Comfy Zen

As we all know, plants act as air filters, cleaning the air around them. But with so many of us living in urban environments, there’s isn’t much nature around. Pollution is on the rise, and it simply isn’t enough to open a window. So the best way to get clean air in your home is with a whole-house air purifier.

There are tons on the market to choose from, so we’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed our research down to the top 3 recommendations for the best whole-house air purifier on the market today.

The air purifiers we’ll be looking at in this guide, all cover areas greater than 1,000 Square feet.

If you live in an open plan or a single-story home, you should opt for a large capacity whole-house air purifier. For two-story (or more) homes or you may be better off choosing an air purifier to cover each floor.

If you are not sure of the size of your home it’s easy to measure the length x the width of each room and add them together.

Our Reviews of the Best Whole House Air Purifiers

Editor’s Award	Brand	Click Image to Read review
Best Large Capacity Air Purifier [up to 3,000 Sqft]	GreenTech Environmental pureAir 3000
Best for Mold and Bacteria [1,100 Sqft]	Alen BreatheSmart Classic Large Room Air Purifier
Best Ultra-Fine Particle Eliminator [1,125 Sqft]	IQAir GC MultiGas Air Purifier – Medical-Grade

Best Large Capacity Air Purifier [up to 3,000 Sqft]: GreenTech Environmental pureAir 3000

And here’s how it does it:

Firstly, Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology works by producing a plasma that swiftly breaks down all those nasties from pollen, odors, mold, (including active mold spores in the air), and bacteria, to other pollutants, reducing noticeable pollution in just 15 minutes and dangerous pathogens by over 99% in 24 hours.

PureAir produces negative ions. These cause particles of dust and bacteria to stick together in clumps heavy enough to fall to the floor preventing them from recirculating back into the air.

This is much better than just having one giant filter that clogs up.

PureAir fully also uses advanced oxidation – customized ozone to break apart, and destroy VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds to give it its full title.

VOCs are particularly nasty little compounds that at the drop of a hat can turn into vapers and gasses. They include such horrors as benzene, formaldehyde, ethylene glycol, methylene chloride, and terpenes to name but a few.

You don’t want that stuff building up. And it does build up.

You’ll find it sneakily emitting itself from paints and varnishes, carpet, vinyl flooring and composite wood, furniture, foam, upholstery and fabrics, cleaning products, laundry detergents, dishwasher detergents and disinfectants, air fresheners, cosmetics and aerosol sprays, hobby supplies, adhesives, permanent markers, smoking, dry cleaning, and cooking.

That’s a depressingly long list, isn’t it?

Short-term effects include eye nose and throat irritation, headaches, allergic skin reactions, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness but in the long term, these chemicals are toxic and may cause cancer and damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. If you’ve read our ethanol fireplace guide, you’ll know why we recommend an ethanol fireplace over a wood-burning, stove any day).

Finally, any magnetized particles leftover from the ionization process are caught by a clever electrostatic filter and this keeps the pureAir 3000 clean.

So there you have it, no more pollen, mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, odors, and dangerous pathogens in your home.

Buying Factors to Consider

If your home comes up smaller than 3,000 square feet, don’t worry the purifier has scaleable settings that allow you to select the size of your space by square feet and then set the purifier to that level. That means you won’t overdo it.

The pureAir 3000 is pretty quiet to run – similar to an ordinary desktop fan. You may notice an ozone odor if you get right up close to the unit while it’s running. This is normal but you should not smell it in your room. If you do, you have set it too high and you should simply turn the purifier settings down.

The pureAir 3000 comes with easy-to-understand instructions on set up, use, and maintenance. It isn’t cheap but for your dollar, it’s well worth the investment.

Best for Mold and Bacteria [1,100 Sqft]: Alen BreatheSmart Classic Large Room Air Purifier

It was designed by NASA airflow engineers!

Proven to help with allergies and asthma, it eliminates pollen, and dust, as well as odors, and fumes, including all pet and household odors.

And if that wasn’t enough to impress, its HEPA silver filter also kills airborne mold spores, bacteria, germs, fungi, and even viruses including the flu!

How does it do that?

The Alen BreatheSmart Classic features an ozone-free ionizer.

The ionizer produces negative ions that clump airborne particles together – making them easier to trap in the high capacity True HEPA layer filter – effectively removing 99.97% of all airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Just imagine – that’s about 56 times smaller than human hair.

What’s more, smart sensors automatically adjust to your environment, and LED light indicators to give you real-time air quality readings of the surrounding air: Blue indicates excellent air quality, orange equals fair, and red indicates poor air quality.

Poor quality air is pulled in through the side chambers to the HEPA layer filters which offer four layers of filtration, and clean air then flows out through the top.

The sensor will adjust the speed of the fan according to the particle level, cleaning the air more quickly when the particle level is high. You’ll be able to watch the sensor lights change as your purifier gets to work.

What We Like:

• Four Layers of Filtration | A pre-filter traps pet hair and larger particles. A silver filter, traps and kills bacteria and mold spores. A True HEPA Pure layer, filters out dust, dust mites, dirt, pollen, and other airborne allergens. And finally, a carbon layer absorbs odors.
• LED Light Indicators |These automatically adjust to your environment and give you real-time readings of the quality of your surrounding air.
• Smart Sensor | The sensor automatically adjusts the speed of the fan according to the air quality.
• Soothingly Quiet | The turbofan has a frequency called pink noise which is lower in tone than white noise. It’s very soothing – and great for anyone who likes to sleep with white noise.

Best Ultra-Fine Particle Eliminator [1,125 Sqft]: IQAir GC MultiGas Air Purifier – Medical-Grade

Made in Switzerland and powered with the equivalent chemical removing abilities of more than 100 gas masks, this unit features the highest standard of filtration.

Recommended for homes with higher levels of gas and odor pollution such as in-home cigarette smoke, the unit features 12 Lbs of activated carbon and alumina pellets impregnated with potassium permanganate to remove gasses and chemicals including formaldehyde from the air.

What’s more, the unit (and its filter media) are 100% sealed – so no unfiltered air will escape uncleaned, and once filtered, clean air is distributed evenly (320 degrees).

What We Like:

• Highest Standard of Filtration | This unit features the highest standard of filtration, including alumina pellets impregnated with potassium permanganate to remove formaldehyde from the air.
• Powerful Fan | Delivers up to 300 CFM of air.
• Remote Controlled | With programmable options, filter-life monitoring, and a color-coded light indicator to show you when the filter needs changing.

Buying Factors to Consider:

It’s not the cheapest option. But it does have a lot to offer. The HyperHEPA filter will eliminate more than 95% of ultra-fine particles down to 0.003 microns.

And it’s worth remembering that approximately 90% of all airborne particles are ultrafine. These ultrafine have been linked to heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and even cancer.

Not all of us have a real fireplace in our homes, and if you are tired of looking at an unrealistic one that doesn’t have any flames or if you don’t have a fireplace and you would really love one, then here’s what makes them such a good option:

• They are ridiculously eco-friendly – In fact, they’re so eco-friendly that they are carbon neutral.
• They are non-toxic  – They produce no smoke, odors, ash, or soot. All they produce is carbon dioxide and water and that’s carbon-neutral carbon dioxide.
• They look natural – Because they produce real flames.
• You can put one anywhere – You don’t need a chimney, flue, or gas/electricity supply.

