The Ventless Gel Fireplace Experience
FAQs
Click Here to read our interview with the manufacturer
1. I have wall-to-wall carpeting, can the Oakland model Ventless Gel Fireplace be placed on carpeting or is some sort of shielding needed?
The Oakland, as well as all of our ventless fireplaces, is designed to be safely used on all types of household flooring and needs no additional shielding of any kind.
2. Can the top of the unit (mantel) be used for placing a lamp or decorative items or does it become hot during operation?
Our fireplaces are designed for safety, and can accommodate almost any object or decorative item you may want to place on top of the mantel. The temperature inside the firebox will only reach up to 170 degrees while burning 3 cans of fuel, and a substantial amount of insulation between the firebox and the top of the mantel will protect the surface from becoming excessively hot. An object like a candle may be questionable, as the mantel will not be hot enough to melt the wax, but the candle may become warped after time from the warmth.
3. Do your fire place inserts come with the logs pictured with the insert or is it an additional charge?
All fireplace inserts come with the assortment of gel fireplace logs that are shown in the images. Each insert, depending its length, comes with a different amount of logs as you can see in the images on the webpage. The logs can be arranged in any pattern or configuration that you like, as they are completely separate from one another and not sold in a molded group like other fireplace log sets.
4. How long does the cans of gel fuel burn?
Typically, a can of gel fuel will burn for 2 hours, and sometimes up to 3 hours. Always be sure to shake the can well before you light it for optimum performance.
5. I would like to know an estimated shipping date & tracking # for my order.
Most orders ship out within 7-10 days from receipt of order, as is stated on the website. Many orders ship out sooner than this timeframe. Tracking information is provided via email when it is made available from UPS. Some tracking numbers are not “live” until the following business day, when UPS has updated their system.
6. I need to know if using this gel fuel in a home that has a oxygen machine running 24 hours a day is safe to use even if the fire place is located on the bottom floor/family room.
Our gel fuels are formulated to be the safest on the market and are routinely tested by independent laboratories for safety and quality. Our gel fuels emit the lowest amount of carbon monoxide of any brand, less than 4 parts per million. The Isopropyl Alcohol used to blend our gel fuels is the purest grade available. We do NOT use recycled alcohols as our competitors do. If you have a medical condition that raises questions about air quality, please consult your physician.
7. I received the fireplace I ordered from you but didn’t receive the Free case of fuel, Does that ship separately from the fireplace?
Although all orders are shipped complete from our warehouse, UPS often splits up orders because of size and weight. Your order may arrive complete on one UPS truck, or may arrive a few days apart on different trucks. This is a situation that is beyond our control.
8. I am just wondering if you can put the oakland fireplace on a wooden surface, such as wood floors, raw timber a wooden bench... ?
Yes, the Oakland, and all of our fireplaces, can be placed on any type of household floor with no worries or danger. Our fireplaces are built with safety first in mind, and are truly the safest type of fireplace you can have in your home.
9. We have a gas fire place but have removed the gas tank a year ago, can we leave the ceremic logs in there and burn the gel fuel or do we have to convert to a gel fireplace?
The gel fuel will burn properly inside of your fireplace, the only
problem with leaving your current log set will be that the cans of gel
fuel may be too low behind the logs if they are sitting on the floor
of the firebox in your fireplace. The flames may be hidden behind the
logs. Our fireplace inserts are designed to put the cans at the optimum
height and still keep them hidden behind the log set, giving you the
best possible flame effect. You could try a case of gel fuel and see how it works with your current set up, and if it doesn't work, you can always purchase a
fireplace insert set to convert your fireplace.
10. Can you shut off the fire or do you have to let the entire can of gel fuel burn up?
The cans of gel fuel can be easily extinguished by simply replacing the lids on the cans with a set of tongs or oven mitt, as to avoid injury. Close the cans tightly to assure that your gel fuel won’t evaporate and each can will be ready to go the next time you want to enjoy a fire.
11. I ordered a chimnea converter kit and I received an e-mail two weeks ago that it had shipped, but still haven't received it. Can you trace it for me?
Though it is rare, UPS sometimes loses an order. If you have not received your order within a reasonable amount of time, please contact us and we will do everything necessary to track down your order and get it delivered.
12. I bought a electric fireplace and I am not convinced it was the best idea. Is it possible to put a gel insert into the mantle supplied from the electric one? The dimensions of the electric insert is 23.5"W x 20.5"H x 9"D?
It may be possible to convert your existing electric fireplace into a gel fireplace with a gel fireplace insert. Consult the owners manual for your electric fireplace to determine if its firebox is able to withstand temperatures of up to 170 degrees F.
13. Can someone please get in touch with me regarding the fireplace that I had ordered? I would like to know the status.
We are always happy to check on the status of your order. Simply email us with your full name and order ID number, and we can usually reply by the end of the next business day, if not sooner.
14. How does the refill bottle work?
The refill bottles are very simple. Simply pour the gel from the refill bottles into your empty gel fuel cans.
15. Do you ship to Toronto, Ontario, Canada?
No, shipping is available to the lower 48 states only.
16. Do you have a dealer in the western New York area?
The only available showroom is at the manufacturer’s warehouse in Wisconsin. Visits are made by appointment only.
17. I am curious about how to light these cans. Must I use a match? Can I place a lit candle on the gel in order to light the can when it burns down?
You can use a fireplace match, or a fireplace lighter to light the cans of gel fuel.
Please do not place a candle or any other object inside the cans, as this could create an unwanted chemical reaction with the gel.
18. When can I expect my order to arrive it has been 12 days?
Most orders ship from the warehouse within 7-10 business days, if not sooner. UPS typically takes up to 6 business days to deliver an order, depending on the distance the order has to travel. Most orders are delivered within two weeks, except during the holiday periods when shipping times can be longer.
19. I wanted to know if the Oakland fireplace is self-standing or in any way attached to the wall.
The Oakland, as well as all of our fireplaces, are completely freestanding and self contained. Each fireplace is easily portable and can be moved from room to room or house to house like a piece of furniture.
20. I wanted to know which fireplaces come with a log?
All of our fireplaces come complete with the mantel, firebox, and set of gel fireplace logs. Most units are also shipped with a free fireplace screen kit. Each fireplace will arrive in one, two or three boxes, requiring only minimal assembly. Most people can have their new fireplace assembled and burning in less than an hour.
21. Is the accessory kit necessary?
The Fireplace Accessory Kit is designed for the Oakland and Freemont series, and is completely optional. Many customers purchase the accessory kit along with their fireplace because they like the appearance of added depth in the firebox that the accessory kit provides. Also, many customers like the fireplaces as they are and choose not to purchase the accessory kit. It is an optional accessory.
22. Can you burn the fireplaces more than 3 hours at a time?
The Sunjel burns 2-3 hours and self extinguishes, and then you may put the next batch of cans in.
23. Can one cook over these flames, as in toasting marshmallows?
We do not recommend cooking over a gel fuel fire.
