Cast Iron Inset Stove Convection Explained:

Convection is a phenomenon that takes place within gases and liquids. Solids alas have atoms that are unable to move sufficiently for convection to take place. Convection occurs when heating a room because the heated air rises in cold air. The cold air then replaces the warmer rising air creating convection.

Convection is often aided by a fan which helps to direct the heated air, and can often be seen used on inset fires to make sure the heated air moves into the room as apposed to up a chimney or flue. Bear in mind that the shear amount heat that is created by an inset stove makes it impossible to incorporate a fan into it.

Multi-fuel stoves and wood burning stoves will also have smoke and fumes that are expelled within the heated air. So how can is it possible to achieve convection from an inset stove? Well, it can be achieved by the firebox being placed inside an outer shell or box. The air that is found between the boxes is heated and released into the room from the top of the stove. This results in a highly effective inset stove that still radiates heat like normal stoves, but has the added advantage of convecting heat into the room as well.

This is an impressive addition to inset stoves and the stove product range as a whole. As efficiency becomes more to the fore front of every home owners thoughts, such products like inset convection stoves are sure to become more popular than ever.

Europa Complete Firplace Suites

The new fireplace suites by Europa are the Hanover and the Sofia. These suites come as a package that include the fire, mantle surround, back panel and hearth. The suites have been designed to suite most homes as they both come with a large variety of components that selectable and these choices are not usually available when purchasing a complete suite.
Both the Hanover suite and Sofia Suite have mantle surrounds that come in a natural oak finish that is available in a choice of sizes, either 54inch or48 inch. The size refers to the mantle shelf width, and whichever one is selected will have a hearth width that is the same size in width. The back panel and hearths that come with the suite are available in either a black granite or beige micro marble finish.
Europa have, quite uniquely, provided the option with these suites to select what type of fire you would like from a large range of styles and effects, most noticeably the choice of either a gas or electric fire.
The Sofia and the Hanover suites start to differ a little when the fires come into play, the Sofia has a large selection of cast iron, traditionally styled inset fires, while the Hanover has the more modern styled fire with brass or chrome effect finishes.
Both have the electric option that also come with a battery operated remote control as standard and coal and pebble fuel effects are included as well. The electric suites can be used as freestanding suites, as they do not require having a chimney or flue.
The natural gas fires that Europa has supplied with these suites are available in a full depth or slim line version. The full depth version gives a greater heat output and is designed for use in a conventional chimney (class 1), while the slim line gas fire option allows the suite to be used in a chimney but also prefabricated flues too.
The Europa Sofia Suite differs again from the Hanover as it has low voltage down lights, or spotlights, as part of the suite. This addition adds an additional touch of class, and the control switch is neatly concealed by the mantle overhang. A lovely effect but be aware that these lights will need an additional electricity supply which may be overlooked when buying a gas version of the suite.
The Sofia and Hanover suites by Europa are available at very reasonable prices from all good fireplace suppliers and are a great option if you require a complete fire/surround suite.

The Devotion Electric Fire by Apex Fires

Released and extremely popular within the fire industry is the Devotion Electric Fire produced by Apex. Apex have become a well established recognizable name amongst the fireplace industry within Great Britain, so when they embark on designing and creating a new electric fire they produce one of the highest quality electric fires available, and have done so once again with the new Devotion.

This swanky new electric fire, the Devotion, instantly impresses with eye catching design, the curved black mirrored glass effect frame shouts contemporary chic, and brand new stylish log effect with LED lighting feature and side lighting delivers maximum effect with minimum energy use.

This hang on the wall electric fire is easily wall mounted onto a flat wall and no traditional chimney or flue are necessary with this fire and the Devotion requires no additional ventilation into the room, which when you consider the Devotion is designed for smaller rooms, is exceptional.

The Apex Devotion has the option to be set on a high heat setting with 2kW heat output, a low heat setting with 1kW heat output and a flame effect only setting. The LED lighting effects and heat settings can all easily be adjusted with the remote control that comes as standard, all for an extremely reasonable price.

This Apex Devotion electric fire has been designed and will surely be marketed for the rooms of smaller proportions or possibly for a stylish room less used to sporting a fire, like a study or bedroom. With simple installation and easily operated, and an abundant supply of style, the Devotion electric fire is one to definitely look out for.

Kinder Fires Limours

The Limours is the first dedicated wall mounted balanced flue gas fire from Kinder Fires. Ideal for homes without a chimney, No chimney is required as this fire is flued directly though an outside wall. It can be simply hung on the wall with no need for any major or extensive building work or can be recessed when fitted with an additional wall plate for a more sleek finish, with only the trim standing pround of the wall.

