Another innovative new range from the UK’s leading manufacturer of chimney cowls & flue terminals
Midtec Products Ltd are proud of their close working relationship with their customers, and following extensive customer feedback and testing, they are pleased to announce the release of a new range of Specialist Bee Prevention Products. Not just one, but FOUR brand new and exclusive products. “This pioneering new range is, as far as I am aware, the first of its kind in the UK and is a fantastic achievement for our team.” Trefor Jenkins, Executive Chairman of Midtec Products Ltd. “We have worked very closely with a number of key industry experts to form the basis of our new range; add to that the expertise of our highly skilled team and the technical capability of our state-of-the-art laser machine and you have a product that is bespoke to the exact requirements of the installer.” The new Bee Prevention Range from Midtec comprises of four key products: The PONTO cowl is the same product that Midtec’s customers know and love, but with the added preventative mesh, to help keep Bees from entering the chimney. The two Disused Cappers are designed to close off a chimney that is no longer in use, but they too feature an integrated panel that prevents bees from being able to get into the chimney. Then we come to the Bee Prevention Ring; this simple bit of kit is a game-changer. It is designed to be retrofitted to the chimney pot and is designed to allow the pothanger to sit down through it. This prevents bees from entering the chimney pot on the outside of the flexible flue liner and it also allows for ventilation of the chimney. The real star of the show for these four products is Midtec’s exclusive Bee Prevention Mesh. It has been carefully designed in-house by Midtec’s expert team and produced using their precision laser to an exact specification that will allow ventilation for the chimney but leaving no space for bees to enter and nest. With over 40 years manufacturing experience, Midtec has been at the cutting edge of the industry for quite some time. Midtec is lucky to have a dedicated and highly skilled team, led by a dynamic duo of directors. This family-run business is thriving thanks to its investment in the latest machinery and a keen eye on the future of the industry. Watch this space, let’s see what they do next. Discover their full range at: Midtec.co.uk
Combining classic and contemporary style, the Ashcott from Mendip Stoves suits all interiors
Nothing gives a warm welcome like the glow from a wood burning stove. As well as providing a central source of heat during the winter months, a standalone stove will also create a classic focal point for the living area, dining room or open-plan scheme. This compact stove has an innovative magnetic door for easy closing and offers the perfect blend between classic and contemporary styling with its large viewing window, elegant legs and fuss-free finish with stainless steel handle. Providing a 4.7kW heat output, the Ashcott has a direct outside air connector for maximum efficiency. The Ashcott stove needs only 150mm to combustibles at the rear of the stove, enabling you to have it installed 150mm away from a timber feature without fear of a fire. This also has the added benefit that all the heat generated moves forward into the room, which is where it’s needed most. Naturally the Ashcott complies with the new government Ecodesign programme to lower emissions. Setting the standard for environmentally friendly stoves, the scheme is supported by DEFRA and overseen by HETAS, who will independently verify that the stoves pass the required criteria and tests. The Ashcott costs from £1,402.00
Perfect for smaller spaces, Eurostove’s compact Beltane Brue is economic and efficient
When you’re faced with the challenge of a small room, be it a living area, dining space or compact open-plan layout, having a freestanding stove may seem like a pipe dream. But with the Beltane Brue collection from Eurostove, you’ll get all the benefits of a traditional multifuel stove in a compact design, ideal for modern new-builds as well as cosy cottages and rural retreats. Available as a classic freestanding model, Eurostove’s Beltane Brue collection comes in a choice of four designs – the Beltane Brue Ecodesign, Beltane Brue Logstore Ecodesign, Beltane Brue Convector Plus Ecodesign and the Beltane Brue Convector Plus Logstore Ecodesign – with a style to suit every home. Each stove is A+ rated for energy efficiency with a heat output ranging from 3-5kW. Its clean, modern styling features a large viewing window to see the dancing flames within along with a beautiful Anthracite painted finish that complements all interiors. Solid, sturdy and manufactured using only the highest quality materials, this British design comes with easy to use air controls and a durable cast iron grate. Suitable for placement on a 12mm hearth, the Beltane Brue is a perfect choice for smaller spaces. For those who love the look and earthy aroma of real wood, the logstore base versions of the Beltane Brue stove allow for quick and easy access to dry logs and you can easily store an evening’s worth below the stove itself, so no more having to pop out to the wood shed on a cold, wet and windy night. The two Convector Plus designs come with convection side panels, lowering the distance to combustibles at the sides to 200mm. This is due to the relatively cooler exterior of the convection stove compared to the radiant heat of the non-convector designs, which are more suitable for installation within a chimney breast or fireplace. Eurostove’s Beltane Brue collection is Defra Approved for use in Smoke Control Areas such as our cities and large towns as well as being EcoDesign Ready, making it a great investment for the future. The European-wide initiative to lower emissions came into effect for stoves in the UK in 2022. The PM emissions limit for EcoDesign is 55% lower than for Defra exempt stoves and EcoDesign Ready models can reduce particle emissions by 90% compared to an open fire and 80% compared to an old stove. Upgrading your old stove to an EcoDesign Ready model now gives peace of mind as well as helping to protect our planet. “The Beltane Brue collection is a great option for smaller homes or compact rooms,” says Chris Baines, managing director of Eurostove. “It may be one of our smaller stoves but it still delivers on heat output and looks stunning with its clean lines and classic styling.” The Beltane Brue Ecodesign stove from Eurostove is priced from £935. The Logstore version is priced from £1042. The Convector Plus model starts at £1,100. Image courtesy of Eurostove.
