We have revamped our stove accessories section

ACR Elmdale Stove, class in glass

It is fair to say that the ACR Elmdale Stove is larger than your traditional stove but it is a beauty! Designed specifically for large inglenook fireplaces it offers a traditional matching steel canopy but the glass viewing area is something very different. Described as a contemporary stove, which is perfectly correct, the steel canopy just gives it that old-fashioned old-world look. So what else does the ACR Elmdale Stove have to offer?

Design of the ACR Elmdale Stove

Despite the fact that the new design regulations do not come into play until 2022 this stove is already SIA EcoDesign ready. We cannot reiterate how much this will be worth in the long-term as governments around the world continue to tighten regulations regarding the use of stoves, especially in smoke control areas. It is also worth noting the beautifully angled glass door which is very different to anything you will probably have seen before. The way in which it is designed gives an even greater viewing area from which you can watch the flickering flames and the burning embers until your heart’s content.

Latest Stoves by CarolOct 4, 20182:58 pm

No ban on wood-burning stoves, repeat no ban on wood-burning stoves

ACR Trinity 1 Stove looks the part and delivers

In all honesty it is not difficult to see why the ACR Trinity 1 Stove is proving to be popular, let’s face it, ACR have an incredible track record when it comes to rolling out contemporary wood-burning and multifuel stoves. The ACR Trinity 1 Stove is literally just the latest in a long line of stoves with a breathtaking design and able to deliver on all promises. So, what exactly does the ACR Trinity 1 Stove have to offer?

Look of the ACR Trinity 1 Stove

In a rather bizarre way, the look and the square shaped design of the stove gives both a contemporary and traditional look (if that’s possible?). It is also a little ironic but as other companies look to rush out widescreen viewing areas, the ACR Trinity 1 Stove already has a significantly extended viewing area. We can probably put this down as a touch of magic by ACR?

Latest Stoves by CarolOct 4, 20181:57 pm

ACR Novus Multi Fuel Stove is stunning

Even though the ACR Novus Multi Fuel Stove has been on the market for a short while now it is worth taking another look at what it has to offer. Even from a distance you can see the beauty, the exquisite design and the little added extras which make it very different from the norm. Yes, there is no doubt that the ACR Novus Multi Fuel Stove will be a popular choice for some time to come!

Design of the ACR Novus Multi Fuel Stove

Before we look at the technical aspects let us focus on the black glass front which is further enhanced by the gloss black ceramic top. These elements are all surrounded by a traditional matt black finish on the body of the stove which creates a bit of bling and something eye-catching. Even from a distance it is not difficult to understand why the ACR Novus Multi Fuel Stove is so popular and why it is probably one of the best conversation starters we have seen for some time.

Latest Stoves by CarolOct 3, 20184:23 pm

Stovax View 5 widescreen stove hits the market

When you bear in mind that Stovax have been releasing widescreen stoves for an array of their brands, it was only a matter of time before we saw the View 5 widescreen stove. On paper it may just be a relatively small adjustment but it makes a massive difference to the experience and helps to fulfil consumer appetite for widescreen stoves – something which has been growing for some time. What should you expect from the View 5 widescreen stove?

Easy on the eye

The original View 5 stove wood-burning and multifuel stove had a boxlike shape with a slimline body. This style has been maintained for the new View 5 widescreen stove but there is a wider screen. The opportunity to watch the flickering flames and the burning embers in more detail has certainly enhanced the overall experience. Unless you have felt the deep seated heat created by wood-burning/multifuel stove it is difficult to find the right words. The words which bring to mind include relaxing, chilling and a different ambience which creates the perfect environment in which to drift off to sleep.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolSep 27, 20182:36 pm

Wood burners, multifuel stoves and new technology

Even though there are well in excess of 1 million wood-burning and multifuel stoves in the UK, have you ever sat back and wondered just what kind of technology is under the surface? Have you ever wondered how heat continues to seep into your room even when the fire is out? How primary, secondary and tertiary air flow systems work? Or do you just prefer to sit back, kick off your shoes and enjoy the deep seated heat that comes with the modern day wood-burning/multifuel stove?