The balanced flue system in this fire means it can achieve very high net efficiency ratings of up to 87% and heat output of 4.2kW.The Limours is remote controlled, allowing full control from the comfort of your armchair and features a contemporary graphite fascia with stainless steel detail that highlights the aggregate rock fuel bed and living gas flame. The contemporary graphite fascia features detailing that adds to the contemporary finish and further drawing attention to the flame picture in the centre.

This stunningly modern gas fire is perfect to create that focal point in a modern living space and unlike other hole or hang on the wall gas fires this fire does not just look like a gaping hole in the wall when not on, the graphite fascia and the stainless steel inlay trim combine to make this fire a work of art as well as a source of heat.

Esse Solo Traditional Electric Stove.

This stunning stove illustrated on the left is the Esse Solo Traditional Electric Stove. This portable electric stove would be perfect for a convervatory or any open living space that doesnt need or want to compromise wall or floor space with a convential fireplace.

This impressive electric stove features a powerful 2kW Convector heat that silently circulates around the room, a change from many other electric heaters that require a fan that can be quite noisy.

The solid cast iron ornamental body helps convect the heat out into the room while the coke fuel effect can be used independently of the heat setting to maintain that ambience, even when the heater is not on.

The Esse Solo Traditional electric stove is a high quality stove, in hand-crafted cast iron, available in either black or evergreen matt paint finishes or the unique polished finish shown.

Types of Electric Fire

Electric fires, indeed electric heaters as a whole, use the same process of turning electricity into heat. The heat comes from the element, which is simply an electrical resistor that heats up as an electric current passes through it. All electric fires use this process to achieve heat, but different fires will use the element in different ways.

Convector Electric Fires

Convector electric fires heat up the air next to the element, as hot air rises (because it is less dense), the cold air (more dense) replaces it, creating a flow of air or current of air which effectively heats up a closed room, where no other air flow is there.
Electric convector fires are very safe, the element is usually out of harms way, and the warm air will flow into the room via air vents in the top of the fire. Electric convector fires may be left on for long periods of time and should be silent when in use.

Fan Assisted Electric Fires

These electric fires work on the same principle as convector fires, however they use an electrically powered fan to blow air onto the element. This speeds up the heating process as it speeds up the air flow.
Fan assistance compared to convection alone will heat up an enclosed space quickly, however noise created from the fan is common place with these fires.

Radiating Electric Fires

This type of fire is more commonly referred to as a heater, the elements in these fires are enclosed behind glass, (much like a light bulb is). These elements become extremely hot, and will usually have reflective panel to help direct the heat in a common direction and for better efficiency.
Infrared radiation is given off by the element and it travels through the air until it meets an object, upon meeting the object will absorb, reflect or absorb and reflect the radiation.
Radiating heaters are most effective at heating an object alone rather than warming the air in a room, and are effective when free flowing air current is apparent.
These fires operate silently and due to the intense heat supply need to be treated with a greater level of safety than the fore mentioned fire types.

All electric and gas fires will emit heat through some form of either convection or radiation, due to the fact they all give heat and light of some form. The fire industry combine the methods of heat providing to differing degrees, all with the same purpose to heating a room most efficiently and most effectively as possible. It is a great advantage to know what heating purpose the fire is designed for to best choose an appropriate electric fire for your needs.

Manufacturer Focus: Burley

Burley Appliances were established after John Barson decided that after a twenty year career with two large electrical appliance manufacturers that it was time to strike out on his own. At this time, in 1975 Burley Appliances consisted of John Barson and just a few electrical components.
With just £5 in 1975 (the equivalent of £27.85 today) John Barson commisionned his first three wrought iron-basket designs. It took him all day to assemble his first electric fire. The very next day he drove to Leicester with his newly completed fire and sold it, things looked promising but production would need to increase to save himself and his family from starvation!

The first of several turning points came when John visited the electrical buyer at Harrods. Returning with an order for 12 fires, from here there was no looking back. John took on his first employee and found a bigger garage. John’s son and daughter, after leaving school, also joined the Company.

The major breakthrough came in 1981 when Burley became an approved supplier to the Northwest Electricity board and within 3 years supplied around 900 outlets of all the UK electricity boards.

The next major development was when Burley produced the Empingham model, this electric was the first electric fire that could be freestanding or inset and is still on sale today! HERE
Throughout the 1990's Burley continued to expand, highlighted in 1998 when they introduced the UK's first flueless gas fire.

