Ethanol Fireplace Fuel: 95% Requirements for SXKT & SXRX Smart
SXKT and SXRX smart fireplaces need 95% vol ethanol fuel. Learn why 98%+ affects level sensing, how to dilute suitable fuel, and what to check on the label.
- Author
- Liang Ethan
- Technical lead
- Liang ZhengXiangAll models
- Published and reviewed
On this page
SXKT and SXRX smart fireplaces require ethanol fireplace fuel at 95% by volume (95% vol). Ethanol at 98% vol or higher is too concentrated for these models and can temporarily prevent the liquid-level sensor from detecting the fuel correctly. Higher purity is not an upgrade: otherwise suitable high-strength ethanol needs to be diluted to 95% vol before filling.
Why 95% ethanol matters for SXKT and SXRX smart fireplaces
The concentration requirement applies to both the fuel and the automatic filling and monitoring system. With ethanol at 98% vol or above, the level sensor may fail to read the liquid normally. This is a temporary detection problem associated with the fuel concentration, not a statement that the sensor has been permanently damaged.
Use 95% vol as the target; the 98% threshold does not mean that every concentration below it is approved. If an abnormal reading remains after the fuel has been corrected through the prescribed service procedure, stop using the unit and arrange a check. Do not bypass the sensor or keep filling to test it.
This guidance concerns SXKT Smart and SXRX Smart. For SXRX Manual burners or another manufacturer’s fireplace, follow that appliance’s own fuel specification.
Read the fuel label All steps remain visible. Play the illustration or select Next step.
Ethanol fireplace fuel: a bottle-label checklist
- Alcohol type: check that it is ethanol intended and suitable for fireplace use. Methanol, isopropyl alcohol, petrol and hand sanitiser are not substitutes.
- Concentration and units: look for 95% vol, 95% v/v or 95% ABV. These describe volume concentration; 95% by weight (w/w) is different.
- Ingredients: check additives and denaturants against the appliance instructions. “Food-grade,” “industrial alcohol,” “bioethanol” or “99.9% pure” alone does not establish compatibility.
- Traceability: retain the supplier name, product reference, batch number, label and safety data sheet.
A safety data sheet explains handling and storage hazards; it is not an appliance compatibility certificate. If the composition or stated concentration is unclear, confirm it with the supplier before use. Adding water cannot remove an unsuitable additive or make an unknown fuel safe.
How to dilute high-strength ethanol to 95% vol
Buying suitable fuel already supplied at 95% vol is the simplest option. If you have otherwise approved ethanol at 98% vol or above, dilute it in a separate, clean, fuel-compatible container before filling the fireplace. Tap water is acceptable for this dilution under SXFireplace’s guidance for SXKT and SXRX smart models.
The concentration relationship is:
Final mixture volume = starting fuel volume × starting concentration ÷ 95
Use the same volume units throughout and enter the labelled volume percentage as 98, 99 or 99.9. For one litre of starting fuel:
Scroll across the table to see all columns.
| Starting fuel | Final mixture volume |
|---|---|
| 1,000 mL at 98% vol | 1,032 mL |
| 1,000 mL at 99% vol | 1,042 mL |
| 1,000 mL at 99.9% vol | 1,052 mL |
These are total mixture volumes, not water amounts. For example, start with 1,000 mL of 98% vol fuel and add water gradually to reach approximately 1,032 mL of mixed liquid. Do not read this as an instruction to add exactly 32 mL of water.
Ethanol and water contract when mixed, and temperature affects volume measurements. Mix thoroughly, allow the mixture to return to the reference temperature used for the starting measurement, then check the final volume and adjust carefully. The figures assume a known starting concentration and no ethanol loss; they do not replace a suitable concentration check. For an exact water-addition ratio, use the supplier’s alcohol dilution tables for the measured strength and temperature.
Prepare fuel away from the fireplace, flames, sparks and other ignition sources, with ventilation and the protective equipment specified in the fuel’s safety data sheet. Use suitable measuring equipment, keep containers closed when not handling them and label the prepared mixture. If you cannot measure the mixture reliably, obtain ready-mixed 95% vol fuel instead.
If high-strength fuel is already in the fireplace
Stop using the unit and follow its shutdown and cooling instructions. Do not pour water into the tank or burner channel, repeatedly restart the fireplace, or burn the fuel off to empty it. Follow the model’s fuel-removal procedure or contact SXFireplace for help. Prepare replacement fuel outside the appliance, then use the prescribed filling connection and procedure.
If the level reading remains abnormal, or a filling-pump warning or leak appears, follow the fuel-system fault checklist before further operation.
Safe storage and refilling
Store fuel in a suitable, clearly labelled, tightly closed container, away from heat and children. Never refill a burning or hot fireplace; allow it to cool fully and follow the appliance instructions. Do not mix unidentified leftovers. Keep unknown liquid separate and use the appropriate local disposal route, never a drain.
A flame colour or smell cannot prove fuel composition. Do not use repeated ignition, a soaked filling hose or sensor manipulation as a fuel test. Correct fuel also does not remove the need for ventilation: the German Environment Agency explains the indoor-air concerns associated with ethanol fireplaces.
Once the fuel is confirmed, use the fuel consumption and running-cost references to understand the rate and cost inputs.
Buying ethanol fireplace fuel: what to check
Ask the fuel supplier for the concentration by volume, ingredients and additives, batch identification and safety data sheet. Match those details to the exact fireplace instructions before ordering. A large pack, a premium label or a brand recommendation does not establish compatibility.
This guide explains fuel selection; it does not verify a retailer, local stock, current price or delivery availability. Confirm those details with the supplier for your destination, and keep the supplied label with the appliance records.
Can I use scented fuel, 70% alcohol or a food-safe tabletop fuel?
SXKT Smart and SXRX Smart require the specified 95% vol fuel; 70% alcohol does not meet that concentration requirement. A scent or food-safe claim does not establish that the ingredients are approved. Tabletop form alone also does not identify the fuel requirement. Follow the exact manual for SXRX Manual or another appliance.
For the wider selection process, explore the fireplace planning resources.
Fuel questions answered
Can I use 99% or 99.9% ethanol directly?
Not in SXKT or SXRX smart fireplaces. If the fuel is otherwise suitable, its concentration must first be adjusted to 95% vol outside the appliance.
Does high concentration permanently damage the level sensor?
The concentration-related problem described here is temporary inability to detect the liquid correctly. A persistent fault still needs inspection; do not assume every warning is caused by fuel strength.
Do I need distilled water?
No. Tap water is acceptable for the dilution described here. The finished fuel must meet the 95% vol requirement and the other fuel specifications for the model.