As the number of wood-burning and multifuel stoves continues to grow in the UK, it is worth knowing the five must have items for stove owners. While some of these items may seem decorative, they are still essential when considering your safety. So, what would you have as your top five items?
Carbon monoxide alarm
Carbon monoxide is not known as the “silent killer” for no reason. It is now illegal to install a stove without a carbon monoxide alarm such is their importance to safety. In this instance we are talking about carbon monoxide alarms in relation to wood-burning, and multifuel, stoves but they also prove useful for other appliances such as faulty gas boilers. How do they work?
Basically, the carbon monoxide alarm is fitted in an area near to your stove where it can measure the levels of carbon monoxide in the air. If this reaches critical levels an alarm will sound at which point action must be taken. Even though modern day wood-burning stoves, flue equipment and the quality of installations have improved dramatically you still need to be careful.
Stove pipe thermometer
There are various types of stove pipe thermometer available but all do the same job, monitor the temperature of the gases released from your stove. This is the perfect way to see whether you are working at optimum temperatures or there is a need to increase/decrease fuel intake. Many people are not aware but stoves are built to work at an optimum range of temperatures for maximum efficiency and heat production. Over and above these temperatures can lead to excessive fuel charges, incorrect heat output and perhaps more importantly damage to your stove.
So, this simple thermometer could quite literally save you hundreds of pounds a year if you are burning fuel at the incorrect temperature. Yes, a way to save money!
Moisture meter
There is a common misconception amongst some stove owners that you can literally “throw anything” onto your burner. This is simply untrue and can have both a detrimental impact on your equipment as well as the heat output and cost of fuel. So, what does a moisture meter do?
This very simple device allows you to measure the moisture within wood fuel. In a perfect world, moisture meter readings of less than 20% are perfect to burn while those with a reading over 20% indicate wood which is too wet to burn. The impact of burning wet wood is twofold, energy is used to dry the wood then burn it, increasing your fuel bill. Secondly, the tar created when burning wet wood will impact the efficiency of your stove and can cause serious problems if not addressed.
Stove gloves
Yes, stove gloves should be used every day around what can be exceptionally hot wood-burning and multifuel stoves. Whether opening the door or adding fuel, it is essential that you give yourself protection against excessive heat. Many so-called “old hands” that use wood-burning and multifuel stoves have thrown off their gloves and paid the price. When you consider the high temperatures modern-day stoves can reach, would you really want a burn from that!
So, even if you prefer to “do it the old fashioned way” just bear in mind you are playing with fire, literally.
Companion set
When looking at companion sets we are talking of tongs, pokers, brushes, shovels, etc. Yes, they are relatively boring but they are a necessity when moving fuel, cleaning your stove and tidying the surrounding area. There are some classic companion sets available today which are not only good on the eye but also increase your personal safety. Maybe they would make a perfect Christmas gift for a wood-burning/multifuel stove owner?
Summary
While some of the above comments are tongue in cheek, these are all products that wood-burning stove owners should have. All of them are related to an element of safety and when you consider the temperatures that modern day stoves reach, they are certainly required. So, whether looking to squeeze the last few pennies out of your fuel, buckle up with your stove gloves or monitor carbon monoxide levels, these products are essential.