Westfire hits the spot for smaller spaces with its Uniq 37 Compact stove
There’s something infinitely alluring about a wood burning stove. The flickering flames dancing about inside, the instant warmth that takes the chill off any room and the cosy comfort factor that it brings to your home are all reasons that many homeowners choose a stove as the centrepiece of their living room or open-plan space. For those who favour a contemporary look and feel, the Westfire Uniq 37 Compact is the perfect choice with a striking sleek design that complements any modern interior. The cylindrical stove is also the ultimate option for smaller areas, as its compact shape measures just H815mm x W596mm x D448mm yet it still has a powerful 7.2kW heat output, which is more than capable of warming up to 100 sq m of space. Exclusively available from Eurostove, the Anthracite-finish wood burner is also EcoDesign Ready and is A rated for energy efficiency. The curved Westfire Uniq 37 Compact saves space while creating a cosy focal point. Its large viewing window enables you to enjoy a spectacular view of the glowing flames inside, perfect for those early dark winter’s evenings and blustery weekends, while the efficiency and clean burning qualities make this a great choice for any homeowner looking for their first wood burner or to upgrade an outdated model. What’s more, unlike many stoves that require up to 250mm from combustibles, the Westfire Uniq 37 Compact can be installed with just 100mm to any combustibles at the rear and 600mm to the side. It has a high 78% efficiency and is also registered for use in smoke-controlled areas, making it perfect for urban as well as rural living. Chris Baines, Managing Director of Eurostove, explains why being EcoDesign Ready is so important. “EcoDesign is a new standard, approved by European countries, including the UK, which is due to be implemented in 2022. However, many manufacturers have pre-empted this standard, and now manufacture EcoDesign Ready stoves. These stoves have all been tested by an independent test laboratory and will emit approximately 80% fewer particles than a stove manufactured 20 years ago, and approximately 90% fewer than an open fire. That not only helps save the environment, but also helps your pocket! Along with burning very low (less than 20%) moisture wood, this will ensure that your stove is as eco-friendly as possible.” As part of the Eurostove collection, Westfire offers the epitome of Danish design with high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail creating a contemporary range of stoves that combine simplicity with sophistication. Each and every design is extremely efficient as well as eco-conscious, bringing clean lines and understated character into your home. The Uniq 37 Compact by Westfire at Eurostove is priced £2,035. Image Courtesy of Eurostove
Colt Cowls look back on 92 years as they launch the new 2023 Catalogue!
The market leading chimney cowl brand Colt Cowls will celebrate their 92nd year in 2023. Colt Cowls have been manufacturing chimney cowls since 1931 when the first commercially successful chimney cowl, the Colt Cowl was invented. Developed to reduce downdraught in chimney flues which at the time burnt mainly coal and coke, the aerodynamic principle involved in the design was revolutionary and lead to millions being sold throughout the 20th century. As times moved on and fuels changed to gas with the DFE (Decorative Fuel Effect) fires of the 1980’s new regulations meant another product came of age in the shape of the Colt Top All Purpose, the first omni- directional chimney cowl on the market for both solid fuel and gas applications. In more recent times the market saw a huge move towards solid fuel fires and log burners with again Colt Cowls adapting to sell the most popular chimney birdguard on the market today the High Top Birdguard. In the last 20 years or so Colt Cowls have also forged a name for themselves selling flues including twin wall, stove pipe and chimney liner. The Colt Cowl product range now encompasses a huge offering of products from the stove or fireplace right up to the chimney cowl. The new 2023 Colt Cowls Catalogue features all of these products along with detailed information about installation and functionality. In addition to providing one of the most comprehensive product offerings in the cowl and flue market, Colt Cowls have pushed further forwards leading the market in respect of both quality and environmental focus. In 2017 Colt Cowls became the first chimney cowl company to gain BSI Kitemark status for several products within their range showing the huge importance that they place on product quality. ‘Gaining the BSI Kitemark was a real achievement for Colt Cowls. Without quality you don’t really have a serious product to present to your customers. In the short term you may win customers on price, but you will lose them for the very same reason and that is why we have always believed in making chimney cowls of the highest quality because in the end it comes down to value. The BSI Kitemark confirms our focus on quality’ says James Stedman Managing Director of Kaysted Ltd owners of Colt Cowls. ‘I guess we should know, we have been making chimney cowls for long enough!’ This year Colt Cowls have also gained ISO 14001 status showing how focussed the company now is on environmental issues. ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard that provides a framework for organisations to have an effective environmental management system. It provides assurance to company management, employees and customers that environmental impact is being measured and continually improved. Further information about quality, environmental focus and other benefits is all detailed in the new 20 page 2023 Colt Cowls catalogue. Free copies are available by calling 01243 781559 or logging onto www.coltcowls.co.uk
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