NEW 316 Stainless Steel range with BSI Kitemark award!
Colt Cowls introduce NEW 316 Stainless Steel range with BSI Kitemark award! Colt Cowls have launched three great new 316 stainless steel chimney cowls which have all been awarded the world-famous BSI Kitemark meaning customers can be absolutely confident of quality and that the cowls comply with current regulations. These include the High Top Birdguard, The High Top Flex (‘pot hanger cowl’) birdguard and the Econotop anti downdraught cowl, all of which are suitable for solid fuels. All cowls within the new 316 range come with a lifetime guarantee!* That is to say that if the product ever failed it would be replaced completely free of charge. The new 316 range of colt chimney cowls represents the absolute best quality selection of chimney cowls available anywhere on the market. What is a Kitemark? You might well recognise the symbol, below. It is usually used on products where safety is paramount and can be on anything from crash helmets to smoke alarms. It is owned and operated by the British Standards Institute (BSI) and only awarded to companies who can demonstrate that they are able to meet the requirements of the relevant British and European (BSEN) and meet exacting quality standards. In addition, companies with the Kitemark are continuously audited against accredited quality management and production systems. In other words, if you see a product with a Kitemark you can rest assured you are buying a quality product meeting all the relevant standards! Do I need a 316 stainless steel chimney cowl? If you want to purchase a chimney cowl (‘Rain Cap’) that is fully compliant with BSEN16475-7:2016 for use on all fuels it must be made of 316 stainless steel. …Really? There is an argument that ‘anti downdraught chimney cowls’ and ‘birdguard’s’ primary functions are not to prevent the entry of rain. By that definition you could argue they are not ‘rain caps’, and therefore shouldn’t be subject to BSEN16475-7:2016. …But at Colt Cowls we just want to make life easy for you, so we have designed a range of cowls in 316 that cover ALL so you can buy with confidence! Quality guaranteed: Colt Cowls have been making chimney cowls for over 90 years. You can be sure our offer has stood the test of time! Colt Cowl products have been designed to withstand normal operating temperatures in chimney flues. Since 1931, millions of Colt Cowl products have been installed. The 316 Range: Colt Cowls wanted a separate range offering the best of the best. High quality 316 grade stainless steel chimney cowls to help with the increasing use of corrosive smokeless fuels like anthracite and phurnacite. The 316 range has been designed to help prevent and ensure better resistance to the chemical by products and gases created when burning smokeless fuel. Not only that but 316 stainless steel is also better at combatting the corrosive effects of salty sea air in coastal areas. If you would like to discuss the 316 range or would like a FREE Catalogue please give our sales team a call on: 01243 781 559, or email them at: sales@coltcowls.co.uk *Means that if the product fails at any future date, it will be replaced completely free of charge Images courtesy of Colt Cowls.
Sleek and streamlined, extra wide inset stoves from Eurostove
From self-build projects to new-build developments and home extensions, inset stoves are the perfect heating solution. Sleek, modern and fuss-free, their space-saving design is ideal for smaller rooms, compact living areas or for those who prefer the look of an inset design over a freestanding hearth and stove. As well as freeing up space and complementing a contemporary interior, inset stoves also come with a high heat output and attractive window design that allows for a full view of the flicking flames inside. Eurostove has a range of modern and traditionally-styled inset stoves to suit any home and by planning for an inset stove at the start of a project, the result will combine warmth and comfort with an attractive focal point as the hub of the home. Inset wood burning or multifuel stoves are built-in units that are installed into a chimney breast or wall, leaving only the front of the stove exposed to create maximum impact. Minimal and fuss-free, these stoves are not only space efficient but they will also perfectly complement contemporary interiors and are the perfect choice for self-build projects, new-build developments and home extensions. Much more efficient than an open fire, an inset stove has a high heat output combined with character, warmth, comfort and a clean finish that is low maintenance and easy to use. The Westfire Uniq 32 inset wood burning stove is a great space-saving heating solution, with a super wide 775mm door ideal to see the flickering flames within. It comes with an insulated fire chamber to reflect heat back into the room and is A+ rated for energy efficiency. It comes with easy to use air controls for a complete, cleaner burn that maximises fuel’s energy and with 5.9kW of heat, it’s ideal for all room sizes. A choice of frames offers personalisation with a clean, crisp edge. In a metallic anthracite