Author: Carol

Latest Stoves by CarolNov 10, 20174:35 pm

ACR Solis Multifuel Stove

While traditional style wood-burning and multifuel stoves continue to grow in popularity we have seen growing attention paid towards the more contemporary multifuel stove market. This is perhaps why the long-awaited ACR Solis Multifuel Stove appears to be capturing headlines for a variety of reasons. We know that ACR has a reputation for producing quality, durable and eye-catching wood-burning and multifuel stoves but the ACR Solis Multifuel Stove must be one of the best yet. So, what do you get with an ACR Solis Multifuel Stove and why is it proving so popular?

The look of an ACR Solis Multifuel Stove

It is fair to say this particular stove is contemporary in style and contemporary in look. It is the cylindrical shape of the front of the stove which makes it blend in with any area of your room. We also have the eye-catching expanded viewing area which allows you to enjoy the flickering flames and the burning embers. The small storage cupboard below the stove is a perfect way to keep your stove bits and pieces out of sight and also houses the airflow control. This really is the kind of stove which will be at home in any room, sit perfectly with any design and would be a great conversation starter for any visitors.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolNov 10, 20173:10 pm

Stove glossary and terminology

As the popularity of wood-burning and multifuel stoves continues to grow, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to clarify some of the stove glossary and terminology you will come across. Even though modern day wood-burning stoves offer an array of different add-ons, the basic glossary and terminology is the same.

Airwash

You will hear the term airwash with the vast majority of stove glossary listings today, in conjunction with maintaining clear glass across the viewing area. This is quite simply a system which allows air to flow from a vent on the top of the stove down over the glass viewing area. Thankfully this prevents the buildup of tar and soot thereby ensuring that the flickering flames and the burning embers are visible at all times.

Latest Stoves by CarolNov 6, 20174:54 pm

Tiger Stoves offer great value for money

Entry level stoves and value for money

In years gone by there were serious concerns about the quality of “cheap” wood-burning and multifuel stoves from places such as China. It is fair to say that over the last 10 years the quality of relatively cheap entry level stoves (both wood-burning and multifuel stoves) from overseas has increased dramatically. We have the Firefox range and the Tiger selection of stoves both of which are going down extremely well with level entry consumers.

Solid and reliable

If we look at the Firefox range of stoves they offer a heat output of between 5 kW and 12 kW. Prices range from just over £400 to just under £800 offering excellent value for money and surprising reliability. The Tiger range of stoves tends to focus on the mid-range heat capacity of between 4 kW and 6 kW. Like the Firefox range, while they may be imported from China they are solid machines and built to last.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolNov 2, 20172:35 pm

What are the benefits of hardwood over softwood?

What is secondary and tertiary burning?

The modern day wood-burning stove is an extremely efficient machine which may look unchanged from decades ago on the outside but inside it is awash with the latest technology. Two such developments which often attract questions and uncertainty are the subjects of secondary and tertiary burning. What are they? What do they do?

Burning fuel

Whether a multifuel or a wood-burning stove, the firebox is the area in which the most activity occurs and the appropriate fuel is burnt. The initial burn process is fairly simple, the fuel is ignited, the airflow controlled and heat created. It is the ability to retain this heat within the firebox which is the central attraction of any stove. However, this initial burning process does create waste fuel and gases.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolOct 26, 20179:53 am

Will my stove work when the door is open?

One of the most common questions we are asked is whether a stove will work when the door is open. The simple answer to this question is yes, the stove will work, but it can be up to 60% less efficient than when the door is closed. The fact is that wood-burning stoves and multifuel stoves are designed for use with the door closed. Why?

Controlling the airflow

The key to maximising the efficiency of wood-burning and multifuel stoves is to control the airflow via the air vents. If you use your stove with the door open then there will be a constant flow of air. You will see the fuel burning, the flames will be more visible than normal and you will feel that instant heat hit. However, the fuel will burn quicker, the stove will be more expensive to run and it will be a lot less efficient.

Gas and Electric Stoves by CarolOct 19, 20171:04 pm

Have you seen the Vogue Midi T Gas Stove?

Over the years we have been lucky to see an array of extremely stylish and eye-catching wood-burning and multifuel stoves. Historically gas stoves did not have the same presence as their wood-burning and multifuel counterparts but this is all changing. We believe that the Vogue Midi T Gas Stove is an extremely stylish, fashionable and efficient gas stove. It is different, it is at home in both a contemporary or traditional environment and not only does it look the part but it is the part.

As you can see from the picture, while head-on it is the enlarged viewing area which catches your attention, there is also a unique selling point. The flickering flames of the Vogue Midi T Gas Stove are also visible at either side through stylish windows. This may not seem to be a big selling point but not only does it improve the light output from the stove but also radiates the heat in a different manner. Gone are the days of your stereotypical old style gas stove, say hello to the Vogue Midi T Gas Stove!

Technical details

It is obvious from the picture that this stove has an extended height which is dominated by the enlarged viewing area. The dimensions of this particular model are height 776 mm, width 416 mm and it has a depth of 367 mm. Like most of the Stovax gas stoves it comes with either a conventional flue or balanced flue option. The heat output of the Vogue Midi T Gas Stove varies between 2 kW and 4.8 kW with a 78% efficiency rating for the conventional flue machine and an 80% rating for the balanced flue option. The basic model is manually controlled although you can buy a standard or programmable thermostat upgrade at purchase. From a distance the log effect gas fire display looks real which itself adds to the atmosphere of the room.

