Duraflame has introduced illuma™ – fireplace and outdoor fire pit units that utilize a patent pending bio-ethanol burner system that is safe, simple and emits no smoke. This is the first bio-ethanol fireplace product developed by the Stockton-based company. Duraflame has long been the leader in the manufactured fire log category, and the company’s commitment to research and development has created opportunities for the introduction of new, innovative and environmentally conscious fire products.

Unlike other ethanol appliances, illuma uses a unique, sealed, no-pour illuma-fuel® canister to ensure the safe handling of liquid bio-ethanol. The single-use canister is made of damage-resistant, recyclable plastic. The opening is foil sealed and protected by a screw-on child safety cap. The seal is broken after the canister is inserted into the unit, allowing fuel to safely flow into the fuel burner.

“The illuma burner system is a significant fireplace technology milestone,” said Chris Caron, Vice President of Brand Development for the fire log leader. “Not only is illuma an extremely green and simple fireplace option, it’s much safer than the manual-pour systems offered by its liquid and gel predecessors.”

Unique to duraflame illuma fire sets, the bio-ethanol fuel canister can easily and safely be removed and replaced while the fire is burning.

“The canister switch is as simple as lifting the fuel chamber door, hidden in one of the ceramic logs, and swapping out the fuel container,” said Caron. “This is the first product of its kind that was designed to allow users to safely switch out the fuel while the fire is still burning.” A one-liter canister produces up to two hours of flames. The fuel canisters are available in a six-count case.

Bio-ethanol is a renewable energy source made from fermented agricultural biomass, such as grain, corn, sugar cane, potatoes or other by-products, into alcohol. The combustion of bio-ethanol produces minimal emissions of steam and carbon dioxide, which plants reabsorb during photosynthesis. This combination of actions results in a carbon-neutral fuel. Bio-ethanol has grown in popularity as an alternative to wood because it produces almost no particulate emissions and can be burned on days when wood burning restrictions are imposed by local air quality agencies.

The illuma indoor log set lights with a one-touch electronic igniter, included with the product. The size and burn time of the fire is adjustable. The patent-pending fuel burner is a key feature of the illuma log set and fire pit. When the fuel level is low, flames automatically shift to one side indicating it is time to refuel.

Aesthetically, the illuma indoor fireplace model features a realistic oak log stack. It is designed to fit directly into an existing open hearth fireplace, and be used either vented with the chimney damper open, or in an unvented mode with the chimney damper closed to radiate heat into the room. The outdoor fire pit model is a standalone unit and features an oak log stack surrounded by a multicolored slate tile top, accented with brushed copper trim.

Duraflame illuma products are more affordable than the high-end ethanol appliances typically sold in specialty stores or online, and will be available in mass market retailers making bio-ethanol appliances more accessible to consumers.