Can You Use Smokeless Fire Pit Inside? What You Need to Know Before You Light Up

You've fallen in love with the idea of a cozy fire pit, and you're wondering: can you use a smokeless fire pit inside your home? It's a question we hear all the time, and the answer isn't as simple as a yes or no. The truth is, it depends entirely on what type of smokeless fire pit you're considering.

Let's clear up the confusion and help you understand which fire pits are safe for indoor use and which ones should always stay outdoors.

Understanding "Smokeless" Doesn't Mean "Indoor-Safe"

Here's the thing that surprises most people: smokeless doesn't automatically mean safe for indoor use.

The term "smokeless" simply means the fire pit burns more efficiently, producing less visible smoke. It's achieved through clever engineering with double-wall designs and strategic airflow that promotes complete combustion. While this dramatically reduces those annoying smoke plumes that make your eyes water, it doesn't eliminate all the invisible gases produced by burning fuel.

Think of it this way: just because you can't see something doesn't mean it isn't there.

Wood and Gas Smokeless Fire Pits: Keep Them Outdoors

If you're considering a wood-burning or gas-powered smokeless fire pit, the answer is absolutely NO – never use them indoors.

Here's why this is so important:

The Carbon Monoxide Danger

Both wood and gas fire pits produce carbon monoxide (CO) during combustion. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, invisible gas that has no smell or taste. Even the most efficient smokeless fire pit still releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other combustion byproducts that need to escape into open air.

Inside your home, these gases quickly build up to dangerous levels. Even with windows open or in large rooms, there's simply not enough ventilation to safely dissipate these harmful gases. Within minutes, carbon monoxide can reach life-threatening concentrations.

Oxygen Consumption

Fire needs oxygen to burn. When you use a wood or gas fire pit inside, it's literally competing with you for the oxygen in the room. As the fire burns, it depletes oxygen levels while simultaneously releasing harmful gases – a dangerous combination that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, headaches, dizziness, and worse.

Safety Guidelines for Wood and Gas Smokeless Fire Pits

If you have a wood or gas smokeless fire pit, always:

• Use it outdoors only, never on covered patios or enclosed spaces
• Position it at least 3-5 metres away from your house, fences, or overhanging structures
• Place it on non-combustible surfaces like concrete, stone, or pavers
• Never leave it unattended while burning
• Keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby

The Indoor Exception: Bioethanol Fire Pits

Here's the good news: there IS a type of smokeless fire pit you can safely use indoors – bioethanol fire pits.

What Makes Bioethanol Different?

Bioethanol (also called bio-ethanol or ethanol) is a special liquid fuel made from renewable plant materials like sugarcane, corn, or beetroot. Unlike wood or gas, bioethanol burns incredibly clean, producing:

• No smoke
• No ash or soot
• No toxic fumes
• Only small amounts of water vapor and carbon dioxide (similar to burning candles)

This clean-burning quality is what makes certain bioethanol fire pits suitable for indoor use.

Tenderflame Difference

At Outdoor Escape, we offer the Tenderflame collection of bioethanol fire pits that are specifically designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. These elegant fire features use bioethanol liquid fuel that burns with a real, dancing flame without the dangers associated with wood or gas combustion.

Safety Requirements for Indoor Bioethanol Fire Pits

While bioethanol fire pits CAN be used indoors, you still need to follow important safety guidelines:

Room Ventilation

• Ensure your room meets the minimum size requirements specified by the manufacturer
• Maintain adequate ventilation by opening windows or doors periodically
• Never use in tiny, enclosed spaces like small bedrooms or bathrooms

Proper Placement

• Place on stable, heat-resistant, non-combustible surfaces
• Keep away from flammable materials like curtains, papers, or furniture
• Maintain proper clearance distances as specified in the product manual
• Consider using an indoor safety tray for added protection

Fuel Quality Matters

• Always use high-quality bioethanol fuel specifically designed for indoor use
• Never use wood, gas, or any other fuel type
• Don't overfill the burner – leave adequate space as instructed
• Allow the fire pit to cool completely before refueling

Fire Safety

• Never leave burning fire pits unattended
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home (good practice regardless)
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible
• Follow all manufacturer guidelines carefully

Choosing the Right Fire Pit for Your Space

Now that you understand the differences, here's a quick guide to help you choose:

Choose Wood or Gas Smokeless Fire Pits If:

• You want maximum heat output for outdoor entertaining
• You're creating an outdoor living space on your patio or deck
• You love the traditional campfire experience
• You have a spacious outdoor area

Browse our outdoor smokeless fire pit collection to find the perfect model for your backyard gatherings.

Choose Bioethanol Fire Pits If:

• You want the flexibility to use your fire pit both indoors and outdoors
• You live in an apartment or townhouse with limited outdoor space
• You prefer a clean, maintenance-free fire experience with no ash or smoke
• You want a modern, elegant fire feature as a design statement
• You're looking for ambiance rather than primary heating

The Bottom Line

Can you use a smokeless fire pit inside? The answer depends on the type:

Wood and Gas Smokeless Fire Pits: NO These produce carbon monoxide and other harmful gases. Always use outdoors with proper clearance from structures.

Bioethanol Fire Pits: YES (with proper precautions) Specifically designed bioethanol models like our Tenderflame collection can be safely used indoors when you follow all safety guidelines and maintain adequate ventilation.

Your Safety Comes First

At Outdoor Escape, we want you to enjoy your fire pit experience safely. Whether you're warming up your outdoor entertaining area with a traditional smokeless fire pit or creating a cozy indoor ambiance with a bioethanol model, understanding the differences is crucial.

Never compromise on safety. If you're unsure which type of fire pit is right for your space, or if you have questions about safe usage, our team is here to help. We're passionate about helping Australians create beautiful, safe outdoor (and indoor!) living spaces.

Ready to explore your options? Check out our complete smokeless fire pit collection to find the perfect fire feature for your home.

Remember: No matter which type of fire pit you choose, always read the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly, follow all safety guidelines, and never leave any fire unattended. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones is always the top priority.