There are so many on the market to choose from, so we’ve done all the hard work and research for you to help you choose an ethanol fireplace according to which type you need. From an initial 20-plus brands, we’ve narrowed our recommendations down to the top 8 best ones and have picked one for each category. Ultimately, if you don’t have a fireplace, we recommend the Anywhere Fireplace by Chelsea Model.

Top Choice: Anywhere Fireplace – Chelsea Model

For looks, quality and price you can’t beat this one. It will create a beautiful warm and inviting focal point in any room and the stylish curved design creates a nice 3d effect that will give your fireplace a sense of depth. So it won’t look like you just hung a boring flat picture on your wall when it’s not lit.

Now let’s have a look at its heat output:

The Anywhere Fireplace produces between 4,000 and 8,500 BTU per hr.

The manufacturers state that it will heat a room up to 375 square feet – but just bear in mind that in reality, that’s not quite enough to heat a room fully by itself in winter.

That being said with will feel warm to sit by because it does produce feel flames. You will get natural flames that reach a height of approx 7″ – as real flames do. The flames dance just like any other real flames, so they will vary in height.

You can check our table to figure out how much of a difference this fireplace will actually make to heating your room.

What We Like:

• Hang It Anywhere | It’s light and so easy to hang with simple easy-to-follow instructions and all fixings are provided. Just be sure to avoid wood or wallpapered walls. Because, you know, it’s a fire. It gets hot.
• Soft Open Real Flame | You get a nice natural flame the height reaches approx 7″ as real flames do.
• Durable Brushed Stainless Steel Construction |The brushed stainless steel gives it an elegant look without compromising its durability.
• A Choice of Color Options | There’s a black or red option though we should point out they are not stainless steel, they are steel with a satin paint finish.

Cons:

To be honest this could be a pro as much as a con and keep in mind that this isn’t specific to this fireplace.

Bio-ethanol fireplaces, in general, have a low heat output compared to traditional fireplaces. So it’s not going to be effective as your only heat source but when you cozy up next to it you’ll be lovely and warm and it’s at least not going to overheat your room making you too uncomfortable to enjoy watching the flames.

Dimensions:

At 27.5 x 5 x 19 inches it’s not going to swamp your wall but it’s plenty big enough to make an impact and create a lovely focal point in your room.

Highly Recommend: Regal Flame Elite Lenox Ventless Bio Ethanol Recessed or Wall-Mounted Fireplace

If you do choose to hang it, you can hang this fireplace on almost any wall, just remember it will stand out from the wall by 5.7″.

Compared to our previous choice, the Elite Lenox is much more powerful. It easily produces 18,000 BTUs which will comfortably warm a room of 1200 sq. ft.

It runs on three 1.5-liter adjustable burners which produce a natural dancing flame of between 12 and 14 inches. The surround is made from a high-quality 430 stainless steel that won’t rust or corrode and it’s also stain-resistant.

What We Like:

• No Installation Option | You can install/recess this fireplace but you don’t need to. Just remember it will stand out from the wall by 5.7″. You, of course, don’t need an existing chimney or vent of any kind.
• Good Heat Output | Bio ethanol fireplaces are not generally a realistic option to replace your central heating. They give off a gentle heat and are more suitable for creating a realistic flame, as well as an instant decorative focal point without the hassle. However, with an output of 18,000 BTUs, it will easily warm a room of 1200 sq. ft.
• Stainless Steel Construction | So it not only looks beautiful, it’s rust-resistant corrosion-resistant, and, of course, stain-resistant.

Cons:

At maximum capacity, the fuel will last approximately 4-6 hours (depending on the room temperature and climate). 

Ethanol fireplaces cost more to run than traditional fireplaces and because this option has more than one burner will be a little on the fuel-hungry side. You can see the cost estimates in the Bioethanol Fireplaces vs Traditional Fireplaces section below.

Also Great: Regal Flame Avon Ventless Indoor Outdoor Fire Pit

Its simple elegant and ultra-modern style certainly has that wow factor. It’ll create an instant impact and because it’s a tabletop or free-standing ethanol fireplace it will give you maximum versatility for where and how you want to place it.

Place it in an existing open fireplace and it will create an instant natural fire – especially great if your fireplace doesn’t have a suitable chimney, vent, or power supply.

Alternatively, you can place it outside, where it will create a cozy indoor feel to your outdoor space, making it a warm focal point for your patio or pool area.

And that’s what this one is all about – it’s more of a decorative piece than a source of serious heat. At 3,900 BTUs it’s not going to make much difference on a cold winter’s day, but it will give off a gentle warmth. You can get a good idea of how much heat it would give off by looking at the table below.

What we love about the Avon Ventless is that it comes with a tall safety glass panel on each side.

This helps control the flames and protect them from external wind movement.

What’s more, the glass is removable which will give you a lovely natural look if you are planning on placing it in an existing fireplace.

And lastly, the Avon Ventless comes complete with a snuffer/damper to safely put out the flame immediately.

What We Like:

• Zero Installation required | Place it on any sturdy surface and you are good to go.
• Stainless Steel | So it will stay looking good. It’s rust-resistant corrosion-resistant and, of course, stain-resistant.
• Color Options | Prefer a black or white one to match your decor. These are not stainless steel, however, just painted steel.
• Indoor/Outdoors | It’ll make a lovely focal point for your yard or pool area but equally, you can create a beautiful instant fireplace indoors with or without an existing fireplace or suitable wall to hang it on.

Cons:

It’s extremely versatile, you can place it on any stable table or floor but just remember it’s a real fire with glass sides.

Another Worthy Mention: Regal Flame 18″ Ethanol Fireplace Grate Log Set with Burner Insert

If you’d like to convert an existing traditional fireplace into a bioethanol fireplace there are a few nice options that are open to you.

The first one we will look at will be this attractive birch log burning grate set that comes complete with a burner insert.

The log grate is made from high-quality Stainless Steel which is durable, easy to clean, rustproof corrosion-resistant, and stain-resistant.

It comes with a set of 5 lightweight birch logs – designed specifically to fit in the grate. This means they are simple to assemble and will look natural.

The burner insert holds 1.5 liters of fuel, so the fire will burn for up to 6 hrs at full capacity.

Dimensions: 18″W x 4.7″D x 13.4″H

What We Like:

• It’s Portable | You can lift it in and out of the fireplace very easily which makes it very convenient for cleaning.
• Stainless Steel | Made from high-quality Stainless Steel so it’s durable, easy to clean, rustproof corrosion-resistant, and stain-resistant.
• Logs | A set of 5 lightweight birch logs is included in the kit, designed specifically to fit in the grate

Cons:

Because the logs are set quite high over the burner you may have to turn up the setting by making sure the slot is open all the way and of course, the flames will look taller when burned at maximum capacity.

Compared to other burners the heat output of this fire is not too bad at 6,000 BTUs. However, like all bio ethanol fires, it’s not super hot. Check the table if you want to learn more about how much heat you will feel from this fireplace.

Also Great: Regal Flame Ethanol Fireplace Burner Insert 

Although it can stand on any stable surface (the bottom doesn’t get hot), to get the maximum impact from an insert you’re going to want to sink it into a recess, grate, and maybe, if you want a more traditional look, add some ceramic pebbles or ceramic fire logs.

This one has a very sleek, understated, and minimalist style. This means the flames will create a stunning focal point for you – without the design getting in the way.