This expansion continued into the 21st Century with Burley aquiring Straxgas, Navitron and Magiglo brands and with John's son Steve succeeding his father as managing director in 2002 the company has gone from strength to strength.

You can find the full range of high-quality Burley Appliances on Fireplace Supermarket

Apex Samson Gas Fire

We have just been informed by our colleagues over at The Fireplace Megastore that they have just had the Apex Samson Balanced Flue Gas Fire installed and put onto display. This means you can see the build quality and feel the heat generated by this incredibly popular balanced flue gas fire.

The Apex Samson balanced flue gas fire is ideal for properties without a chimney, these fires flue directly through the external wall and are incredibly efficient. With the Samson boasting an 85% efficiency rating, which is highly impressive considering the other option for a similar fire would be a powerflue gas fire, with even the most efficient of these only generating 69% efficiency, a near 20% improvement and unlike a powered flue fire there is no noisy extractor fan on the outside wall and no possibility of drafts during cold or windy weather conditions.

The Samson is highly flexible with the choice of six different trims, driftwood, coal or pebble fuel effect and nine different frets to choose from, meaning the fire has the flexibility to be either contemporary silver or very traditional in brass with an indiana fret.

The fire is on display is proudly displayed with the polished stainless steel trim and the Chrome Washington Fret and fully functioning allowing you to see the living flame effect in action with the coal fuel effect.

The Apex Samson is displayed prominently in one of their best selling natural limestone surrounds, The Europa Crete Limestone surround is made of real portuguese limestone giving that authentic cool to the touch feel that is unmatched by more modern synthetic or micro marble fireplace surrounds. Comes with 51inch top shelf and features a gentle curve to the mantle shelf to add to the classic styling. This high quality stone fireplace comes with a three-piece back panel for ease of handling and installation. It also has the added bonus of free mainland UK delivery!

Visit the Fireplace Megastore HERE and view this high-quality balanced flue gas fire.

Verine Marcello

The Verine Marcello is a wall mounted high efficiency gas fire. The Marcello doesn’t require a chimney, just an outside wall through which the hot exhaust gases are vented away and the fresh air drawn in. This stunning contemporary Verine fire produces both radiant and convected heat and comes with a battery operated remote as standard, allowing maximum control of the fire from the comfort of the sofa or armchair.

The Verine Marcello features a lava rock and loose ceramic stove fuel bed and dancing flame effect. The fire is then framed in a frame in graphic grey with optional stainless trim that really frames the fire and brings the flames out from the trim.

The fire is special in the way it can either be semi-recessed into the wall or completely hung on the wall for minimal building work. This powerful balanced flue gas fire gives out 4.2kW of heat energy and is 87% efficient and would make a stunning feature on any exterior wall.

Plumber Jailed For Illegal Gas Work

The Health & Safety Executive has successfully prosecuted four plumbers in recent weeks that have been carrying out illegal gas work.
Andrew John Carslake was jailed at Chelmsford Court after he admitted breaching health and safety laws. He recieved six-month prison sentences for two separate offences relating to gas safety offences.
Andrew Carslake was originally given a Health and Safety Executive probation notice in 2008 after a complaint about gas work that he had undertaken, he was then exposed as not being GasSafe registered. By Law, All gas engineers must be on the GasSafe Register.
However, he ignored the prohibition order and continued to carry out further illegal gas work, until he was caught on camera by the BBC's Rogue Traders programme in July 2009. One HSE inspector said " It is illegal for an unregistered person to carry out work on any gas appliances. When unregistered tradesmen try and to bypass the law in this manner, they are not only putting themselves at risk of prosectution and a large fine, they are also endangering the lives of their customers."
"Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentiall very, very dangerous. The Health & Safety Executive will not hesitate to prosecute those who break the law."
"There is no doubt that Watchdog's Rogue Traders has struck a blow for gas safety with their undercover report. They played a big part in helping us get this case to court and securing justice."
"We applaud their efforts to expose illegal gas work and help the public understand the importance of getting qualified and registered professionals to do their gas work."

In another separate case, a pair of plumbers from Hertfordshire have also been sentenced for illegally working on domestic gas appliances.
Paul Fromet from Cheshunt and Michael Wright of Waltham Cross fitted a boiler in a house in Chevington, Suffolk. After an investigation was carried out by the HSE, Bury St Edmunds Magistrates Court heard that neither plumber was on the Gas Safe Register.
They had installed the boiler, but it had not been adjusted to run on the LPG gas supply in the house. As a result the boiler was producing more than 200 times the recommended level of Carbon Monoxide.
Both men admitted breaching Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998. They recieved a two-year conditional discharge and were ordered to pay court costs of £250 each.

