Spring is around the corner — and with it, the longing for those first evenings spent outside. Real fire, a glass of wine, a blanket draped over your knees. But what's the best way to bring that atmosphere home: a classic fire pit or a modern bioethanol tabletop fireplace? Here's our honest comparison.
In short: a fire pit offers a rustic outdoor experience but comes with smoke, sparks, ash and heavy restrictions on balconies. A bioethanol tabletop fireplace like the LA\VIK burns cleanly without smoke or soot, works both indoors and outdoors, is safety-tested to EN 16647, and doubles as a fragrance diffuser with natural essential oils — making it the more flexible, modern choice for terraces, balconies and living rooms alike.
Why this matters right now
As soon as temperatures rise, we move outside. The terrace and balcony become extensions of our living space. Fire has always been at the heart of it — bringing warmth, light and an atmosphere no LED can replicate. But the days when an open fire pit was your only option are over.
Bioethanol tabletop fireplaces like the LA\VIK by glør Design have created a genuine alternative: smokeless, flexible, beautifully designed — and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. But how does a tabletop fireplace really stack up against a traditional fire pit?
The big comparison: Fire pit vs. bioethanol tabletop fireplace
1. Smoke, smell & cleanliness
Fire pit: Anyone who's sat around a fire pit knows the drill — the wind shifts and the smoke follows you. Add to that flying sparks, soot on your furniture and a smoky smell that lingers on your clothes for days. On an apartment balcony, this quickly becomes a problem with the neighbours.
Bioethanol tabletop fireplace: No smoke. No soot. No ash. Bioethanol burns almost completely clean — producing only small amounts of CO₂ and water vapour, comparable to human breathing. You can place the LA\VIK right on your dining table without anyone needing to switch seats.
Verdict: Clear win for the tabletop fireplace. Especially on a balcony or near neighbours, smokeless fire is a decisive advantage.
2. Location & flexibility
Fire pit: Requires a fireproof surface, sufficient distance from flammable objects and is only suitable for outdoor use. On many balconies and rooftop terraces, fire pits are outright banned by building regulations or tenancy agreements. And even where they're allowed — carrying a fire pit with glowing embers into the living room? Not a great plan.
Bioethanol tabletop fireplace: This is where the biggest advantage lies. The LA\VIK fireplace is designed for both indoors and outdoors. On the terrace in the evening, on the coffee table later — thanks to built-in handles and the VentraCore® System that keeps the base cool, it's effortless. And when winter comes? It simply moves back inside.
Verdict: The tabletop fireplace wins with its 2-in-1 versatility. If you're looking for a fire feature that works from spring through winter, a portable bioethanol fireplace is hard to beat.
3. Safety
Fire pit: Open flames with flying sparks, glowing coals that smoulder for hours, and a scorching hot bowl that poses a risk to children and pets. Without a spark guard, the danger increases further. On wooden decking, use is genuinely risky.
Bioethanol tabletop fireplace: The LA\VIK has been safety tested to EN 16647 standards. The flame is controlled and shielded by heat-resistant borosilicate glass. No sparks, no afterglow, no residual risk from embers. Read more about safety in our blog post: Are tabletop fireplaces safe?
Verdict: Another point for the tabletop fireplace. Particularly for families with young children or on a balcony with limited space, a controlled flame is the significantly safer option.
4. Atmosphere & design
Fire pit: Has its charm — no question. The crackling, the scent of wood, the primal feeling of open fire. But design? Most fire pits look like a generic hardware-store purchase. You can't use them indoors, and on a balcony, they visually dominate the entire space.
Bioethanol tabletop fireplace: The LA\VIK brings real fire into a Nordic design concept: brushed stainless steel, borosilicate glass and hand-selected Larvikite stones from Norway. It's not just a fire feature — it's a design object. And there's a feature no fire pit can match: simply add a few drops of natural fragrance oil onto the warm stones and the room fills with the scent of Nordic forests, lavender or mandarin.
Verdict: A matter of taste — but in terms of design versatility, fragrance experience and indoor suitability, the tabletop fireplace clearly leads.
5. Cost & effort
Fire pit: Often cheaper upfront (from around €30–80 for basic models). But then come the running costs for wood or charcoal, regular cleaning, and eventually rust and wear. You'll also need firelighters, gloves, an ash bucket and ideally a spark guard — it all adds up.