finish, the stove is suitable for all styles of interior and it also comes with a closed combustion adapter that allows external air to feed directly to the fire to improve its burn. A similar inset stove from Mendip Stoves is the wood burning Christon 750 glass fronted stove, which offers a panoramic view of the flames within, via its 695mm wide glass front. A-rated for energy efficiency, the 8.7kW stove features a large insulated chamber to hold logs up to 60cm in length while the steel box-within-a-box design creates good airflow for convection heat to be evenly distributed to the room. Smooth and modern, the stove is available with a three or four-sided frame, allowing the Christon 750 to be installed on a hearth or set up high in a flush wall setting. The Christon 750 and Uniq 32 stoves are both Defra Approved for use in Smoke Control Areas such as our cities and large towns, and naturally conform to the new EcoDesign specifications, which can reduce particle emissions by 90% compared to an open fire and 80% compared to an old stove. Upgrading your stove to an EcoDesign model now gives peace of mind as well as helping to protect our planet. “Inset stoves are a great way of saving space in self-build projects and new-build developments,” says Chris Baines, managing director of Eurostove. “As they are usually installed above the floor within the wall, they leave the floor area clear and also create a seamless, flush-fit effect, which suits contemporary living spaces beautifully.” Westfire Uniq 32 starts at £3,250 and the Christon 750 is £2,661
5 alternative ways to save money on fuel bills during the energy crisis
There are many ways to try and save money on fuel bills and you will see these listed all over the internet. Some of the more obvious things include installing a smart thermostat, turning off appliances on standby, installing a new boiler, washing clothes at lower temperatures, and investing in double glazing. But what about the slightly less obvious solutions? Here we look at 5 alternative ways to reduce your energy bills Install a loft ladder and increase the insulation in your loft yourself! It goes without saying that the better insulated the house, the easier it is to keep warmth in and the less that heating is required. One of the easiest ways to increase your insulation is to add more to your loft space. Increasing insulation between the rafters and between the joists will help to keep heat in. However, to save money you might want to try doing it yourself. Some people find accessing their lofts very difficult. This is where installing a loft ladder is helpful. The Loft Shop is the best-known name in loft ladder installation and operates a fitting service in the South of England. https://www.loftshop.co.uk/about/fitting-service Open your old fireplace back up and get it functioning again Up and down the country there are houses with perfectly good chimneys just waiting to be used. Many might have been bricked up or covered over during the 80’s and 90’s when there was more of a move towards gas as a fuel for heating. But simply uncovering an old fireplace might give you the option to use another form of heating such as burning logs in a stove or open fireplace saving you huge amounts of money on your heating bill! Take professional advice from a builder and chimney sweep before you start burning anything though. Use space heating Rather than just whacking the heating on throughout the entire house you could alternatively use space heating. Let’s be honest, how many rooms do you actually use on a daily basis? Mostly just the kitchen and living room and a lot of the time these two rooms are as one in a modern home. Whether it is using your stove, fireplace or even an electric heater you can get away with not even putting the heating on while your space heater is in use. Keep your heating off at night and sleep better! Rather than putting the heating on over-night, switch it off altogether and it might even have other benefits. According to the Harvard Medical School, your body begins to drop in temperature right before you fall asleep. During sleep, your core temperature is reduced by 1 to 2°F, as a way to conserve energy. Sleeping in a colder room will help you drop to that level faster, which will help you fall asleep (and stay that way) quicker Use a draught excluder for your disused chimney! If you have got a chimney, but you don’t use it…then make sure its draught proofed. A huge amount of heat can escape up your chimney and with it ££’s!! Not only that but a chimney that has not been draught proofed will often cause cold draughts to come back down. Colt Cowls offer a range of environmentally friendly chimney draught excluders made from the wool of the Herdwick sheep. These are available in a number of sizes able to fit 99% of the market requirement. https://www.coltcowls.co.uk/products/chimney-caps/chimney-draught-excluder
Solution Fires Innovates with High-Tech Luxury Electric Fire Range
Leading fireplace manufacturer Solution Fires has taken its product innovation to new heights with the introduction of its brand new, state of the art LUX electric fire range.