Centuries-old stoves

The history books are littered with mention of basic stoves going back literally hundreds of years. The ability to burn wood and retain heat to keep you warm over a long period of time must have been the Holy Grail of life in the olden days. It was only in the 18th century that stove designs began to change into something similar to what we see today. Initially the stoves were seen as highly inefficient but over-time they have been reset focused and reset again to become some of the most efficient forms of heating available today.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolSep 27, 201812:29 pm

How do I stop smoke coming out of my stove?

Aside from the fact there are obvious safety aspects to consider, the efficiency of your wood-burning/multifuel stove will be impacted if smoke is not drawn properly through the flue and up the chimney. It can also lead to the buildup of potentially harmful tar which can erode your flue pipe and cause other problems with your stove. So, how do you stop smoke coming out of your stove?

Small pockets of cold air

One of the more common problems revolves around a significant drop in temperature especially during winter time. As a consequence, pockets of cold air can become trapped in your chimney/flue which has a significant impact upon the draw hence smoke is circulated in your room. Under normal circumstances, starting your fire in the morning would lead to sufficient hot air to release the trapped cold air and start the draw process. However, if you are still having problems after starting the fire with traditional fuel it may be time to look at using a fire lighter or rolled up newspaper.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolSep 20, 201812:53 pm

When should I replace stove rope?

Even though stove fire rope is just a simple piece of rope which seals doors, glass and sometimes other parts of the stove, it is very important. As soon as the fire rope begins to crack and break it is compromised and needs to be replaced. The fact it is also relatively cheap means there is no excuse for delaying this repair.

Testing to see if your stove rope needs replaced

In the vast majority of cases you should be able to see visible decay in various areas of the stove rope indicating it needs replaced. However, there is a very simple test that you can do which will tell you instantly if it needs replaced.

Take an A4 sheet of paper and place this against the area which the stove rope will lay once the stove door is closed. If you are able to pull the paper away from the stove while the door is shut then the seal has deteriorated. It sounds simple – but give it a try next time you are using your stove!

Firewood and Fuel Tips by CarolSep 13, 20184:00 pm

Is creosote dangerous for wood-burning stoves?

On the surface modern day wood-burning/multifuel stove may seem fairly unchanged from years gone by. Under the surface it is a different matter. Stoves today are highly tuned, focused machines designed to work at optimal levels. However, there are a number of issues you need to monitor to maximise your stove output and minimise the build-up of creosote.

What is creosote?

Creosote is a naturally occurring material which is best described as a tar like substance. In a fully functional wood-burning stove the gases released from the wood will simply be directed into the flue pipe. However, if there is a build-up in the chimney, or the stove is not working as efficiently as it should, this can lead to reduced heat. This in turn prompts the gases created by burning wood to solidify in the chimney and stick to the flue. It is worth noting that creosote is flammable and highly corrosive.

Stove Advice & Maintenance by CarolSep 13, 201812:33 pm

Choosing the best types of wood for your stove

We all know that seasoned hardwood with a moisture level of 20% is perfect for a wood-burning stove. It offers the optimum balance between durability, while creating significant heat, burns very slowly and has a moisture level of 20%. The next question is which types of wood offer these characteristics?

The difference between hardwood and softwood

Before we look at specific wood types, it is worth reminding ourselves of the difference between hardwood and softwood. In simple terms, hardwood is denser which means it burns relatively slowly which creates significant heat. Softwood is less dense meaning that it will burn quicker, create less heat and be ultimately more expensive to use. As the average density of softwood is around half of that associated with hardwood, it burns twice as quickly.

Latest Stoves by CarolSep 6, 20181:14 pm

New Yeoman CL5 widescreen stove

Those who follow the UK wood-burning and multifuel stove market will be well aware of the Yeoman range. Over the years the Yeoman brand and reputation has grown which is a reflection of the quality, durability and value for money products Yeoman offer. So, with the Yeoman CL5 stove as popular as ever, it was perhaps only a matter of time before they introduced the Yeoman CL5 widescreen stove.

Over the last few years we have seen a growing trend towards extended viewing areas allowing you to watch the flickering flames and the burning embers. After all, for many people this is a large part of the wood-burning/multifuel stove experience? So, as we await further details of the official launch of the Yeoman CL5 widescreen stove, what can we expect?