Though it’s worth pointing out that although the open flame look is more natural and attractive than having a glass panel in front of it, depending on where you want to put it, for example, if wind movement is likely to be an issue, you might be better off going with the Regal Flame Avon Indoor Outdoor Tabletop Fireplace featured above.

Dimensions: The 1.5-liter ethanol fireplace burner insert is 11.8W x 4.9D x 3.2H”

What We Like:

• Built-in Damper/Snuffer | It features a slim metal panel that can be slid over the burner to safely put out the flames. Just use the damper tool, included, to close it.
• Stainless Steel | It’s easy to clean and will always look good because it’s rustproof corrosion-resistant and stain-resistant.
• Perfect for a Recess Surface | You are pretty much limited only by your imagination of how you want to use an insert. Fireplaces, pits, chimeneas, or a large bowl, etc are ideal for use with the Bio Ethanol Fireplace Burner Insert.
• Versatile | It’s portable, suitable for a tabletop, or any already listed above, and can be used indoors or out. Just keep it away from flammable surfaces.
• Good Capacity | The burner insert holds 1.5 liters of fuel, so the fire will burn for up to 6 hrs at full capacity.

Cons:

It looks good on its own but if you’re going to use it in an existing hole-in-the-wall fireplace and you haven’t got a grate to sink it into, you might want to consider the Ignis EBG1200 Grate Insert instead.

Also Great: Ignis EBG1200 Grate Insert

The insert is available either with or without a grate but for instant impact, especially if you don’t have anything to sink a standard insert into, the grate burner really comes into its own as a stand-alone complete design.

Compared with other inserts out there, the 6,000 BTUs that this one puts out is pretty good. The burner holds 1.5 liters of fuel, so the fire will burn for up to 6 hrs at full capacity.

However, you should keep in mind, it’s not going to heat your room as much as a log burner or traditional real fire would.

If you want to get an idea of how much heat you’ll get from this fire see the table below.

That being said, if you have a large fireplace, and want some serious heat, there is an alternate, larger version that puts out a whopping 21,500 BTUs of heat and holds 8 liters of fuel. This is the one shown below.

Let’s take a look at its features.

What We Like:

• Zero Installation | Its neat stand-alone design means no need to disguise the sides. Simply place it in your hole-in-the-wall fireplace and you’ll have an instant real fire in a sleek modern grate.
• Built-in Damper/Snuffer | It features a metal panel that slides over the burner to instantly put out the flames and it comes with a damper tool to close the lid.
• Stainless Steel Burner Insert | It’s easy to clean, rustproof, corrosion-resistant, and stain-resistant. The grate is good quality painted steel.
• Good Capacity | The Ignis EBG1200 version holds 1.5 liters of fuel, so the fire will burn for up to 6 hrs at full capacity.

Budget pick: Regal Flame Indoor Outdoor Eden Ventless

There’s something especially calming about watching real flames and the Eden Fire Bowl is perfect for creating a lovely ambiance in your home or outdoor space.

As you’d expect, it’s more of a decorative piece than a heat source. Having said that 2,000 BTU’s for its size is pretty good. If you’re wondering what 2,000 BTU’s feels like, you can get an idea by looking at the table below.

Dimensions: The Regal Flame Eden Fire Bowl is 6.3″ x 6.3″ x 10.4″.

Let’s take a look at its features:

What We Like:

• Ideal For Repelling Mosquitos | Simply add 15 percent citronella oil to the bio ethanol fuel to keep those mosquitos at bay if you are using the fire bowl outside.
• More Color Options | Good choice of color options to complement your decor. The black and the stainless steel options are shown but this bowl also comes in a vibrant green or blue as well.
• Pebbles Included | Unlike others out there you don’t need to make any additional purchases to complete the look. The kit comes complete with little pebbles.
• Damper Included |To immediately put out the flames, safely. Shown above.
• Good Flame Hight | With an 8 – 12″ flame hight, just like any real fire, it looks impressive and will create a lovely cozy atmosphere.
• Good Burn Time | For its size that is. It’ll burn for about 1 hr when filled to the maximum level.

Cons:

The Glass isn’t thin or poor quality by any means, but be careful not to knock it or it could break.

It’s a little fiddly to set it up. It’s best to add the pebbles after the glass is in place, you just need to take your time adding the pebbles so they don’t fall into the center well.

Check the latest price and color options for the Regal Flame Indoor Outdoor Eden Ventless on Amazon.

Fuel: Regal Flame Prime Ventless Bio Ethanol Fireplace Fuel

The great thing about choosing a bio ethanol fireplace is that the only by-products it gives off are carbon dioxide and water.

It’s completely non-toxic so it goes without saying that you should only use ethanol fuel made specifically for these fireplaces.

Burning anything else could not only be extremely dangerous but could give off toxic fumes.

To give you an idea of how much burn time you’ll get, one bottle is going to burn for about 2 to 4 hrs depending on whether you use a higher or lower flame setting. Weather/air movement conditions will also affect the burn time

Ethanol Fireplaces vs. Traditional Fireplaces

If you love the idea of a traditional fireplace, but were wondering if it would be better to go for a bio ethanol fireplace instead, then let me clear up the pros and cons of each in this handy little comparison section.

Let’s start with appearance.

Appearance

Traditional fireplaces and log-burning stoves can look amazing. They’re natural-looking and produce a lot of heat. Let’s face it, if you like the look of a traditional fireplace then any other similar type of fireplace is just trying to emulate that look.

That said, they do a really good job of that. For example, you can place a burner insert such as the Regal Flame Slim 12″ Insert into a traditional masonry fireplace [click here to scroll to the review above].

The only downside to that is that you will need to disguise the appliance with ceramic fireproof logs or pebbles.

The Ignis EBG1200 Grate Insert comes with a grate included if you don’t have a grate to place an insert into. It will look neat and stylish but with a slightly more modern twist than the rustic look of a traditional fireplace, [click here to scroll to the review above].

The flames that a bioethanol fireplace produces are real and as such they give off a lovely soft orange dancing flame that varies in height from around 3-4″ to 7-12″.

There is, it has to be said, a difference between the fire that a bio ethanol fireplace produces and a traditional real fire in that the bio ethanol fire is emitted from a fairly narrow slot or reservoir.

This does have a tendency to flatten the flames somewhat and of course, limit the surface area and so decreasing the depth of the fire.

However, they tend to have a sleek modern, minimalist design, and as such the flames look natural in their setting.

So how do other types of fireplaces compete?

There’s no doubt that the newest gas fires, depending on how high-end you want to go, can look amazing and pretty natural. The logs or coal pieces are sometimes the only giveaway that the fire is not a natural rustic traditional one.

They do, however, tend to also lack the depth of tradition one and getting a truly authentic look comes with a high price tag.

Electric fireplaces are usually just projections of simulated flames on a backdrop with artificial logs or coals that are lit up from within. They can’t really compete with a real flame. If you want to spend a lot of money, however, then you can get a pretty good simulation of a real fire like this one.

Bio ethanol fireplaces cost much less and for your money, you get a real flame.

Noise

Unlike other types of fireplaces, there is no noise distraction such as the hissing of gas, crackling wood or coal or the sound of an electric heating fan whirling away.

