Over the last couple of years we have seen the emergence of new cutting-edge stoves from the likes of ACR. This is a stove manufacturer with a history, presence and knowledge which few other companies can match. As opposed to rolling out stoves on a regular basis, following some often short-term trends, companies such as ACR work on a quality over quantity philosophy. So, what does the much awaited ACR Woodpecker range of woodburning and fuel stoves have to offer?
ACR Woodpecker WP4 Woodburning Stove
Even though the ACR Woodpecker WP4 Woodburning Stove is the smallest stove in the Woodpecker range, do not underestimate what is hidden below the traditional design. It is ingenious when you consider how companies such as ACR are able to maintain a traditional look to their woodburning stoves, while hiding the latest in combustion technology. This is the type of stove which would be at home in an array of different settings. So, what does the ACR Woodpecker WP4 Woodburning Stove have to offer?
As you will no doubt have recognised from the title, this is a wood-burning stove and a tip of the hat to the old-style traditional machines. Each of the Woodpecker stoves comes with a five year warranty. You will not be surprised to learn that these machines are EcoDesign Ready despite the fact these new regulations do not come in until 1 January 2022. When you also consider the stove is also DEFRA proved, therefore suitable for use in smoke controlled areas, it is obvious that ACR are thinking ahead for the future. In recent years the environment has been the main focus of new regulations – forcing changes in the stove industry. Historically, DEFRA approved stoves have been few and far between but things are changing. DEFRA approved stoves will become more commonplace and indeed an integral part of the industry going forward.
The technical specifications for the ACR Woodpecker WP4 Woodburning Stove are as follows. The height of the machine is 484 mm, width 373 mm with a depth of 360 mm and weighs in at just 66 kg. The heat output is a nominal 4.3 kW (between 2 kW and 5.5 kW) with an efficiency rating of 75.4% when burning wood. As seems to be the standard today, the 125 mm flue has a top and rear option, giving you enhanced flexibility when looking to position the stove in your home. While the ACR Woodpecker WP4 Woodburning Stove may have a relatively low nominal heat output, it is more than enough to heat a small room and take the chill off a medium to large sized room. It was certainly worth waiting for!
ACR Woodpecker WP4LS Woodburning Stove
Those who follow the stove industry will be well aware of the move towards integrated log stores and other storage facilities. Step forward the ACR Woodpecker WP4LS Woodburning Stove which offers a stylish log store area. It is only those who have been forced to venture out on a cold winters evening for more fuel, who will fully appreciate this new addition. Once you have closed your doors and drawn your curtains for the evening, that’s it, no more venturing out into the bleak winter chill!
Joking aside, there is increased demand for integrated log stores with a trend back towards more traditional styled stoves. Just a quick glimpse at the ACR Woodpecker WP4LS Woodburning Stove demonstrates not only the traditional design of the machine but also the relatively large viewing area. The ability to watch the flickering flames and the burning embers, as you drift off to sleep, is an integral part of the woodburning stove experience. The deep-seated heat created by these stoves is very different to that from electrical devices – only those who have experienced this will fully appreciate the atmosphere it creates. As you might have guessed, the height of the ACR Woodpecker WP4LS Woodburning Stove is the only main difference to the basic model. In full, the dimensions are height 674 mm, width 373 mm and a depth of 360 mm with the machine weighing in at 90 kg.
DEFRA approved, EcoDesign Ready and able to create heat output between 2 kW and 5.5 kW (4.3 kW nominal), what is there not to like about the ACR Woodpecker WP4LS Woodburning Stove? It is safe to say that the introduction of an integrated log store will further widen the appeal of this particular model. They say everything comes to those who wait, well we waited for the ACR Woodpecker stove range and it is fair to say that nobody is in the slightest bit disappointed. What next from ACR?
ACR Woodpecker WP5 Multifuel Stove
The first thing you will notice about the ACR Woodpecker WP5 Multifuel Stove is that it is a multifuel stove, able to accommodate both wood and solid fuels. It is also interesting to see that the fuel efficiency of this particular stove is still relatively high at 82.5% net for both types of fuel. As you will see from the image, the ACR Woodpecker WP5 Multifuel Stove still incorporates the traditional box design, popular with so many consumers. The rounded edges offer a modern twist on the traditional variation, which also highlights the huge viewing area.
Those who follow the stove industry will be well aware that, for many, the main attraction is the ability to watch the flickering flames and the burning embers. The heat created by the ACR Woodpecker WP5 Multifuel Stove (ranging from 2.5 kW up to 7 kW) creates an atmosphere/ambience which you need to experience to fully understand. This is a deep-seated heat, which is very different to modern day fires and central heating. There is nothing better than kicking off those shoes after a hard day at work, lying back and letting the heat relax you.
When it comes to the technical aspects of the ACR Woodpecker WP5 Multifuel Stove these are also very easy on the eye. The height is 550 mm, width 420 mm with a depth of 314 mm and weighing in at 70 kg. Interestingly, while the ACR Woodpecker 4 Stoves are a cast iron construction, the ACR Woodpecker WP5 Multifuel Stove incorporates both steel and cast-iron. From a regulatory angle, this stove is DEFRA approved and also EcoDesign Ready. The ability to burn wood fuel in smoke control areas is something that will become more important in the years ahead. It is also worth noting that while also EcoDesign Ready, these regulations do not come in until 2022. As seems to be the norm these days, the 125 mm flue can be fitted via a top or rear outlet – offering great flexibility when installing your stove. Other than that, it is safe to say that the stove speaks for itself!
Summary
The introduction of the ACR Woodpecker range of woodburning and multifuel stoves has certainly been worth the wait. We know from the past that ACR is a company that places quality way above the quantity of stoves it rolls out. This particular range of machines covers all regulatory bases, all room sizes and while maintaining a traditional look, hides the latest in combustion technology. Yep, it does look as though ACR have another winner on their hands.