Gas and Electric Stoves by CarolOct 19, 20171:02 pm

Have you seen the Vogue Midi T Midline Gas Stove?

While there is no doubt that wood-burning and multifuel stoves are more popular than their gas counterparts, this has not always been the case. The problem for gas stoves today is the fact that they are still connected in the eyes of the consumer with the prehistoric gas stoves of years gone by. We would be very surprised if the likes of the Vogue Midi T Midline Gas Stove do not change this opinion in the short term as demand for gas stoves continues to gather pace. Gone are the stereotypical gas stoves of 20 years ago to be replaced by a whole different era.

The Vogue Midi T Midline Gas Stove is one of three in the Vogue Midi T Gas Stove range which are proving to be particularly popular. It is not just the eye-catching design but the fact that under the surface lays the latest in gas stove technology with ground breaking efficiency.

Technical aspects of the Vogue Midi T Midline Gas Stove

Before we delve a little deeper into the look, feel and the ambience created by the Vogue Midi T Midline Gas Stove let us take a look at some of the technical aspects. The stove itself has dimensions of height 928 mm, width 416 mm and a depth of 348 mm with the balanced flue option and 367 mm with the conventional flue option. The efficiency ratings of the different flue options vary slightly with the balanced flue coming in at 80% while the conventional flue is a touch lower at 78%. However, when you bear in mind that a traditional coal burning fire operates at around the 20% level it is difficult not to be positive.

Gas and Electric Stoves by CarolOct 19, 20171:00 pm

How to replace cracked glass in your stove door

The Vogue Midi T Wall Mounted Gas Stove is mighty impressive!

While there is no doubt that the basic and the midline variations of the Vogue Midi T gas stove range are extremely eye-catching and impressive, many would suggest that the Vogue Midi T Wall Mounted Gas Stove takes this to the next level. There is no doubt that the wall mounted style of this particular stove looks impressive, giving the impression that the gas stove is hovering above the ground. As well as being particularly easy on the eye it also ensures that minimum floor space is lost when installing the machine. This is before we even take a look at the machine itself!

As you will see from the images, the Vogue Midi T Wall Mounted Gas Stove has a very large front viewing area where you can watch the log effect gas fire burn. This gives a warm glow to the room but also changes the ambience and the atmosphere. If you then look to the side of the Vogue Midi T Wall Mounted Gas Stove you will see two small windows either side of the main display so that you can actually see the burning flames from either side. A very impressive design!

Technical aspects of the Vogue Midi T Wall Mounted Gas Stove

The heat output from the Vogue Midi T Wall Mounted Gas Stove is between 2 kW and 4.8 kW and the machine itself has dimensions of height 776 mm, width 416 mm and a depth of 348 mm. Interestingly, the efficiency rating of this particular model is higher than the other two in the range at 84% which compares extremely favourably to the likes of a coal fire where the efficiency rating is around 20%. Like others in the range, the Vogue Midi T Wall Mounted Gas Stove basic model is manually controlled although you can upgrade to a standard thermostat or even a programmable thermostat at purchase. Perfect for those who want to sit back, enjoy the glow of the log effect gas fire and drift off to sleep in the relaxing ambience of the room.

Gas and Electric Stoves by CarolOct 17, 20179:56 pm

Check out the Medium Manhattan Gas Stove

We think it is fair to say there is nothing quite like the Medium Manhattan Gas Stove on the market at the moment. Whether you go for the anthracite finish or the brushed stainless steel affect it is fair to say it will catch your eye. The last couple of years have seen a significant increase in demand for gas stoves and companies such as Stovax have been extending their range. This is the type of product which is at home in both a contemporary or traditional decor and wherever you place it in the room it is guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

In many ways even though gas stove technology has improved dramatically during the last 10 years many people automatically associate a gas stove such as the Medium Manhattan Gas Stove with the gas stove technology of years gone by. The reality is that the technology has improved so much even though the traditional style, shape and look of a gas stove (although not in this case with an eye-catching design) hides an array of massive improvements.

Technical information

The Medium Manhattan Gas Stove is able to accommodate both natural gas and LPG which automatically widens its appeal to consumers. The heat output is anywhere between 2.5 kW and 5.28 kW which is more than enough to heat a small to medium size room. The dimensions are height 683 mm, width 709 mm with a depth of 425 mm and weighing in at 80 kg. In some ways you could be mistaken for assuming this is as much a piece of furniture as it is a heating product!

Latest Stoves by CarolOct 9, 20179:00 am

Hwam 3420C Wood Burning Stove

The Hwam 3420C Wood Burning Stove is the latest in a long line of very popular wood-burning stoves from the Hwam range. As you’ll see from the pictures, this particular stove has the trademark cylindrical shape of the Hwam brand together with a large glass viewing area. The fact that it is cylindrical ensures that you can watch the burning embers and the flickering flames from all angles, bring a very different ambience to the room. It is not difficult to see why this quality stove is already growing in popularity!

Description of the Hwam 3420C Wood Burning Stove

The heat output from the Hwam 3420C Wood Burning Stove is a nominal 4.5 kW rating ranging from 2 kW up to 7 kW. The goal of the modern day wood-burning stove is to maximise heat output by the most efficient combustion process possible. We can safely say that the Hwam 3420C Wood Burning Stove ticks these boxes creating minimal wastage along the way. The eco-design directive from the European Union will be extremely influential in years to come so those stoves which are able to maximise efficiencies in the combustion process will do extremely well.