Safety

However pleasant wood smoke smells, it has both short and long term serious health risks. Wood smoke is known to contain toxic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein, and PAHs. Older log-burning stoves in particular release toxic gases and microscopic particles. Many studies have linked these particle levels to health problems such as asthma and bronchitis, and even deaths from heart attacks, strokes, heart and lung disease. Newer models of wood burners should be EPA-certified, but even then EPA say “Today’s wood-burning appliances burn cleaner and produce less smoke inside and outside your home.” Note that’s not, no smoke. There is a list of safety precautions you should follow and you’ll have to be vigilant watching out for darker smoke, or a smoldering fire which is neither safe nor efficient and that’s just to name just two.

Gas fireplaces are generally cleaner burning than traditional or wood-burning fireplaces although they do run the risk of releasing poisonous carbon monoxide. Choosing a bio ethanol fireplace means you don’t have to worry about breathing in any airborne carcinogens. That’s because it doesn’t produce any smoke, ash, soot or any other toxins. What’s more, there are no odors. All it produces is carbon dioxide and water and that’s carbon neutral carbon dioxide.

Bio ethanol fires are non-toxic can’t say that enough.

Cost of Ownership

It is a little more costly to run a bio ethanol fireplace than a gas or electric one.

However, you don’t need any gas or electrical hookups and what’s more: At the end of the month, you’re not going to be shocked by your gas and electricity bill.

Because the fuel comes in liter bottles there are no hidden costs. This means you can see just how much you are using and in fact, one bottle of ethanol fuel will last on average between 2 – 4 hours depending on the flame setting and any external conditions such as wind movement, etc.

Of course, with bio-ethanol fireplaces, no chimneys or vents are required either which cuts down on a lot of hassle.

And you’ve got to consider how much expense this will save you from not having to spend any extra money on setting up a fireplace.

With a bio-ethanol fireplace, you just have the cost of buying the fireplace and its fuel.

Environmental Impact

Fossil fuel fireplaces such as those that use oil, coal, and gas, use non-renewable energy and as such, they have a significant detrimental effect on air pollution, health and the environment in general.

Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces can use a renewable energy source, however, you need to make sure that the wood you use is specifically grown for firewood and is not a product of deforestation.

Even if you use firewood from a renewable source, however, it still will be a significant source of local air pollution, negatively impacting the health of yourself and those around you, as well as the local ecosystem – if you do go for a wood-burning stove you’ll definitely need a good air purifier.

If you’re concerned about looking after our beautiful planet, then a bio-ethanol fireplace is your best choice. They are completely carbon neutral as explained in the previous section and of course, they are non-toxic so a bio-ethanol fireplace will look after your health.

Tabletop Fireplaces vs. Wall Mount Fireplaces

If you are looking to create a cozy focal point in your living space, wall-mount ones look more traditional than tabletop ones.

They are just more natural-looking and simply look like a really good contemporary fireplace. You are also not as likely to trip over them as they’re up on the wall and out of the way so in that respect they are way safer.

You’re not going to be able to move a wall mount one to an outdoor area or between rooms.

Well, you can but only where you have fixings ready and of course, you’d still see the fixings on the wall where you left them. So if you want maximum versatility you might consider a tabletop one.

That said, if you change your living space around you can still change your mind about where you want to hang your wall-mount fireplace. Just remember that you can hang it on any wall, but just be sure to avoid wood or wallpapered walls. Because, you know, it’s a fire. It gets hot.

Tabletop ones are really out there in terms of style and versatility. They are viewable 360 degrees. Which means you, in effect have a double-sided fireplace.

Tabletop ones are suitable for patio, yard, or pool areas and can be placed on any stable surface. They make a lovely decorative focal point for outdoor dining. And they are super cozy to sit by outside on a not-so-warm evening.

Do Bio Ethanol Fireplaces Produce Heat?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. You can think of them as “heat units”.

We will take, for example, an average 12 feet x 18 feet room with a 10 feet high ceiling and average insulation. For the desired temperature of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit with no other heating source, here is roughly what you would need in BTU for each climate zone:

CLIMATE ZONE 1	7,000 BTU per hr
CLIMATE ZONE 2	8,000 BTU per hr
CLIMATE ZONE 3	9,300 BTU per hr
CLIMATE ZONE 4	10,000 BTU per hr
CLIMATE ZONE 5	12,000 BTU per hr

Don’t expect a bio-ethanol fireplace of any kind to be super hot but it will feel cozy and warm for anyone sitting by it.

Buying factors to Consider

If you’re undecided as to which type to go for, here is a little guide to help you choose.

Type

If you have an unused traditional fireplace, you can place an insert or insert with grate into the space thereby converting your existing fireplace into a healthy and environmentally friendly fireplace.

If you prefer a more modern, minimalist look, however, and don’t have an existing masonry fireplace but still want your living space to have a natural-looking focal point then a wall-mounted or recessed bio-ethanol fireplace would be ideal.

Larger freestanding or tabletop ones, on the whole, tend to look their best in an outdoor space or conservatory area.

Bioethanol fire bowls are great for indoor and outdoor dining tables and coffee tables etc. and shouldn’t be regarded as a fireplace but as more of a centerpiece.

All the best options are reviewed in detail in the sections above.

Material

Stainless Steel – Each of the fireplaces reviewed in the above sections comes with a stainless steel option. For durability and maintenance, you can’t really go wrong with stainless steel. It’s easy to clean, with a damp cloth. It’s rustproof, corrosion-resistant, stain-resistant, and even pretty much scratch-resistant.

Paint Finished Steel – The finish is durable and tough, not likely to stain, rust, corrode or scratch. However, if it does scratch the scratch will show up more because of the silver steel underneath.

Setup Requirements

You don’t need to install a chimney, vent, or any kind of power supply for a bio ethanol fireplace.

Recess and wall-mounted fireplaces do require some set-up. Recess ones, in particular, may require preparing a hole in the wall to sink the fireplace into. The wall mount ones don’t require much set-up they just need to be mounted onto fixings in the wall.

Tabletop fireplaces require no setup because they don’t need to be attached to anything. You just set them on a stable surface like a table or something. All you have to do is refill them now and then, just like the other bioethanol fireplaces, but with the tabletop ones it’s the only thing you could consider to be a kind of “setup.”

Heat Output

The heat output is generally low and they can rarely be relied on as your sole source of heat.

That said the Bio Flame Grate Kit which gives off 21,500 BTUs is pretty impressive heat-wise.

Alternatively, at 6,000 BTUs per Burner giving you a total of 24,000 BTUs the Xbeauty 66″ Ventless Built-in Recessed Fireplace will easily warm up your living space.

Most others, however, should be considered more as a decorative focal point.

Burn Time

Generally speaking the larger the burner capacity the longer and the hotter the fire will burn. For example, a 1.5 Liter burner will last up to 6 hours, whereas a smaller capacity one such as a 0.5 Liter burner will only last for up to 3 hrs.

Size

The tabletop ones don’t vary in size as much as the wall mount or recessed ones. That is because they tend to have a similar design, consisting of a rectangular burner encased in a base with glass on both the front and back. They often vary in size usually by only a few inches.

The recessed ones reviewed above have more variation in size. The larger the fireplace the more burners you get with it. They come in different shapes too. Some are long and narrow while some are more square-shaped, so there’s a good chance you find the right size to fit your wall.

Wall Mount ones also vary depending on their design. The one reviewed above is 27.5 x 5 x 19″ which doesn’t look too big or too small for its design.

