Over the last 20 years or so we have seen a significant increase in the number of wood-burning and multifuel stoves sold in the UK. This is a trend which is set to continue for some time to come and one which has also had a positive impact on the gas stove market. We now have well-known wood/multifuel stove companies such as ACR expanding their gas stove portfolio as demand continues to rise.
GAS STOVES and Common misconceptions
The gas stoves that we see today are very different to those of 20 years ago or even 10 years ago. When you consider the huge investment by companies such as ACR into their wood-burning/multifuel stoves it makes sense to replicate the design of these machines in their gas stove offerings. The reality is that it is highly unlikely that you would be able to tell the difference between a modern day wood-burning stove and its gas stove counterpart from a distance. While we appreciate that gas fuel is not available to all consumers this is a market which has come back to life like a phoenix rising from the (gas) flames.
ACR Wychwood Gas Stove
As you might expect, the ACR Wychwood Gas Stove looks and feels like a wood-burning/multifuel stove. The ceramic logs which give the log burning effect are extremely lifelike and thankfully extremely durable. The trend towards remote control wood-burning/multifuel stoves has also been replicated amongst the ACR gas stoves. Yes, you can now sit back, tap your remote control to change the output of your gas stove without even leaving your armchair. For those who have a love of smartphone apps did you know that ACR have their own app by which you can control your gas stove from anywhere with a signal? The ability to have your gas stove lit and your room heated before you even get home, bliss.
The ACR Wychwood Gas Stove comes in two different variations, fuelled by natural gas or LPG, thereby expanding the consumer base. The heat capacity of 6.1 kW is more than enough to heat the vast majority of medium to large rooms. The efficiency rating of this particular model is 85% which means that 85% of all fuel burned is actually converted into heat with only 15% lost in the process. This compares to coal fires which are around 30% efficient, with 70% of energy lost creating the heat.
The dimensions of the ACR Wychwood Gas Stove come in at height 602 mm, width 555 mm with a depth of 347 mm and weighing in at around 80 kg. It is also worth noting that the machine comes with an optional black glass panel which will actually reflect the flames to a greater intensity. It is difficult to know why it is taken so long for gas stoves to re-enter the mass market but they are back!
ACR Neo 3P Gas Stove
We know that many stove enthusiasts have looked down on gas stoves in years gone by as they failed to compare favourably. However, as we have noted above, this situation has changed and the trend towards gas stoves is growing. If we look at the ACR Neo 3P Gas Stove this is yet another which has taken advantage of a wood-burning counterpart which has proven to be extremely popular. The ACR Neo 3P Gas Stove is a slightly larger machine with heat output of around 6.7 kW and an efficiency rating of 82.3%. Pumping out this level of heat it is not difficult to see why it would be at home in a medium to large sized room.
One thing you will notice upon viewing an ACR Neo 3P Gas Stove is the extremely lifelike ceramic logs which extenuate the effect of the flickering flames when the gas burns. As is now standard across ACR stoves, there is the option to use a remote control when in the vicinity or a smartphone app anywhere with a signal. Yes, you really can control your gas stove via your mobile phone and ensure that your room is nice and warm before you venture from the car into those cold winter evenings and across to your door.
The dimensions of the ACR Neo 3P Gas Stove come in at height 1057 mm, width 490 mm with a depth of 390 mm and weighing in at around 100 kg. It is safe to say this is a much larger gas stove compared to others in the ACR range but you get what you pay for. The extremely lifelike ceramic logs enhance the vision of the flickering flames and bring your room to life. We know from initial feedback that this stove is at home in both a contemporary and a traditional environment. Yes, it is more than happy to be the centrepiece of your room and a conversation starter or lay subtly in the corner warming your guests. You will not be disappointed!
ACR Neo 3F Gas Stove
Building on from the extremely successful wood-burning stove range, we have the ACR Neo 3F Gas Stove which is yet another perfect offering from ACR. While not all properties will have a gas supply, this machine can be adapted for natural gas or LPG thereby expanding its potential consumer base. The look and feel of the stove is just as important to many as the heat output and it is safe to say that this machine ticks all of the boxes. From the unbelievably realistic ceramic logs to the flickering flames which bring your room to life, to the LED light system which creates an additional glow at the base of the ceramic logs. This is something you really need to experience in real life to believe!
You will also notice that the design differences between the ACR Neo 3F Gas Stove and its wood-burning stove counterpart are negligible. So much so that you may mistake this for the wood-burning stove variety until you get a closer, indeed as close as touching distance. This machine also offers an optional black glass panel which further enhances the flickering flames and the effect on your room. The dimensions are height 792 mm, width 490 mm with a depth of 390 mm and 6.75 kW output. The machine has an 82.3% efficiency rating, something which will prove extremely valuable going forward as government regulations continue to cut down on carbon emissions.
Like all ACR gas stoves, the ACR Neo 3F Gas Stove uses a balanced flue system which means that the stove is room sealed. The air required to fuel the fire is drawn in from the outside of the flue pipe with the emission gases expelled through the inner flue pipe. Mixing the latest technology, designs and durability is not easy but ACR have managed to do this to an exceptionally high standard. As we touched on above, standard remote controls are now commonplace amongst ACR gas stoves as is the opportunity to use a smart phone app. Imagine, you can have your ACR Neo 3F Gas Stove burning away nicely before you even get home!
Summary
There is no doubt that the ever-growing popularity of wood-burning/multifuel stoves has had a major impact upon the gas market. Companies such as ACR have recognised this and used the ever popular designs of their wood-burning/multifuel stove variations as a basis for their new gas stoves. The lifelike ceramic logs perfectly complement the flickering flames and the way in which the reflective glass enhances the look is mesmerising. When you also take into account the use of modern day technology with remote controls and smart phone apps, ACR have managed to bring gas stoves into the modern era without losing their base look and feel. How did they do that?
Even though ACR provides an array of traditional/contemporary gas stove designs, in reality they are at home in any setting. A centrepiece conversation starter or sitting subtly in the corner of the room warming your guests. The choice is yours!