Name: Cast Iron Bioethanol Stove – ScandiFlames Spitsbergen
Brand: ScandiFlames
SKU: BIO-20-905
Price: 1439.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Question 1

Is the Spitsbergen really made from cast iron?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spitsbergen is a substantial cast iron stove weighing around 90 kg, rather than a lightweight steel casing made to look like a traditional wood burner. The cast iron construction, detailed surface casting, legs and double front doors give it the visual weight and presence you would expect from a traditional stove.

Question 2

What makes the Spitsbergen different from other bioethanol stoves?

Accepted Answer

Its scale and double-door design. At 61 cm wide, Spitsbergen has a broader, more substantial shape than many freestanding bioethanol stoves. The two glazed front doors give you a wide view of the real flame, while the cast iron construction and traditional detailing make it convincing even when it is not lit. It is a good choice if you want the presence of a traditional stove rather than a more contemporary freestanding fire.

Question 3

Does the Spitsbergen actually give off heat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spitsbergen produces up to approximately 2.3 kW of heat. You will feel genuine warmth from it, but a bioethanol stove is designed as supplementary rather than primary heating. Think of it as a real fire that adds warmth and atmosphere to the room rather than a replacement for your main heating system.

Question 4

Does the Spitsbergen need a chimney or flue?

Accepted Answer

No. Spitsbergen gives you a real visible flame without requiring a chimney or flue, so it can work in rooms where installing a conventional wood-burning stove is not possible or desirable. It also requires no electrical connection. Position the stove correctly, add suitable bioethanol to the burner and operate it manually.

Question 5

Can I put the Spitsbergen inside an existing fireplace opening?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spitsbergen can be positioned inside an existing fireplace opening as long as there is enough space for the stove and the normal installation guidance is followed. It does not need to connect to the existing chimney or flue. The important points are that the stove sits stable and level on a heat-resistant surface and that the room meets the stated ventilation requirements. Spitsbergen measures 61 cm wide x 43 cm deep x 70 cm high and weighs around 90 kg, making it particularly well suited to a larger fireplace or hearth where a smaller stove could look lost.

Question 6

Which cast iron bioethanol stove will fit my existing fireplace?

Accepted Answer

Start with the usable width, height and depth of your fireplace opening. Bergen is 43.8 cm wide x 69.7 cm high x 38.7 cm deep. Ulvik is 43.8 cm wide x 69.7 cm high x 38.7 cm deep. Molde is 47 cm wide x 69.5 cm high x 39 cm deep. Altar is 49 cm wide x 68.5 cm high x 42.5 cm deep. Spitsbergen is 61 cm wide x 70 cm high x 43 cm deep. Spitsbergen is the widest and most substantial option, so it is particularly well suited to a larger hearth or fireplace opening where a smaller stove could look under-scaled. Whichever model you choose, measure the usable opening and hearth carefully and make sure the stove can sit stable and level on a heat-resistant surface in a suitably ventilated room.

Question 7

How long does the Spitsbergen burn for?

Accepted Answer

The 2.1 litre burner provides a burn time of up to approximately 6 hours per fill, depending on the flame setting and operating conditions. Fuel consumption is approximately 0.35 litres per hour. You do not have to fill the burner completely for every use, so if you only want the fire on for part of an evening, you can add less fuel rather than filling it to maximum capacity.

Question 8

Can I adjust the flame?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spitsbergen has a manually adjustable burner. Using the supplied operating tool, you slide the metal cover across the burner opening to increase or reduce the exposed opening and therefore adjust the flame. There is no remote control or electrical mechanism; the adjustment is deliberately simple and mechanical.

Question 9

How do I light and extinguish the Spitsbergen?

Accepted Answer

To light it, fully open the burner and use a long lighter, keeping your hand away from the flame. To extinguish it, use the supplied tool to slide the metal cover fully across the burner opening. This cuts off the oxygen supply and puts the flame out. It is straightforward once you are familiar with it, but the burner should always be operated according to the supplied user guide.

Question 10

What bioethanol fuel should I use?

Accepted Answer

Use only bioethanol specifically made for bioethanol fireplaces. Fuel with an alcohol concentration of 95-97.5% is recommended. Lower-strength fuel may produce a smaller flame and a more noticeable alcohol odour, while fuel above 97.5% is not recommended because it can produce an unstable or excessively high flame. Do not substitute other alcohol-based liquids, ethanol gel, hand sanitiser or general fireplace fuels.

