California Look: EcoSmart Fire outdoor fireplaces
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The California Look poll, Round 4: Portable fireplaces
New portable fireplaces fueled by clean-burning, environmentally friendly bioethanol can give the ambience of flickering flames without any need for vents or chimneys. These fireplaces don’t produce sparks or soot, either. How hot is that?
As part of our two-week poll to define the California look of 2011, we already have asked you to vote on patio planters, outdoor lamps and outdoor fabrics. Today we pose the question: Which of these designs from the Los Angeles firm EcoSmart Fire has the most heat?
A. The Dish has a raw industrial appearance right down to a rusted finish on its black steel bowl, conjuring up a fire set in scrap metal.
The design looks equally at home in desert sands or ocean beaches. At nearly 2 feet in diameter and 9 inches in height, the Dish is large enough to have an internal bioethanol burner that keeps the base from getting too hot. It can be safely fired up on city balconies and wooden decks.
B. The brandy snifter-shaped Bulb is one of the newest designs in EcoSmart’s outdoor range. The sleek and minimalistic design is reminiscent of the wire tables and chairs created by Warren Platner for Knoll. (It also reminds us of those citronella candles of yore with the plastic fishnet mesh on the outside.)
Bulb stands almost 20 inches tall. It’s made from weather-resistant, powder-coated steel with a burner that can provide a continuous flame for more than eight hours.
C. The Ghost has a sly sense of humor -- witness the pile of decorative logs (not included) stored beneath it. The staineless steel burner seems to float in the air, surrounded by glass panes that reflect the play of the flames.
At 43 inches high and about 15 inches wide, the Ghost strikes a lean profile. Use it as a striking beacon in the yard or as a tall focal point indoors.
What lights your fire? Voting in this category will close in three days, so share your opinions now about why your favorite captures the spirit of California design today. Winning pieces and reader comments will be featured in a forthcoming article.
Coming Saturday: Room dividers
ALSO:
The California Look: 1951 inspiration for 2011 contest
The California Look: Round 1, patio planters
The California Look, Round 2: outdoor lamps
The California Look, Round 3: outdoor fabrics
-- David A. Keeps
Photo credits: EcoSmart Fire