Author: Carol

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolFeb 7, 20192:40 pm

Ensure that your wood-burning/multifuel stove is legal

What might cause my wood-burning stove to crack?

The body of traditional wood-burning stoves is made of cast iron. This is an extremely strong and durable material but sometimes you will start to see cracks on the outer surface (or even the inside) of the body. When you consider the strength of cast iron it needs to be under huge pressure to crack. So, why has your wood-burning stove cracked and what can you do about it?

Flue pipe is not supported

Even though the body of a wood-burning stove is made from seriously durable material it is not designed to be load-bearing. A correctly structured flue system does not place undue pressure on the stove and would not normally lead to cracking. Unfortunately, we have seen situations where a flue system is not structured correctly and is indeed load-bearing on the body of your stove.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolFeb 7, 201912:22 pm

Wood-burning and multifuel stove efficiency tips

Aside from the traditional means of maintaining your stove’s efficiency, such as using the correct fuel, there are other ways in which you can ensure maximum efficiency going forward. As with the vast majority of efficiency tips, they are relatively simple but the cumulative impact can be significant, increasing heat output and saving you money.

Cleaning your stove

Whether you have a wood-burning stove or multifuel stove, it is imperative that you keep the inside and the outside clean. We know from experience that soot can very quickly build up in areas such as the throat plate, fire bricks and the gasket doors. It is therefore helpful to clean these on a regular basis and replace elements which have been worn or damaged.

Latest Stoves by CarolFeb 6, 20192:57 pm

Helios 8 Cleanburn Multi-Fuel Stove Review

Who would have thought just a few years ago that you will be able to acquire the Helios 8 Cleanburn Multi-Fuel Stove, offering more than 8 kW heat output, for under £1000? It is safe to say that this Helios 8 Cleanburn Multi-Fuel Stove Review has thrown up some interesting facts about so-called cheap multifuel stoves and how they have changed over the years. Historically, the focus tended to be on price while today you get value for money and extremely well manufactured machines. So, what else does the Helios 8 Cleanburn Multi-Fuel Stove have to offer?

Contemporary multifuel stove

It does sound a little strange describing the Helios 8 Cleanburn Multi-Fuel Stove as a contemporary multifuel stove because it seems to take in both traditional and contemporary styles. It is fair to say, as you will see from the image of the Helios 8 Cleanburn Multi-Fuel Stove, the machine is dominated by the extremely large viewing area. The ability to watch the flickering flames and the burning embers as you sit back, kick-off those shoes after a hard day at work is priceless.

Latest Stoves by CarolFeb 6, 20192:13 pm

Helios 5 Inset Multifuel Stove Review

We thought it might be useful to put together a Helios 5 Inset Multifuel Stove review as this is the latest from the Gallery range and proving to be extremely popular. While inset multifuel stoves are perhaps not to everybody’s taste, they are certainly seeing an increase in sales. For many people it is the ability to retrofit the stove within an existing fireplace with minimal fuss which does the trick. So, what else does the Helios 5 Inset Multifuel Stove have to offer?

Creating a relaxing atmosphere

While there is obviously an environmentally friendly angle to any type of stove, there is no doubt that many people acquire them for the relaxing ambience. For those who’ve yet to feel the deep seated heat from a multifuel stove, which can burn wood or approve solid fuels, this is something very different. It is relaxing, calming, all-encompassing and spreads an aura of peace and quiet throughout your home. You will also notice that this particular model is extremely easy on the eye and on many occasions has proven to be a great conversation starter.

Stove Brands by CarolJan 31, 20196:24 pm

Helios 5 Cleanburn Defra Approved Multi-Fuel Stove Review

The Helios 5 Multi-Fuel Stove is considered by many people to be an entry-level store of although this is not really a fair description. The long description is Helios 5 Cleanburn Defra Approved Multi-Fuel Stove, burning wood and approved solid fuels, which obviously highlights the fact it is Defra approved for use in smoke control areas. This is not one of those cheap and cheerful multifuel stoves you see in bargain basements, this is one of a range of Helios Stoves which are already making a strong impact on the market. As we look to review the Helios 5 Cleanburn Defra Approved Multi-Fuel Stove it is worth reminding ourselves it is available for less than £500.

