With more and more people looking to increase the appeal of their home by adding a stove or fire, these must-have appliances have never been more popular. Today, homeowners are presented with a wealth of options across the various fuel types, so researching before purchasing a product is crucial.
Solid fuel
There are two types of solid fuel stoves and fires – the dedicated wood burner that only burns logs, and the multi-fuel appliance that can burn either logs or smokeless fuels.
Above: Stovax Vogue Medium wood burning stove
The atmosphere of real dancing flames and the wide variety of styling options available are what make solid fuel stoves and fires an appealing option. Bolstering aesthetics, wood fuel for these appliances is widely appreciated to be an eco-friendly option. Virtually carbon neutral, wood burning stoves and fires make an attractive choice for the eco-conscious homeowner.
When it comes to solid fuel appliances, it is important to consider local smoke control restrictions that may be in place in the area. Look for stoves and fires that are approved for smoke control locations – even homes in the most urban areas can use appliances that are exempt from the restrictions.
Gas
The very latest gas stoves and fires boast fuel beds that are almost indistinguishable from real wood burning fires, along with designs to suit both traditional and contemporary home styling. Offering high heating performance uncompromised by design, gas stoves and fires bring real flames at the touch of a button.
Gas installations are also often seen as an incredibly convenient means of heating, with many advanced Gazco models featuring programmable thermostatic remote controls that allow homeowners to schedule times for their appliance to switch on, as well as selected temperatures.
Often available in LPG versions, gas stoves and fires can also be suitable for homes out in the country that have no access to a mainline gas supply.
Electric
If convenience and ease of installation is at the top of the list, electric stoves and fires make a great solution. Providing instant localised heat, and only requiring a standard three-pin plug socket, the designer electric fire creates a striking focal point while being installed almost anywhere in the home.
Above: Radiance 80W Steel electric fire in Graphite
Many electric stoves and fires allow for the flame visuals to be enjoyed without the heat, making for year-round ambience and enjoyment.
Research the installation process
All homes can have a stove or fire of some sort depending on their product’s installation requirements. Conventionally flued solid fuel and gas models, for example, require a working chimney to allow combustion gases to escape. Buildings with an original chimney breast are highly likely to be suitable for these types of appliance and can be lined if needed.
On the other hand, properties without a chimney may also be suitable for solid fuel or gas fires, thanks to pre-fabricated flue systems that function in much the same way a chimney would. Balanced flue gas stoves and fires forego the need for a chimney entirely; the twin-walled pipe expels flue gases to the outside of the property, and in turn draws in combustion air for the appliance. Find out more about chimney and flue systems for gas and solid fuel appliances on www.stovax.com.