Long-established Stove Shop and Website for Sale
After years of dedicated service, the owners of Stove Experience, a beloved wood-burning stove shop in Lanarkshire, have announced their retirement. With mixed emotions, they have made the difficult decision to put both the physical store and its accompanying website up for sale, marking the end of an era for stove enthusiasts and homeowners seeking warmth and comfort. Stove Experience has been a pillar in the community for decades, offering a wide range of high-quality wood-burning stoves in Scotland and providing expert advice to customers. Whether you were a first-time buyer or an experienced stove enthusiast, the owners and staff were always ready to guide you through the process, ensuring you found the perfect stove to meet your needs. The retirement of the shop’s owners is bittersweet news for the loyal customer base that has grown over the years. Many have relied on Stove Experience not only for their products but also for the wealth of knowledge and expertise the owners brought to the table. The shop was not just a place to purchase a stove; it was a hub of warmth, inspiration, and shared experiences. As the owners prepare to say their goodbyes, they express their gratitude for the support and trust the community has shown them throughout the years. They fondly reminisce about the countless conversations and connections forged over the shared passion for wood-burning stoves. The decision to sell both the physical shop and the website is not one taken lightly. The owners are hopeful that someone with the same dedication and love for the craft will step forward to continue the legacy of Stove Experience. The shop’s website, with its extensive resources and online presence, holds immense potential for someone seeking to venture into the world of wood-burning stoves. As the final embers of Stove Experience burn, the owners and the community reflect on the lasting impact the shop has had on their lives. It has been a place of warmth, not just in terms of the cozy stoves but also in the connections made and memories shared. While Stove Experience’s owners may be retiring, their legacy will endure. The shop’s closure is a reminder of the importance of cherishing local businesses and the knowledge and passion they bring to our lives. Photo – Owner Anne Gill
Beltane Stoves’ Chew EcoDesign multifuel stove, perfect for larger spaces
The Beltane Stoves Chew EcoDesign stove from Eurostove Summer may be just around the corner but now is the perfect time to start planning autumn/winter heating. For homeowners who favour a classic-looking stove with clean lines and fuss-free design, the Chew design from Beltane Stoves is the perfect multi-fuel stove, using either smokeless coal or wood, for cosy afternoons curled up with a good book. This 4.6kW model is big on size as well as performance. Measuring H606mm x W490mm x D320mm, it can burn logs up to 35cm long and has a wide ceramic glass window for a great view of the flickering flames as they crackle and pop within. An airwash system keeps the glass clean and free from smoke deposits, and the stove features easy to use air controls and a robust cast iron grate. A sleek chrome handle adds a touch of class. Sleek and sturdy, the Beltane Chew is crafted from hardwearing steel and is ideal for classic interiors such as country cottages, barn conversions and period homes as well as contemporary decors, new-builds and both large and small spaces. With an impressive 80% heat efficiency, the Beltane Chew is sleek, streamlined and sophisticated. This versatile stove can be fitted onto a 12mm glass floorplate, set into an existing fireplace or installed as a freestanding model, making it a truly flexible solution for any interior style. As well as looking streamlined and stylish while providing plenty of high heat output, the Beltane Chew is also extremely efficient with an A+ energy rating. Perfect for large spaces, this stove is also Defra approved for smoke-controlled areas and conforms to the EcoDesign legislation – the new rules regarding efficiency and emissions. The convection top plate gives excellent heat distribution, making it suitable for larger spaces and open-plan living and it’s great value at £1,045 from Eurostove. Added benefits also include vermiculite lining, a fireproof material with high insulating capacity. This helps to optimise combustion and performance and is easy to maintain. Beltane Stoves’ Chew stove from Eurostove is priced from £1,045. Image courtesy of Eurostove
Contemporary and charming, the Hergom E-40 wood burning stove is perfect for any interior
Whether your living space is classic or contemporary in style, a wood burning stove will provide an attractive focal point for the room while also creating that all-important heat and a warm, cosy feel. Some models are distinctly traditional or modern but with the new Hergom E-40, its versatility lies in its simple yet sophisticated design, which lends itself perfectly to any scheme. At 9kW, it offers a generous heat output, which is easy to operate, and features a cast iron combustion chamber coated with white flux that is both extremely heat resistant and highlights the brilliance of the flames within. Large enough to make an impact without being overpowering, the Hergom E-40 also boasts a large viewing window, tactile handle and smooth rounded corners, and naturally complies with the new 2022 Ecodesign regulation. An external air intake makes the E-40 suitable for passive housing as it enables external air to be fed directly into the combustion chamber. As part of the Eurostove family, Hergom is one of Europe’s largest and most established manufacturers of cast iron stoves and cookers. Made in its own state-of-the-art foundry in Santander, northern Spain, they use only the finest materials to produce durable, efficient, thermally effective heating solutions. The Hergom E-40 starts at £2,622. Eurostove Ltd www.eurostove.co.uk Images courtesy of Hergom.
