Sunjel fireplaces are usually portable, ventless models that require no electricity, gas hookups or ventilation systems such as chimneys or fans. Instead, the fuel they rely on for burning real flames is Sunjel fuel, the trade name for a special alcohol-based gel fuel. Non-toxic and environmentally correct, Sunjel fuel has the special distinction of being approved by the Underwriters Laboratory, an important product testing and safety compliance organization.

Sunjel fuel comes in small canisters that are set directly into the fireplace belly to burn, saving you the hassle and mess of having to transfer the fuel from one container to another. Canisters are easily lit with a match to ignite the fuel. Each canister lasts approximately two to three hours before its fuel supply is spent. To save on fuel, the flames can be put out at any time by simply closing a latch on the fireplace.

Mosquito-Free Sunjel Fireplaces

If you desire a larger fire, you can safely burn more than one fuel canister at a time. In fact, you can place up to three at a time inside a ventless fireplace to provide a fire of up to 9000 BTUs in size. Of course, you will go through fuel faster. However, Sunjel fuel can be purchased from approved ventless fireplace retailers, in packs of 24 or more, at a considerable discount.

Besides its regular formula, Sunjel is also offered in a citronella blend. Citronella is an organic oil, derived from a perennial Southeast Asian grass, that's famous for its effectiveness in warding off pesky mosquitoes. Even on those sultry summer nights when mosquitoes are at their worst, citronella is the most effective mosquito repellent available. Best of all, it's all natural, so you don't have to worry about breathing in harmful chemicals while enjoying your mosquito-free fire.