28/09/2026
Have any of you tried bioethanol rather than Methylated Spirits ?
All our engines with burners use methylated spirits for fuel. This fuel can be called other things in different countries; denatured alcohol is the other common name for it. In the UK methylated spirits is Ethanol with additives to make it hard to drink and visually different. Pure ethanol is drinkable and the same type of alcohol that you can drink but industrial versions could contain Methanol which could make it very risky for those tempted to try and drink it. Secondly alcohol in the UK was/is heavily taxed so additives were added to make it undrinkable but taxed at a lower rate. The formula was defined by the The Methylated Spirits Regulations 1987. It must have 90% or more Ethanol. Wood naphtha 9.5%, crude Pyridine 0.5%, Mineral Naphtha 0.375, Denatonium Benzoate 0.001% and also Methyl Violet to die its distinctive purple colour (in other countries where it is sold as denatured alcohol it is usually clear). The Denatured Alcohol Regulations 2005 aligned the formula with the EU regulations. This was amended again on July 1, 2013 to allow for clear formulas.
You can now buy high-purity bioethanol in the UK and across the EU. This is very similar but has slightly more ethanol.
95–96.6% ethanol
3% Isopropyl Alcohol
3% Methyl Ethyl Ketone
0.00001% Denatonium Benzoate
From what customer have told use the high-purity bioethanol is less smelly and works just as well.
We would be really interested in any feedback you have. Is bioethanol cheaper in your area/country? Did it burn better? Was it easier or harder to find?