Enjoy the great outdoors with the multipurpose BBQ grill and firepit
We’re all looking forward to the possibility of a sociable summer this year and whether it’s with close family or much-missed friends and loved ones, there’s now the excitement of a BBQ summer within reach. For those planning a weekend reunion, a simple catch up with local friends or even a staycation at home, an outdoor BBQ/firepit is the perfect focal point for the garden, patio or terrace, with ample room for a family feast, followed by a cosy fire, making sure that everyone remains warm and toasty long after the sun goes down. The cast iron Firepit by Hergom is the ultimate summer accessory and it’s so much more than a simple BBQ, it works as a garden heater, as well as a generous grill area for barbecuing too. Its enamelled cast iron ring allows you to cook on the grill or griddle while it radiates a pleasant warmth, ideal for family get-togethers or weekend drinks and a bite to eat with friends. The key to its intense heat is the solid cast iron construction with a 960mm diameter body and a robust thickness, which is finished with a heat resistant paint. The large central opening makes it easy to ignite the fire and keep it going, even while cooking. Designed to turn any outdoor event into a memorable experience, the Firepit by Hergom is durable and resilient in all weathers. Its outer ring is made up of four segments, where two cast iron griddles and two grills can be combined for the ultimate outdoor cooking event. The ring swiftly reaches the optimum temperature for searing and sizzling everything from bangers and burgers to vegetables, steaks and seafood, and it remains at temperature for some time thanks to the thermal qualities of cast iron. “What’s great about the Firepit is that you can cook directly on the griddle and grill, as it’s finished in a protective, durable food-grade enamel coating, which provides a safe, hygienic cooking surface,” says Chris Baines, managing director of Eurostove. “Cast iron offers outstanding heat retention so it’s perfect for browning meat and sealing in goodness. What’s more, although the fire doesn’t directly touch the food, the aroma of the wood fuel adds a delicate flavour to your meal.” With this in mind, Hergom advises that the wood logs used with its Firepit should be well-dried and fungus-free. Hard wood will cook thicker pieces of meat, as the embers last longer and for a smoky nuance, try oak, beech or walnut. For something fruity, use wood from almond, apple or cherry and for added taste, add some aromatic herbs to your cooking. The new Firepit by Hergom is available in two versions – with a Tall Base or Low Base. The Tall Base design offers the perfect height for alfresco cooking and comes with a steel base for log storage. It also has handy stainless steel side bars for hanging tongs and spatulas. The Low Base version also comes with a cast iron cooking ring finished in food-grade enamel and is perfect for relaxing with a cool drink while chatting with family and friends and toasting a marshmallow or three. After every use, make sure you wait for the Firepit to cool completely then remove the ashes, which can be composted, as well as any food scraps with a wood or synthetic spatula to avoid scratching its surface. Clean the griddles and grills with a piece of cloth dipped in olive oil then protect the Firepit by leaving it covered, even if it’s stored in a garage or shed. The Hergom Firepit with a low base is priced from £1,545 whilst the high base is from £1,800. As part of the Eurostove family, Hergom is one of Europe’s largest and most established manufacturers of cast iron stoves and cookers. Made in its own state-of-the-art foundry in Santander, northern Spain, they use only the finest materials to produce durable, efficient, thermally effective heating solutions. Eurostove Ltd www.eurostove.co.uk Images courtesy of Hergom