Finally, Enfield-based Tony MacTaggart, who also trades as TJM Heating & Plumbing was found to have lied to homeowners about being on the Gas Safe register.
He had installed a boiler in a house in Cheshunt, but after the owners complained to Gas Safe, inspectors discovered that the boiler was in a very dangerous condition.
MacTaggart had been claiming to be Gas Safe Registered, carried out out and then tricked Registered Engineers into signing off his work by asking them to carry out annual gas safety inspections.
Tony MacTaggart was fined £2,500, ordered to pay full costs of £902 and a victim surcharge of £15.

Gas Fires, Putting Your Safety First

Gas fires, indeed all gas products, always come with some form of safety advice, feature or warning, but are you aware of what the feature does? What your being warned of? What other safety devices do you require for piece of mind? Set to follow are some commonly used devices and terminology explained in layman’s terms;

Smoke Alarms.

Smoke alarms are an essential for all homes, usually they provide a loud alarm to warn you that smoke has been detected within your homes and some will flash too (red warning light). There are several brand types and different smoke detecting types but as a general rule:

1. Ionization Alarms. These sound the alarm faster for fast spreading, large flame fires.
2. Photoelectric Alarms. This type of alarm sound more quickly for smokey, smoldering fires.
3. Dual Sensor Alarms. The more popular type of fire alarm as it incorporates the features of the other two types.

If you do not have a smoke alarm fitted, stop whatever you are doing and get one fitted now, they are absolutely necessary. They will raise the alarm giving you and your family a chance to escape a fire.

CO Detector (Carbon Monoxide).

These units or sensors detect Carbon Monoxide, a gas that comes from fossil fuels that have not been burnt properly. This gas has no smell, taste or colour and is poisonous; it is not detected by standard smoke alarms. It would be recommended to buy a CO Detector if you can afford one, you shouldn’t have to pay anymore than £20 for a detector and they will let you rest easy if you burn some kind of fossil fuel in your home. If your house is solely run on the electric supply then there is no need to purchase a devise of this type.

Flame Failure Device (FFD).

This devise is usually located on a gas hob, or gas fire. It basically will stop the gas supply if the flame is no longer burning, or blown out. It operates when the flame has been extinguished.

Flame Supervision Devise (FSD).

Found in similar locations to the FFD, and will cut the supply of gas to the appliance as well. However the Flame Supervision Devise is superior as it will cut the gas supply if the flame is burning inconsistently. A Flame that is not properly burning may cause Carbon Monoxide. This devise helps prevent the risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in your home.

Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS).

Differing from the other devices this one monitors the levels of a gas rather than alarming you to the presence of one. The Oxygen Depletion Sensor monitors the levels of Oxygen found within a room. This device is can be found on gas fires as a safety feature however individual units can be bought if required. Oxygen levels usually read at 21% in a normal atmosphere, an alarm is activated when levels approach 18%. Usually effects from lack of Oxygen are noticeable at 14%, most often the cause of Oxygen Depletion within a room is due to lack of ventilation and can easily be resolved.

If you have any fears or concerns of a gas leak or lack of oxygen within a room then turn the supply of gas off (if you know how to), then call your gas supplier or a gas safe registered trader to investigate further, try not to activate any device that will create a spark, including switches.

Many gas products come complete with safety features added, these may include some of the devices mentioned above and may be named slightly differently but will have the same effect. Please be aware of what safety features your appliances have and make an informed decision to what others you may require, or ask someone within the gas industry their professional opinion for safety measures needed.

Gas Fires with such safety features can be found online or in local showrooms.

Kinder Fires

Kinder Fires are a showroom exclusive product range which means that they can only be purchased from a retailer that meets the exacting standards bestowed by Kinder.

Kinder- Fires for life- is one of six consumer brands of the British Fire Manufacturers (BFM) Europe. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, UK, this company strives for excellence and invests heavily in training and the most up to date manufacturing and product development. This enables Kinder Fires to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction by providing the best quality products and customer service available.

Kinder Fires is a well established brand that covers a large range of heating related items, to experience the superb build quality, cutting edge technology and aesthetically pleasing fires Kinder Fires produce by simply visiting a local showroom stocking the range.