How Do You Light A Gel Fireplace?

How Do You Light A Gel Fireplace? (Too Easy to Fail)

The introduction of gel fireplaces made it possible to have something different from the usual wood-burning fireplaces. The best part about gel fireplaces was that you were not worried about smoke or soot that might accumulate with the alternatives. 

The biggest question was mostly how do you light a gel fireplace?

Not to worry as the process is simple. First, you need to remove the paper label from the gel can and open the lid of this can. It is the same as paint can, so opening it should be familiar. Next is to place the can in the right spot inside the fireplace before lighting it. 

As for lighting the gel fuel, simply use a match or a lighter. It will start with a small blue flame and will spread all over the gel surface in no time. 

Depending on the type of fireplace, you can have some accommodating even three cans. So, consider setting them up in their respective places and light them as instructed above. 

How To Extinguish A Gel Fireplace

Now that you know how to light it, extinguishing it will be still simple. You simply drop the lid over the can and close it. This will smother the flame and kill it. 

You can also reseal the cans and use them the next time you need a gel fireplace. 

What Is Gel Fuel Made Of?

Gel fuel, also known as ethanol gel, is made of ethanol combined with thickening agents to make it viscous so that you would handle it better as fuel. 

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The basic chemistry of gel fuel is so simple that some people make the gel for themselves at home. So, it would be a relatively easier fuel source to come across for your fireplace. 

The manufacturer can have some additives to make the gel fuel produce a popping and hissing sound. The idea is to make gel fuel burn as you would experience with wood-burning fireplaces. Who does not like the crackling sound of wood when burning? Well, hence the name of this blog actually!!

How to Use Gel Fuel Properly 

Gel fuel is generally safe, but if you are not careful, you could also end up with some injuries. So, it is best to consider learning about the gel fuel safety tips to keep you protected. Here are some;

  1. You should keep your face away from the device while refueling.
  2. In case gel fuel spills on your cloth, remove the clothing and have it laundered immediately.
  3. You should never leave the fireplace unattended. It is vital that you can swing into action to put out the fire in case of an outbreak.
  4. Always put stuff that can burn away from the lit gel fuel at a minimum distance of one foot.
  5. Keep your children and pets away at least 3 feet from the gel fireplace.
  6. Only use gel fuel as recommended by the manufacturer. Using some other types of fuel might need venting, which you do not get with gel fireplaces. 

Can You Relight Gel Fuel?

Of course, YES. You can easily relight gel fuel by using a lighter or a match. Just make sure the gel is still in good condition if it has been in storage for a long time. If it is still good, you can have it lighting with so much ease. 

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Is Gel Fuel Toxic?

The regular gel fuel used in fireplaces will be safe. This is because it is non-toxic and will not lead to fumes accumulating in the room. However, you may not be so sure about the colored versions of gel fuels. You should be careful with them. It is best to read the product label to understand its ingredients before using them, especially indoors. 

The chemicals used in coloring the gel can sometimes lead to noxious fumes. As a result, it is best to often just go for the regular gel fuel. 

Conclusion: Is Gel Fuel Easy To Light?

For most people, it will be easy to light a gel fuel fireplace. You simply need your match or lighter and set it on fire. It can start slow in one place and then spread to the other regions of the fuel. As always, I recommend that you follow the safety information on using gel fuel. This is to help avoid any accidents related to using gel fuel. 

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