Price

The tabletop, inserts, and fire bowls are inexpensive, coming in at well under the $100 mark. The Ethanol Fireplace Grate Log Set with Burner Insert costs around $200. The wall mount ones are in the next price bracket averaging around $400 and the recessed ones cost anywhere between $100 and $600. The most expensive one mentioned in this article is the Bio Flame Grate Kit. However, at 29.7” long, it is particularly big for its type and may be the best option to place in a larger traditional fireplace to gain maximum heat.

Accessories

You can dress your burners and inserts using decorative ceramic pebbles or logs which are specifically designed to withstand the heat of an ethanol fire. Either choice will give you a softer more natural look than the bare stainless steel top.

Let’s take a look at a few examples.

Pebbles

If you want a decorative clean modern look then pebbles are the way to go. The Regal Flame 24 Piece Set of Light Weight Ceramic Fiber Pebbles comes in 3 different shades. The black (shown) grey and white (shown).

They are easy to arrange and adding more or fewer will change the overall look. They are completely safe and do not produce any ash, fibers or residue into the air.

These pebbles measure 2.3 inches. But you can get larger or smaller sizes. The great thing about them is that they cool quickly.

Logs

If you prefer a more rustic look, there are a variety of realistic-looking ceramic logs.

The Moda Flame 9 PC Petite Ceramic Wood Fireplace Log Set below left includes 6 logs and 3 pine cones. They range in size from 4 inches to 9 inches. Alternatively, for a more burnt look, the Regal Flame 8 Piece Set below right includes 8 life-size logs ranging in size from 5.7 inches to 12.8 inches.

Care and Maintenance

They are pretty easy to set up and maintain and they come with clear easy-to-follow instructions.

They all have a fuel reservoir. Just make sure you never fill it to more than ¾ full and that the fire is off and the fuel reservoir has cooled down for 15 minutes before trying to add more fuel. And of course, thoroughly clean up anything you spill.

When you light the fuel use only an extended lighter.

It goes without saying that you should NOT allow children or pets near the fireplace when it’s burning and the fireplace and fuel should only be handled by adults.

Use only ethanol fuel made specifically for these fireplaces. Don’t try burning anything else it could be extremely dangerous not to mention highly toxic.

You can get it here on Amazon.

The womb chair is a timeless design that has been a popular choice for modern interiors since its inception in the 1940s. Designed by Eero Saarinen, this iconic chair is known for its comfortable, womb-like shape and its ability to adapt to the body’s natural curves.

The inspiration behind the design was architect, furniture, and interior designer, Florence Knoll. She asked Saarinen to design her a chair that would feel, “like a basket full of pillows . . . something I can curl up in.”

The result, after two years and many failed attempts to design a chair “that would work” – one that would feel as comfortable whichever way one sat in it, was the elegantly curved, (originally titled), Model No.70.

Minimalist, and organic in form, it was described by Saarinen as “a cup-like shell into which you can curl up and pull up your legs.” It was so comforting to sit in and relax, both physically and psychologically, it soon became affectionately known as the womb chair.

But with its high price tag, the original womb chair is not always within reach for everyone. That’s where womb chair replicas come in.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best womb chair replicas on the market, so you can get the iconic look without breaking the bank.

Our Top Pick	Kardiel Womb Chair and Ottoman Kardiel.com	Read More
Also Fabulous	Womb Chair and Ottoman *Custom Made Eternity Modern	Read More
Best Budget Buy	Danish Cashmere Wool Womb Chair Interior Icons	Read More

Also in this guide.

• Frequently Asked Questions

One reason we recommend choosing an iconic piece such as this, from an independent company, rather than from Amazon, is that you will inevitably have more fabric choices and color options. And you do want choice if you are investing in a statement piece that will take pride of place in your living space for years to come.

Womb chairs, even reproduction womb chairs, are admittedly not cheap, but that’s because they are not cheap to reproduce.

They are, however, still several thousand dollars cheaper than the official chair! Offering those of us who love and appreciate the cool, classic, mid-century modern design of this chair, a much more affordable option to cater to a smaller budget than the official version would ever accommodate.

With the Kardiel chair and ottoman, you get a good choice of fabrics as well as several color options. You can choose between indigenous boucle, cashmere tweed, or luxurious matte velvet.

We’ll now take a quick look at each of the fabric choices:

Indigenous Boucle – With a weight of 590 grams per square meter, and scoring a very high Martindale rub count of 100,000, this stunning textured fabric is very on-trend and it’s just as durable as it is beautiful. The boucle fabric is made from 95% Polyester and 5% Acrylic.

Cashmere Tweed – Upholstered in 50% cashmere wool and blended with 50% polyester Dacron synthetic fiber, the cashmere tweed option (below) combines all the quality and luxury of boucle fabric with the softness, durability – and indeed the practicality that Dracon provides. Just so you know, Dracon is actually synthetic silk.

Matte Velvet– Additionally, the chair is available in fern, petrol, or merigold matte velvet. This is a heavy velvet made from polyester and cotton yarns which results in a high Martindale rub count of 100,000. This means it’s certified for heavy usage and it’s also fade and stain-resistant.

Whichever fabric you go for, each chair and ottoman is stunningly handmade including the neatly, cross edge-stitched, finish which gives the chair its distinctive handcrafted appearance.

The fiberglass shell is true to the original design and supports sturdy, well-made steel legs with adjustable feet, the chair comes with chromed steel legs or a black steel finish.

The modular multi-density foam cushions are detachable and adhere to all safety and fire regulations. Without, (we’d like to emphasize) any added chemicals.

And that’s the thing, Kadiel is a reputable company, their customer service is friendly and most importantly they are contactable.

They offer a lifetime warranty on bases, legs, and hardware, and a 3-year warranty on all fabrics, cushioning, and seams.

What We Like:

• More fabric choices and color options – Because this one is from an independent company you get a much wider selection of fabric choices and colors.
• High Quality – It’s a very well-made replica, nearly identical to the original design.

Chair Dimensions: 37.8″ (W) x 38.6″ x Height 35″

Ottoman Dimensions:  24.8″ (W) x 21.7″ x Height 18.9″

If you are choosing an accent chair, especially one that’s as iconic as the womb chair, you want it to be the perfect color in the perfect fabric choice -something that takes you to your happy place every time you look at it.

Eternity Modern custom makes each chair, especially for you. You can choose between the impressively wide range of fabric choices listed below, or you can choose to have a chair made, using your own fabric.

Here are your fabric choices:

Boucle wool, velvet, chenille, helios linen, Sunbrella fabric, aniline leather, and vintage.

The wide choice of fabric options makes the Eternity Modern chair our most practical option too.

For example, if your chair is likely to be exposed to sunlight for much of the day, you can opt for Sunbrella fabric.

If you’ve read our outdoor chaise lounges, guide, you’ll know how amazing this fabric is. But in brief, it’s highly UV-resistant so it’s not going to fade. It’s also water-repellent, breathable, and it’s super easy to clean.

Perfect for sunrooms or for homes with children and pets.

And whereas most womb replicas only come in bouclé wool, this chair also comes in a rare, full aniline leather option too – aniline leather being the highest quality leather you can get. If you what to learn more about aniline leather, just check out our Barcelona replica guide.

So let’s take a look at the details.

The cushions are filled with highly-resilient, baby-friendly, urethane foam, and, of course, all materials on this chair are fire-retardant and non-toxic.

And the shell is molded fiberglass just like the original, and it’s supported by black powder-coated steel legs.

