Frequently Asked Questions
Can I place it on my oak table safely or does it need to sit on a heatproof surface?
The base it comes with is enough to dissipate/absorb/block any heat generated. Between the base and the felt there is sufficient protection for nearly any surface.
I have a number of overhead sprinklers in my apartment. Have you heard of any instances where the personal fireplace set one off? I wouldn't put one directly under the sprinkler, but how far away should it be placed to be considered safe?
Great question. We actually have never, ever heard of it setting off a sprinkler. Sprinkler heads are set to go off when the air around them hits 155-165 degrees. In theory the column of air rising out FLIKRFIRE is hotter than ambient temperature. But the unit would have to be burning not only directly under the sprinkler head but also within a few feet beneath it. Assuming an 8-foot tall ceiling and 3-foot tall tabletop, this should never happen. That said, keeping the under from being directly underneath the sprinkler head should guarantee safety.
Can I add alcohol/fuel while the fireplace is still burning?
Absolutely not! Nothing flammable should ever be added to a live flame. Ever. Like. Ever.
Does it get hot?
It does. Unlike the glass of some candles though, cement has poor thermal conductivity. This means if you do touch it, it will register as hot, you will pull your hand away, and you won't be scalded.
Can I really burn it inside?
Yep! We do recommend reading our page on soot and carbon monoxide for the full science scoop. Suffice here to say that isopropyl alcohol produces a complete combustion when burned. So in a properly ventilated space, soot is only put where the flame touches (nothing on your ceiling or surfaces!) and there is no carbon monoxide.
Is it safe for children?
Only sober, responsible adults should set up, fill, and light FLIKRFIRE. Kids are often as safe as the parents monitoring them allow them to be. Just like we are taught to never run around a pool, horseplay around an open fire should never happen. Kids or adults! But really please, use good judgement. FLIKRFIRE provides delightful ambience and under supervision, kids will have a thrill not only enjoying that but even roasting marshmallows over it.
Is it safe to cook over it?
Absolutely! The only off-gassing of isopropyl rubbing alcohol when burned is water vapor and carbon dioxide! So it is totally safe and tastes so great! Just like over a campfire!
Can it tip over and spill?
We have designed FLIKRFIRE to be extremely stable. That said, any liquid can slosh. For this reason we insist that it only be placed on a very stable surface. Also anyone near the unit should understand this potential.
What happens if it spills?
Being a liquid, isopropyl alcohol will spread (while lit) over a surface if spilled. Unlike a gelled alcohol though, isopropyl alcohol actually burns off quite quickly. First, we recommend you don't panic. Second, use a fire extinguisher to put it out. We do of course require flammable objects be kept away from the unit.
Can I use other fuels such as bio ethanol?
Unfortunately not. FLIKRFIRE is ONLY meant to be used with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Some gelled ethanols have been known to, 'spit' at times. This of course puts a flaming, sticky substance in places it shouldn't be.
How do I turn it off?
Do not attempt to blow it out, just snuff it! We recommend using a stone drink coaster; set it on top of the unit for a few seconds and the flame will be deprived of oxygen.
How long can I continuously burn it?
We recommend that after two refills (approximately 1.5 - 2 hours) you let the unit cool for roughly 20 minutes. The cement can withstand extremely high temperatures, so no problem there. It does though get hot to the touch and this is good to mitigate by letting it cool. Also, the heat held by the cement will be passed to the alcohol, making it burn more quickly and hotter. This is also mitigated with a cool-down period.
Is there anywhere I shouldn't put it?
Keep it off of any wobbly or unstable surfaces. Also keep things like cloth table-runners or doilies a distance away just in case there is a spill.