An ethanol fireplace insert is a device for burning ethanol fuel in order to heat a space without transferring heat to a nearby object or wall. The ethanol fireplace insert features a base platform and an arch forming an insert that may be inserted into an existing fireplace or utilized as a standalone heating source. The ethanol fireplace insert is zero-clearance and features a plurality of insulation panels and a plurality of covers that prevent heat transfer from the ethanol fireplace insert to a nearby object or wall. The plurality of covers does not come into contact with the base platform and the arch due to a plurality of spacers that separates the base platform and the arch from the plurality of insulation panels and the plurality of covers. The burner is safely seated into a burner tray and the burner tray is seated into a safety tray.