What We Like:

• Completely Customizable | You can have one made in your own fabric or choose from a wide choice of fabric and color options. Most notably Sunbrella fabric is perfect if your chair will be situated in a sunny location. Or even (a rare find) – a leather option.

Buying Factors to Consider:

Eternity Modern is a highly respected company, established in 2005, and specializing in high-quality mid-century modern furniture, and their womb chair is a testament to the exceptionally high standard of workmanship that goes into their pieces.

As we’ve already mentioned, these chairs are custom-made, so each one is made to order – that means there will inevitably be a few weeks’ wait. That said, this chair is, in our opinion, totally worth it.

Womb chairs are not cheap to reproduce, simply because they are replicating a chair that is, by nature, costly and labor-intensive to make. But the same is also true for other iconic chairs. So all things considered it’s a very affordable option for those who love the style but can’t justify the high price tag that usually comes with it.

What we love about this chair is that it’s still made with 100% Cashmere wool. You can see a close-up of the stitch above. It’s not going to be quite as thick and soft as the original, or even as thick and soft as the higher-quality reproductions.

But then the original doesn’t have super thick cushioning to start with. All the comfort of an original Saarinen is in the ergonomic shape of the chair rather than in the cushioning itself and it’s the design of the shell that cocoons and envelops the sitter to create the perfect place to relax.

Hand Stitched and upholstered in premium Cashmere wool over custom-formed foam cushions, the shell is fabricated from reinforced fiberglass – just as Saarinen designed all those years ago.

You can see the quality of stitching in this chair in the photo above.

Stainless-Steel legs with a polished chrome finish give strength and stability to the shell and they are constructed with the same materials as the original design.

What We Like:

• Matching Womb Style Setee Available | Why not complete your look with this rare find?
• Cashmere Fabric | The seat and ottoman are also piped in the same fabric.
• Stainless-Steel Legs with Polished Chrome Finish | As per the original design.

Drawbacks:

• It’s worth noting that you just get the chair with this option. Not the ottoman too, but then, that may be your preference anyway.

In conclusion, womb chair replicas are a great way to get the iconic look of the original at a more affordable price. When shopping for a replica, be sure to consider factors like materials, construction, and dimensions to ensure you get a high-quality product.

Lastly, if you’d like a free mid-century modern print, hop over to our free printable page.

Are you tired of your old, boring mirror that just sits there and reflects your face back at you? Well then, it’s time to upgrade to the ultimate in mirror technology: the smart mirror.

Depending on what features you want, a smart mirror can give you up-to-date information on the weather, the time, the indoor temperature, and more, or, you can choose to listen to your favorite music via Bluetooth – whether you are getting ready to start your morning or relaxing in the tub at the end of a long day.

In fact, installing a smart mirror is exactly what we chose to do recently when renovating what looked more like a prison cell than a luxury bathroom before we moved in (as you can see in the estate agent photo below left). Below right is the same bathroom as it is now with our new smart mirror installed.

We love how the lighting from the smart mirror softens and enhances the overall look of our bathroom. I am personally very impressed with the anti-mist feature which keeps the surface of the mirror clear and steam-free so I can now use the bathroom mirror to do my makeup.

Smart mirrors don’t all have the same features, so it can be a little confusing to work out what each model does and doesn’t have. Below is a list of the main features that smart mirrors will allow you to do:

Different Features of Smart Mirrors:

• Real-time weather updates with recognizable weather icons
• Indoor temperature and humidity readings
• Alarm settings to help keep you on schedule
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Dimmable or color-changing lighting options
• Anti-mist pad for a clear center of the mirror
• Magnifying area for makeup or shaving, with some models featuring a lighted magnifying area.

Now, not just any smart mirror will do. You want the best, and that’s where we come in. We’ve scoured the internet, tested the products, and ranked them from good to great to absolute perfection. And the winner, drumroll please… is the BYECOLD Vanity Touch Switch Bathroom Mirror.

The BYECOLD Vanity Touch Switch Bathroom Mirror is a cut above the rest, with its impressive array of features. The connection to the WiseMirror app gives you real-time weather updates, while the touch button lets you adjust the color temperature on the fly. And if you’re worried about fogging up the mirror, fear not – the anti-fog function kicks in immediately, clearing up the mirror in just 5-10 minutes. This mirror is built to last, too, with its durable, armored glass and IP54 waterproof rating. Plus, it comes in a range of sizes and configurations to suit any wall space and has a 1-year warranty for peace of mind. All in all, it’s a versatile and functional choice that blows the competition out of the water.

Features	Brand	Click Image to Read Review
WiFi /Weather	BYECOLD Vertical Vanity Touch Switch Bathroom Mirror
Bluetooth	M LTMIRROR
Bluetooth	Gesipor Smart Bathroom Mirror with Touch Switch
Best Budget Option /with Bluetooth	Homecart Bathroom LED Mirror Bluetooth Speaker
Free Standing Smart Vanity Mirror	Hansong Makeup Mirror with Lights and Bluetooth

Priced at under $400 for the largest size option, the BYECOLD smart mirror is not only beautiful but it’s affordable too.

The mirror is controlled by a sensitive smart touch button that allows you to adjust the color temperature to your liking. Simply switch the button on the black box at the back of the mirror and you can freely switch between 3000k and 6000k colors.

But that’s not all. This mirror connects to the WiseMirror app. This allows you to get real-time weather forecasts with eleven different recognizable icons. So it’s all right there for you to see.

And if you’re worried about your mirror fogging up, don’t! The anti-fog function on this vanity mirror kicks in immediately when you turn on the anti-fog button, clearing up the mirror in just 5-10 minutes. It’s safe, energy-efficient, and can even be turned on in advance before you use the mirror.

What about durability I hear you say? Well, this mirror is made of strong, armored glass that won’t easily break. Even if it does, it won’t shatter into pieces like regular glass would. The LED strips also come with a silvered reflection layer and are copper-free and environmentally friendly. Plus, the mirror has an IP54 waterproof rating, ensuring safe lighting in even the wettest of bathroom environments.

Installation is a breeze too, with four pairs of dowels and screws included in the package. And with the smart touch switch, you can easily access the mirror’s three major functions — light, defogging, and weather forecast.

In short, this backlit, smart, anti-fog vanity mirror is the ultimate addition to any bathroom. It’s stylish, functional, and easy to use, giving you a quick and intelligent experience every time you use it.

The BYECOLD touch switch mirror comes in a good range of sizes and configurations to suit any wall space — there are both horizontal and vertical options.

The mirror also comes with a 1-year warranty.

Pros:

• Sensitive smart touch button on the screen for easy color temperature adjustment
• Switch between 3000k and 6000k colors on the black box at the back of the mirror
• Connected to WiseMirror app for real-time weather forecasts on the mirror’s screen
• Anti-fog function clears the mirror in 5-10 minutes
• Made of strong, armored glass that won’t shatter if broken
• LED strips are copper-free and environmentally friendly
• IP54 waterproof rating for safe use in wet bathroom environments
• Easy to install with included dowels and screws
• One-button access to light, defogging, and weather forecast functions for a quick and intelligent experience.

Cons:

• If you were hoping this mirror would be able to play music too, unfortunately, it doesn’t – but our next option does.
• The Smart mirror will only work on your 2.4Ghz WiFi network, if you are using a dual-band router, you will need to split up the 2.4G and 5G networks, or turn off the 5G signal until you complete your WiFi connection.

