and no open flame.
The Naked Flame forms still hang on their own 219 mm steel flue, which carries the fire from the ceiling and gives it its shape, but nothing needs to go through the roof.
Who a no-chimney fire suits
- Apartments, where a roof flue is not possible.
- Existing homes, where adding a chimney means major building work.
- Renovations, where you want a fire without opening up the roof.
- Rentals and holiday homes, where electric removes fuel handling altogether.
Bioethanol or electric?
- Choose bioethanol for a real, living flame and real warmth of 3 to 5.5 kW.
- Choose electric for no fuel, no flame to manage and the simplest day-to-day use.
Common questions
Is a fireplace without a chimney safe?
Bioethanol fires are designed for safe use when installed, fuelled and run to the manufacturer's instructions: use fireplace bioethanol, refuel only when the burner is out and cold, keep the room ventilated and respect the minimum room size. Read our safety guide.
How much does it cost to run?
A bioethanol Sphere costs about NZ$2 to NZ$3 an hour in fuel. See bioethanol running costs.
Does a no-chimney fire need building consent?
It depends on your project and any structural work, such as fixing a hanging fire to the ceiling. Your council or building professional can confirm.
Can I see one burning?
Yes, at our Takapuna showroom, 72 Barrys Point Road, open seven days.
Talk to the team.
Tell us about the room, the ceiling and where you are in the world, and we will tell you which fire fits.