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Cast Iron v Steel?

We are always asked by clients “which stove offers the best value”, well this is a very difficult question as most stoves these days have good and bad points. Steel or cast iron? Well, again this is very much down to the individual and their budget. The most important part of choosing a stove for your home is to get the correct advice, always consult a HETAS registered engineer who will be able to point you in the right direction.

Plus points of cast iron stoves

Cast iron wood stoves are a popular choice of wood stove for many reasons, among them its ability to hold up to high heat and temperature changes. Iron is a durable yet workable material that allows for panels of it to be drilled into larger, complex assemblies, like stoves.

It disperses heat nicely, conducting heat well from one part of the stove to the others.

The downside of cast iron stoves

Cast iron wood stoves can be costly. As they are put together with bolts and caulking they tend to require some degree of maintenance or repair over time, with replacement parts also costly as each individual model of cast iron stove must have its own master patterns for casting new panels and parts.

Many manufacturers of cast iron wood stoves today focus more on form, or decorative appeal than function. Read more

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Wood burners provide warmth and style

One of the most desirable features and benefits of a wood burner is the heat output it provides. A wood-burning stove provides a powerful heat source for your home, meaning that the room gets warm quickly and effectively.

There are wood burners available in a range of sizes, colours, shapes and varying energy output levels, so you can choose a model that is most appropriate for the size of your home or the room that it will be heating.

A wood burning stove is a fantastic way to provide a homely ambience, with its combination of cosy heat and the visual impact of roaring flames dancing in the room. Read more

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Considerations for that new wood burner

Things you need to think about when selecting a wood burner.

When you enter the store you will see lots of lovely looking options, now is the time to be prepared. Do your research and list down your requirements, then seek the advice of a fully qualified HETAS fitter who will point you in the right direction.

Wood only or multi-fuel

A dedicated wood burner can be the most efficient so It’s worth considering if you’re never going to want to burn other fuels.

This issue is one you will need to spend time on, ask yourself if you will ever want to burn other fuels, such as pellets? Get the opinion of the fitter as they will be able to inform you of the plus’s and minus’s, thus ensuring you make the correct choice. Read more

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Time to service your heating machine?

If you want to keep your wood burning stove in top condition and functioning correctly, it is of utmost importance to follow the maintenance and cleaning tips that can be found in the stove manual.

Maintenance and cleaning will help you keep your heating gem running smoothly and keep you warm for many winters to come.

You are highly recommended to burn only seasoned wood. Why? Because unseasoned wood contains high amounts of water which can cause problems with smoking, creosote build-up in the flue system and chimney.

VERY IMPORTANT, never burn treated wood, driftwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard and all non-wood items because they can cause damage to the stove and release potentially toxic fumes. Read more