This budget-friendly smart mirror won’t break the bank. Packed with features, it has a sleek, ultrathin design thanks to the integrated ABS sheet on the back, which also makes it sturdy and safe to use in wet bathroom environments. It’s even waterproof up to IP54 rate.

But the real kicker? It’s got a built-in Bluetooth speaker that lets you listen to your favorite tunes while getting ready in the morning or relaxing in the shower after a long day. And the best part? No more fogging up the mirror after a steamy shower. The defogger kicks in automatically, so it’s always clear.

The lighted vanity mirror also has a memory sensor that allows you to control the light and defogger with a wall switch. It remembers the last state of the light, so when you turn it back on, it’s just as you left it. Plus, the light is dimmable and has three color temperature settings: white, warm, and daylight.

But what really sets this mirror apart is its front LED light. It’s brighter, clearer, and more realistic than the typical backlit vanity mirror, so you can see yourself in the truest light possible. Perfect for makeup application, grooming, and skincare.

In short, the M LTMIRROR 24×32 lighted bathroom mirror is a game-changer and it comes with a 2 years warranty for peace of mind.

Pros:

• Integrated ABS sheet on the back makes the mirror sturdy and ultrathin
• Safe to use in wet bathroom environments and waterproof up to IP54 rate
• Built-in Bluetooth speaker for listening to music while getting ready or relaxing in the shower
• Defogger automatically kicks in to prevent fogging after a steamy shower
• Wall switch control and memory sensor remember the last state of the light
• Dimmable light with three color temperature settings: white, warm, and daylight
• Front LED light is brighter, clearer, and more realistic for makeup application, grooming, and skincare

Cons:

• Does not support Alexa or voice control (only Bluetooth for music)
• May be too large or too small for some bathroom spaces as it only comes in one size (24×32 inches)

And if your phone rings – you can quickly answer it by pressing the touch switch button on the mirror.

You’ll notice straight away that this mirror (unlike our previous pick) has the light-strip built into the mirror’s design. Although the one we have featured is framed by a mirrored edge, there’s also an option to choose one that has the light strip framing the edge of the mirror.

They are both equally stunning, and whichever design you choose, the light is dimmable and easily adjustable from a 6000K daylight white to a 3000K warm white – with a simple 3-second press of the switch.

Additionally, the mirror features an anti-fogging function that is accessed through a designated button on the display panel and although this mirror doesn’t give you a weather forecast, it does display the temperature as well as the time.

The mirror comes in a range of size options and orientations to suit any bathroom wall space.

The mirror has a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

Pros:

• Touch switch design allows for easy answering of phone calls
• Built-in light strip is sleek and modern
• Light is dimmable and easily adjustable between two color temperature settings
• Anti-fogging function for steamy showers
• Temperature and time display
• Comes in a range of sizes and orientations to fit any bathroom wall space
• 3-year warranty for peace of mind

Cons:

• Does not have a weather forecast function

Simply connect it to your phone and with a touch of the button, you can play your favorite tunes through the hidden speakers on the back of the mirror. It’s like having your own personal concert while you get ready in the morning.

But this mirror is more than just a speaker. It’s backlit by 4000K LEDs, which provide a cool, neutral light that’s perfect for makeup application, grooming, and skincare. And if you’re worried about fogging up the mirror after a steamy shower, fear not – it has an anti-fog function that’s activated with a touch of a button.

The mirror measures 23.6 x 31.5 x 1.2 inches and is only available in this size. So if you’re looking for a smaller or larger option, this may not be the right choice for you. Also, it’s worth noting that the anti-fog strip covers a large square in the central area of the mirror. While this shouldn’t be a problem for most people, it’s something to keep in mind.

Overall, this Bluetooth smart mirror is a stylish and functional addition to any bathroom. It’s got everything you need – and maybe a little bit more.

Pros:

• Bluetooth connectivity allows for playing music through hidden speakers on the back of the mirror
• Backlit by 4000K LEDs for a cool, neutral light
• Anti-fog function to prevent fogging after steamy showers
• Large size (23.6 x 31.5 x 1.2 inches) provides ample space for makeup application, grooming, and skincare

Cons:

• Only available in one size, may not be suitable for all bathroom wall spaces
• Anti-fog function only covers the central area of the mirror, outer edges may still fog up (but then again that’s true for all of them).

Simply connect the mirror to your phone through Bluetooth and you can listen to your favorite music while you are getting ready. And if your phone rings – you can even take calls.

What we love about the mirror is the way it can so easily be swiveled 360 degrees – so you can choose whether to position it in the horizontal or vertical position.

The addition of the included 3.5-inch detachable magnifying mirror with a magnification of 10X is great for make-up details or zooming in on those pores. Simply stick it to the mirror’s surface with the suction cups when needed.

Press and hold the touch button for 2-3 seconds and you can adjust the brightness of the light.

And what we particularly like is the flip power switch on the back to prevent the mirror lights from accidentally being turned on during travel or when in storage.

Pros:

• Affordable option compared to full-sized smart mirrors
• Connects to phone through Bluetooth for music and phone calls
• 360-degree swivel allows for horizontal or vertical positioning
• Includes 3.5-inch detachable magnifying mirror with 10X magnification
• Adjustable brightness with touch button
• Flip power switch to prevent accidental activation during travel or storage

Cons:

• Only available in a small, free-standing size
• May not be as functional as full-sized smart mirrors
• Does not have an anti-fogging function
• Does not display temperature or time
• May not be as durable as full-sized smart mirrors

It’s so easy to add a touch of luxury to your backyard, patio, or deck area just by adding the best soft top gazebo. Best of all, you’ll transform a baking hot outdoor space that would otherwise drive you inside to get out of the sun, into a cool oasis of shade and relaxation.

With so many on the market to choose from, we’ve done all the research for you and have provided in-depth reviews to help you choose the best one for your outdoor space. From an initial 20 plus brands, we’ve narrowed our recommendations down to the 5 best soft top gazebos on the market today.

And don’t worry if bugs are a problem. Choose a gazebo that comes with a mosquito net and you can enjoy eating alfresco or relaxing outside in the evenings too – completely bug-free.

So let’s dive straight in.

Editors Award	Brand
Our Top Pick – Best Soft Top Gazebo with Privacy Curtains and Mosquito Net (10×10′)	Christopher Knight Home Sonoma Canopy Gazebo
Best Alternative Soft Top Gazebo with Privacy Curtains and Mosquito Net (10×13′)	Grand Patio Gazebo
Best Soft Top Gazebo with Mosquito Net (10 x 12′)	Sunjoy Regency II Patio Gazebo
Best Wind, Weather, and Fade – Resistant Soft Top Gazebo – Sunbrella* (10 x 13′ or 12 x12′)	EliteShade Sunbrella Titan Patio Gazebo
Best Pop Up / Portable Soft Top Gazebo (11 x 11′)	COOL Spot Pop-Up Gazebo Tent

Our Top Pick – Best Soft Top Gazebo with Privacy Curtains and Mosquito Net: Christopher Knight Home Sonoma Canopy Gazebo (10 x10′)

And in the evenings – it doesn’t matter how much of a bug battleground your backyard or patio area becomes – simply zip-close the mosquito screen and no bugs can get in to spoil your fun.