Look and feel of the Helios 5 Stove

If there was one phrase to describe this stove it would be a “traditional multifuel stove” with an old world look and feel, creating the exact atmosphere you would expect. While the stove itself is relatively small, the viewing area is relatively large which allows you to watch the flickering flames and the burning embers. Even though the heat capacity is around 5 kW you will feel the impact of the heat created by this impressive wood-burning stove. In some ways it is the decorative edging around the viewing area which makes it stand out, gives it a little character and draws your attention.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJan 18, 20193:03 pm

10 things you should never burn in your wood burning/multifuel stove

There has been a lot of media coverage in relation to wood burning/multifuel stoves and what it is safe to burn. The UK government has launched a new clean air strategy and highlighted an array of different pollution sources. The simple fact is that burning any material creates heat but can also create an array of different pollutants.

Buy your Firewood Online – FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

The stove industry has improved the efficiency of both wood-burning and multifuel stoves enormously over the last decade. So far as to say, used correctly and burning the appropriate fuel, a modern day stove can be in excess of 80% efficient. It will also create 80% less air pollutants than stoves from just 10 years ago. In summary you should only use the following fuels:

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJan 3, 20192:46 pm

Gas or wood-burning stoves, what is your preference?

Even though wood-burning stoves and multifuel stoves continue to grab the headlines we have also seen the emergence (or should that be re-emergence) of gas and electric stoves in recent times. There is a growing interest in gas stoves although many people are not quite sure about the pros and cons of gas stoves when compared to wood-burning stoves.

We have therefore put together a basic guide as to the pros and cons of gas and wood-burning stoves giving you some pointers and issues to think about.

The appearance

From a distance, it is difficult to notice the difference between a gas and a wood-burning stove. It is only when you get closer that you will realise the flames are different and the “inside decor” is different. A wood-burning stove creates a glow and the rustic feel of a burning wood which for many people epitomises the product.

Firewood and Fuel Tips by CarolJan 3, 20191:07 pm

Wood-burning stoves, maximising heat output

While many wood-burning stove owners will have their own tips and tricks to maximise heat output, the process is fairly straightforward and in many ways a scientific approach does best. Whether utilising the draft to light your fire, using the right type of wood or simply maintaining your stove, there are ways and means of maximising your heat output, reducing fuel costs and extending the life of your stove.

Air control

When you think about it, fires do not burn in a vacuum therefore it goes without saying that air control is an integral part of maximising fuel efficiency. When starting your stove in the morning, many people fully open the draft control which lets air in. You may need to reduce the amount of air entering your stove once the “fire has caught hold” but in the early days the draft will certainly help. It is also worth noting that once the stove is burning it is the amount of wood not the air control which will regulate the temperature.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolJan 2, 20196:03 pm

Simple safety checks for your wood-burning stove

While the UK weather is difficult to predict (to say the least!) there are a number of simple safety checks you can carry out on your wood-burning stove. These will ensure that you squeeze maximum efficiency from your stove which can cumulatively have a significant impact on your fuel bills.

Sweep your chimney

The general consensus seems to be that you should have your chimney swept at least once a year, if not twice a year, to ensure everything is okay. If issues are found at a relatively early stage they can be rectified while those left can eventually cause serious damage. Any blockages can also lead to potentially fatal gas escaping into your room although thankfully carbon monoxide metres are now commonplace.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolDec 27, 20183:51 pm

Choosing a wood-burning or multifuel stove

Once you have decided to get a wood-burning/multifuel stove, or perhaps you are upgrading your existing model, where do you start? We hear of many people who simply jump on Google and then get totally lost and confused about what they need to do. There are many different things to take into consideration when looking at a new multifuel/wood burning stove. Remember, the cost of the stove and installation can be significant so you need to make the right decision.

Different styles of stove

Historically we have had traditional and contemporary stoves but now we have what is known as a “modern traditional” stove. So, where do you start? It really depends upon the style of your home/room and your personal preference. If ever there was a case of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” this is it. What one person might see as a very attractive contemporary stove might have zero appeal for somebody else, and vice versa. So, stick to your own guns, do not be swayed by other people and choose a style of stove that you like.