Question 11

Does a bioethanol stove smell?

Accepted Answer

With the correct high-quality bioethanol fuel and good ventilation, you do not get the smoke and persistent combustion smell associated with burning wood. You may notice a slight alcohol smell when lighting or extinguishing the fire. Lower-strength bioethanol can also create a more noticeable alcohol odour, which is one reason 95-97.5% fuel is recommended.

Question 12

Does the Spitsbergen produce smoke, soot or ash?

Accepted Answer

There is no wood, ash or chimney smoke to deal with. Under normal operation with the correct bioethanol fuel, combustion is clean. Soot can still form if the wrong fuel is used, the burner opening is obstructed or the fire is exposed to excessive draughts, so correct fuel, clear airflow around the burner and sensible positioning matter.

Question 13

What size room does the Spitsbergen need?

Accepted Answer

The specified minimum room volume is 50 cubic metres. Room volume means length x width x ceiling height, rather than floor area alone. The room should also be adequately ventilated while the fire is operating. The burner safety guide specifies an opening of at least 120 square centimetres, roughly equivalent to an open internal doorway, as part of its ventilation guidance.

Question 14

What do I need to consider when positioning the Spitsbergen?

Accepted Answer

Make sure the stove sits stable and level on a heat-resistant surface and that the room meets the stated ventilation requirements. Keep curtains, furniture and other combustible items safely away from the appliance, and avoid positioning it where strong draughts from a window pass across the flame. If you are placing Spitsbergen inside an existing fireplace, measure the usable opening and hearth carefully before ordering.

Question 15

Does the cast iron get hot?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is a real-flame fireplace and its surfaces become hot during use. Treat it as you would any working fireplace: enjoy the flame, but do not touch the stove while it is operating and allow it to cool before handling it.

Question 16

Is it safe around children and pets?

Accepted Answer

Spitsbergen has glazed front doors around the flame, but it is still a real fire and a hot cast iron appliance. Children and pets should be kept at a safe distance and the stove should never be left unattended while burning. The doors and glass should not be treated as cool-touch surfaces.

Question 17

Can I refill the burner while it is warm?

Accepted Answer

No. The flame must be completely extinguished and the burner allowed to cool for at least 30 minutes before adding more bioethanol. Never add fuel to a lit or hot burner. This is one of the most important operating rules for any manual bioethanol fire.

Question 18

Is the Spitsbergen difficult to install?

Accepted Answer

There is no chimney, gas connection or electrical installation to arrange, which makes the technical side straightforward. The practical consideration is its 90 kg weight. The supporting floor or hearth must be capable of carrying the appliance, and we recommend having two people available to position a stove of this weight safely.

Question 19

How easy is the Spitsbergen to maintain?

Accepted Answer

Much simpler than a wood-burning stove because there is no ash tray to empty or chimney to sweep. Avoid abrasive products on the burner; a damp cloth is suitable for routine cleaning, while the glass can be cleaned with a suitable ceramic-hob cleaner. Some discolouration of the burner surface can occur with frequent use and is normal.

Question 20

Should I choose Spitsbergen or one of the smaller cast iron stoves?

Accepted Answer

Choose Spitsbergen if you want the most substantial presence in this cast iron collection. At 61 cm wide and 90 kg, with double glazed doors, a larger 2.1 litre burner, up to 6 hours burn time and approximately 2.3 kW output, it has noticeably more scale than Bergen, Molde, Ulvik or Altar. The smaller models are better where you want traditional cast iron character in a tighter footprint. If you have a larger hearth and want the stove to feel like a significant part of the room, Spitsbergen is the one to look at first.

Question 21

Why we love the Spitsbergen

Accepted Answer

Because it does not look like a compromise. A lot of flueless fires solve the installation problem but lose the physical character of a traditional stove. Spitsbergen keeps the weight, cast iron detailing, double doors and strong silhouette, then removes the need for logs, a chimney, flue or electrical connection. It is particularly good for a larger unused fireplace, a room that has lost its original fire, or an interior where you want a substantial real-flame focal point without rebuilding the room around a conventional stove.

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