are gel fueled fireplaces a good heat source??

Im curious if a gel fueled fireplace would be a good backup heat source to heat 1000 sq ft if my electric heat goes out this winter. does anyone own one of these fireplaces?? how many sq ft would it heat or are they just for looks?? thanks!!

Public Comments

1. I have one in my bedroom and yes the thing puts out a lot of heat and will easily keep a 1,000 square foot of living space toasty warm. BUT, those gel cans really stink when they are lit and the fumes give me a real headache. Since I live in CA, they cannot be disposed of in the regular trash as they are considered hazardous so I have to take them to a special site to dispose of them once they are extinguished. Also, sometimes the fumes set off the smoke detector as well as the carbon monoxide detectors if I don't open a window. Needless to say, as a result I haven't used mine in a very long time.