How to check if the ethanol in an Automatic Ethanol Burner is running low?
Oct 29, 2025
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As a supplier of Automatic Ethanol Burners, I understand the importance of ensuring that your burner has an adequate supply of ethanol at all times. Running out of ethanol during use can not only disrupt your experience but also potentially damage the burner. In this blog post, I'll share some effective ways to check if the ethanol in an Automatic Ethanol Burner is running low.
Visual Inspection
One of the simplest and most straightforward methods is visual inspection. Many Automatic Ethanol Burners are designed with a transparent or semi - transparent fuel tank. This allows you to directly see the level of ethanol inside.
If your burner has a clear fuel tank, you can easily glance at it to determine the amount of ethanol remaining. Most tanks have markings on the side, similar to a fuel gauge in a car. These markings indicate different levels of fuel, such as full, half - full, and low. When the ethanol level drops below the "low" marking, it's a clear sign that you need to refill soon.
However, not all burners come with a transparent fuel tank. In such cases, you may need to remove the tank (if it's removable) and visually inspect it separately. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when removing and handling the fuel tank to avoid any spills or safety hazards.
Weight Measurement
Another reliable way to check the ethanol level is by measuring the weight of the burner or the fuel tank. Ethanol has a known density, which means that the weight of the fuel is directly proportional to its volume.
First, you need to know the weight of the empty burner or fuel tank. You can do this by weighing it when it's completely empty. Then, weigh the burner or tank when it's full of ethanol. The difference between these two weights is the weight of the full tank of ethanol.
As the burner uses ethanol, the weight will gradually decrease. You can periodically weigh the burner or tank and compare the current weight with the weight of the full tank. When the weight approaches the weight of the empty tank, it indicates that the ethanol is running low.


For example, if your full fuel tank weighs 5 kilograms and the empty tank weighs 1 kilogram, a weight of around 1.5 kilograms would suggest that the ethanol is almost depleted.
Fuel Level Sensors
Some high - end Automatic Ethanol Burners are equipped with fuel level sensors. These sensors work by detecting the level of ethanol in the tank and sending a signal to an indicator on the burner or a connected device.
There are different types of fuel level sensors. Float - type sensors use a float that rises and falls with the ethanol level. As the float moves, it activates a switch or a potentiometer, which in turn sends a signal to the indicator. Capacitive sensors, on the other hand, measure the capacitance of the ethanol in the tank. Since the capacitance changes with the level of ethanol, the sensor can accurately determine the fuel level.
If your burner has a fuel level sensor, it will typically have a visual indicator, such as an LED light or a digital display. A green light may indicate that the ethanol level is normal, while a red light or a low - fuel warning on the display alerts you that the ethanol is running low.
Burn Time Estimation
You can also estimate the remaining burn time based on your usage patterns. If you know how much ethanol your burner consumes per hour of operation, you can calculate how long the remaining ethanol will last.
For instance, if your burner consumes 0.5 liters of ethanol per hour and you estimate that there are 1 liter of ethanol left in the tank, you can expect the burner to run for approximately 2 more hours. However, this method is less accurate as the burn rate can be affected by factors such as the burner's setting (high or low flame), ambient temperature, and air circulation.
Importance of Regular Checks
Regularly checking the ethanol level in your Automatic Ethanol Burner is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures a continuous and enjoyable burning experience. You don't want the flame to suddenly go out in the middle of a cozy evening. Secondly, running the burner with very low ethanol levels can cause the burner to overheat, which may damage the burner components and reduce its lifespan.
As a supplier, we offer a wide range of Automatic Ethanol Burners to meet different needs and preferences. If you're interested in our products, you can explore our Wholesale Linear Ventless Ethanol Gas Fireplace, Wholesale Bioethanol Gas Fire, and Wholesale Designer Bioethanol Fires.
If you have any questions about our products or need more information on checking the ethanol level in our Automatic Ethanol Burners, please don't hesitate to contact us for procurement and further discussions. We're here to provide you with the best solutions and support.
References
- Manufacturer's manuals of Automatic Ethanol Burners
- Scientific literature on ethanol density and fuel measurement techniques