Bioethanol tabletop fireplace: The LA\VIK Studio starts at €199, the LA\VIK at €299. Bioethanol costs around €5 per litre (at glør €29.90 for 6 litres), and one litre provides approximately 2–3 hours of burn time. No cleaning, no wear, no accessories needed. Want to save? The Ritual Set bundles the fireplace, bioethanol and fragrance oils together at a discount.
Verdict: The fire pit is cheaper to buy initially. Over time, costs level out — and the tabletop fireplace saves you the cleaning time and hassle.
At a glance: Fire pit vs. bioethanol tabletop fireplace
| Criterion | Fire Pit | Bioethanol Tabletop Fireplace |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke & soot | Yes, significant | None, smokeless |
| Indoor use | No | Yes |
| Outdoor use | Yes | Yes |
| Balcony-friendly | Often prohibited | Generally allowed |
| Real flame | Yes | Yes |
| Cleaning required | Yes (ash, soot) | No |
| Portable | Barely (heavy, hot) | Yes (handles, cool base) |
| Fragrance oil feature | No | Yes (essential oils on stones) |
| Safety certified | Rarely | EN 16647 tested |
| Starting price | From ~€30 | From €199 |
| Crackling sound | Yes | No |
Which one is right for you?
A fire pit suits you if you have a large garden with plenty of distance from neighbours, love the rustic crackling-fire experience, and don't mind the cleanup. On a balcony or in a rented flat, however, it's not the best option.
A bioethanol tabletop fireplace is ideal if you want a real fire experience without smoke, mess or restrictions. If you want the freedom to switch between indoors and outdoors. If good design matters to you. And if you want to bring not just fire, but fragrance into your home.
Our tip: Start with spring
The first warm evenings on the balcony, the terrace door wide open, a glass of wine — and at the centre of it all, the calm flame of the LA\VIK. No effort, no smoke, no trouble with the neighbours. And when September brings cooler temperatures? The fireplace simply moves indoors and becomes the centrepiece of your autumn and winter evenings.
Best of all: you can try the LA\VIK risk-free for 30 days. If the flame doesn't convince you, send it back — free of charge, no questions asked. More details in our FAQ.
→ Discover the LA\VIK fireplace
→ Save with the Ritual Set: Fireplace + fragrance oils bundled
Frequently asked questions
Is a bioethanol tabletop fireplace safe to use indoors?
Yes. Bioethanol burns cleanly, producing only small amounts of CO₂ and water vapour — no smoke, no soot, no harmful fumes. The LA\VIK fireplace is safety tested to EN 16647 standards and features the VentraCore® system, which keeps the base cool during use. As with any open flame, ensure adequate ventilation and never leave the fireplace unattended.
Can I use a bioethanol fireplace on my balcony or terrace?
Yes. Unlike traditional fire pits, which are often prohibited on balconies due to smoke, sparks and fire risk, a bioethanol tabletop fireplace produces no smoke and no sparks. The LA\VIK is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and can be moved freely between spaces thanks to its built-in handles.
Does a bioethanol fireplace produce real flames?
Yes. A bioethanol fireplace uses liquid bioethanol fuel to produce a real, visible flame. It is not an electric or LED simulation. The flame is steady and controlled, with no crackling or sparking.
How long does a bioethanol tabletop fireplace burn?
Burn time depends on the burner size and flame intensity. The LA\VIK provides approximately 2–3 hours of burn time per filling. One litre of glør Classic Bioethanol is sufficient for one full session.
What is the difference between a fire pit and a bioethanol tabletop fireplace?
A fire pit burns wood or charcoal, producing smoke, soot, ash and sparks. It is suitable only for outdoor use in large, well-ventilated spaces. A bioethanol tabletop fireplace burns liquid bioethanol cleanly — no smoke, no ash, no chimney required. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, is portable, and requires no installation or cleanup.
Looking for more inspiration on Nordic design and modern living? Check out these posts:
- glør vs. traditional & electric fireplaces
- Nordic Design & Living: The essence of timeless elegance
- Are tabletop fireplaces safe? Everything you need to know
Written by glør Design — crafting fireplaces and rituals of scent, inspired by Nordic traditions.