What we love about this gazebo, is that both the screen and the outside canvas cover are detachable and have independent zippers for each section. You can basically customize your soft top gazebo any way you like depending on temperature, weather conditions, bug population, or simply for privacy.

So let’s get down to the details:

The soft top and solid fabric panels are made from UV-resistant polyester.

To be clear, UV-resistant means just that – it’s resistant to fading so your gazebo is designed to stand up to long hot sunny days without fading.

That said, if you live in an extremely sunny location, you should consider a gazebo that is made with Sunbrella fabric as that is the only fabric that’s completely UV proof – but as you’d expect, it comes at a higher price.

If you think this is an essential feature for your location, you can skip straight to that section here.

For most locations, however, UV-resistant polyester will stay true to its original color season after season.

The soft-top roof has an air vent to prevent hot air from accumulating inside. And don’t worry, the opening is netted so no bugs or mosquitos can find their way in.

Now, you’ll no doubt be wondering if this gazebo will stand up to windy weather?

The answer is, yes, absolutely! The high-grade, powder-coated steel frame is very sturdy. Two holes in the square base of each leg, allow you to bolt or anchor the gazebo to secure it. Once secured, either by fixings or weighted with sandbags, it will stand up to strong winds with ease.

Our only small criticism of this soft top gazebo is that the mosquito net isn’t tied down at the bottom corners so you may want to secure it yourself – just so it doesn’t blow about in the wind.

That said, for a 10 by 10 feet living space for entertaining or simply to relax in the shade on a hot sunny day, the Sonoma is amazing value for money and affordable enough to suit any budget.

This was a no-brainer for our top pick.

What We Like:

• Includes a Mosquito Screen and an Outside Cover | They have independent zippers and they’re detachable too. You can basically customize your soft top gazebo any way you like.
• Sturdy, Wind Resistant Construction | The high-grade, powder-coated steel frame is very sturdy. Two holes in the square base of each leg, allow you to bolt or anchor the gazebo to secure it.

Buying Factors to Consider:

While the canvas fabric isn’t completely waterproof, a simple scotch guard spray will completely waterproof the fabric for you.

It should go without saying, though, that you shouldn’t allow any water to build upon the roof or it may distort your fabric.

Best Alternative Soft Top Gazebo with Privacy Curtains and Mosquito Net: Grand Patio Gazebo (10×13′)

Firstly, you’ll notice it’s rectangular in shape. At 10 by 13 feet, it’s a little larger than our previous choice. Though there is also a 10 by 10 feet version to choose from.

The 10 by 13 feet version we fave featured above, is a beautiful cool gray, which may, or may not, match your outdoor decor more.

The gazebo comes with zippered bug and mosquito protection as well as a zippered privacy curtain.

The fabric itself is heavy-duty, PA-coated polyester, which is water-resistant, UV protected, and fade-resistant, offering you 99% UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Like our top choice, it has a sturdy construction. The columns and frame are made from rust and corrosion-resistant aluminum, and powder-coated steel.

Once properly secured, either with screws or anchors, this gazebo will hold up well in windy conditions.

The canopy has a netted wind vent which prevents heat from building up inside.

What We Like:

• Includes a Mosquito Screen and an Outside Cover | Like our top choice, they have independent zippers and they’re detachable so you can customize your soft top gazebo as needed.
• Heavy-Duty Fabric | The fabric is PA-coated polyester, which is water-resistant, UV protected, and fade-resistant, offering you 99% UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
• Sturdy Construction | The columns and frame are made from rust and corrosion-resistant aluminum, and powder-coated steel.

Best Soft Top Gazebo with Mosquito Net: Sunjoy Regency II Patio Gazebo (10 x 12′)

So you can add your own personal touches to make it a truly stunning feature of your outdoor space.

The 100% polyester fabric roof is water-and-fire-resistant and the canopied roof has a built-in netted vent.

What we love about this gazebo is the way that the zippered mosquito netting is designed to go around the outside of the corner posts.

It may seem like the most logical way to design the curtain, but the Sonoma gazebo above has netting on the inside that unless you do a bit of DIY to tie the net to the posts at the bottom, the net tends to blow about in the wind.

Like our previous picks, this gazebo will need to be secured – either with screws, bolts or anchors and once secured, it will stand up well to windy weather.

What We Like:

• Decorative Black Steel Frame | The frame is functional, sturdy, and pretty too. It even has corner shelves built-in to the design.
• Zippered Mosquito Netting | Designed to go around the outside of the corner posts so it won’t blow about in the wind.
• Good Color Choice | The color options will brighten up any outdoor space.
• Additional Features | The 4 corner shelves, 4 plant rings on the outside corners, and a center ring to hook up a light or fan extra are all extra features that will make it easy to dress your gazebo beautifully.

Best Wind, Weather, and Fade – Resistant Soft Top Gazebo – Sunbrella*: EliteShade Sunbrella Titan Patio Gazebo

So here’s the big deal:

To be frank, Sunbrella products do cost more than those made with regular UV-resistant fabrics, but the beautiful orange of this EliteShade Sunbrella gazebo, shown below, won’t fade to a non-descript sickly pink after just a few seasons in the sun. Sunbrella fabric will easily last 10 to 15 years.

And this soft top gazebo is strong too. Anchor it down, and this one isn’t going anywhere in strong winds.

The frame is constructed of powder-coated, heavy-gauge extruded aluminum

…And we love that it’s wrapped in a coffee bean-colored rattan. The perfect match for your rattan furniture.

What We Like:

• Sunbrella Fabric | This fabric is highly UV-resistant, mold-resistant, and mildew-resistant. It’s also water repellant and should last around 10 -15 years.
• Rattan Frame Design | It’s very high-end looking and sturdy too. It’s made from powder-coated, heavy-gauge, extruded aluminum, wrapped in a coffee bean-colored rattan.  

Buying Factors to Consider:

While the EliteShade Titan Gazebo is a more considered purchase, it will last and look new for years to come. It’s well worth the investment.

Best Pop Up / Portable Soft Top Gazebo: COOL Spot Pop-Up Gazebo Tent (11 x11′)

What we love about the Cool Spot is that it’s so easy and convenient to store away for the winter months or on windy wet days.

That means, unlike others that are intended to be left in place and would, therefore, take some take serious dismantling, this gazebo is likely to give you years of good use and you don’t have to worry about whether it will survive a storm.

So let’s look at the details.

The canopy is made from water-resistant and CPAI-84 flame-resistant 150D Oxford fabric which offers UPF 50+ UV protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

It also comes with a mosquito net that’s zippable on all four sides.

The frame is high-grade engineered steel and it’s powder-coated for rust resistance and durability.

It comes with ropes and stakes to secure the tent. But we recommend extra measures to secure it against sudden gusts of wind.

It’s easy to assemble, though we recommend more than one person to help assemble it.

What We Like:

• Portable | It’s lightweight and even comes with its own carry bag, so it’s ideal for camping, and day trips, etc. It even comes with its own carry bag.
• Affordable | It’s a great low-budget option, and if you don’t leave it up during very windy weather or over the winter months, it should last you for years.

Buying Factors to Consider:

You definitely need to secure it, but with non-permanent fixings as it’s not intended to be left up permanently. And you do need more than one person to put it together. But look after this gazebo and it should last you for years.

Other Soft Top Gazebos We’ve Reviewed:

These are the products that didn’t quite make our top picks, but they’re still pretty good so you might like to take a look: