Verine Midas HE Gas Fire

The Verine Midas HE is an incredibly efficient and versatile slimline inset fire. It is suitable for virtually any chimney or flue allowing people to experience the glow and aura of sitting in front of a living flame gas fire.

The Verine Midas HE is a glass-fronted, inset gas fire that boasts an incredible 89% efficiency rating and includes safety features such as an oxygen depletion sensor and a flame supervision device, both of which increase the safety of the fire considerably.

This Verine fire boasts a 3.2kW maximum heat output, this is both convected and radiated heat. The radiated heat comes directly from the fire, much like a radiator. While the convected heat is provided via an air channel around the back of the fire, this allows air to travel behind the fire and heated before exiting at the top, this natural air circulation helps move the warm air around the room.

This trim on this fire is available in five different styles, Profile, Slimline, Designer, Curved and Essence and these are available in brass, silver and black with the designer trim available in a variety of combinations. The trim is not the only part of this fire that comes with a choice of finishes, the front fret detail is also available in five different styles, Blenheim, Bauhaus, Edwardian, Media and Elegance. Again, much like the trim these can be ordered in Black, Polished Steel or Brass with the Blenheim trim available in an additional antique finish.

This wide range of finishes and trims provides the ultimate flexibility to allow the fire to order the fire to coordinate with the existing decor of the house, meaning this fire would work well in either a traditionally furnished or the most avante-garde and up-to-date of living rooms.

The fire illustrated above would look great in a more modern living room with lighter coloured walls and a marble or limestone surround, The Midas HE is fitted with the Designer Stainless Steel Black trim and the Polished Elegance Fret. The darkness of the black painted areas contrasts and highlights the polished stainless steel sections areas, this creates a very modernist finish, draw attention to the dancing flames and the realistic coal fuel effect. This helps the fire become the focal point of the living room and when lit allows the heat and warmth project out into the room and fill the living room with the warm glow so eagerly sought after during the cold winter months.

What Do I Need To Consider Before Buying A Gas Fire?

With Autumn rapidly approaching, the season for buying a fire is nearly upon us. This leads to the question that is almost certainly on everyone's lips before shelling out on what could be an expensive fire:

What Do I Need To Consider Before Buying A Gas Fire?

The first and arguably the most important step would be to find a qualified Gas Safe Registered engineer and arrange to have a survey done of the property. The gas fitter would then be able to advise as to which types of fires are suitable and as to whether any additional ventilation would be required in the room as well as any specialist requires that may arise.

The second thing, after the gas engineer has been to visit, would be to consider the style of fire, inset, hole-in-the-wall, glass-fronted or stove and this coupled with the information provided by your gas engineer will allow you to make an informed decision.

This then leads to the most obvious and lasting decision, appearance. A gas fire, depending on the manufacturer and model can be quite expensive so a bad decision can have lasting effects, while a well thought out decision can become the feature and focal point of any living room for many years to come.

Katell Strata Hang On The Wall Electric Fire

The Katell Strata Hang On The Wall Electric Fire is a unique and chic hang on the wall electric fire that is a must for any modern and contemporary living space.

The Katell Strata featues coal and log fuel effects which are easily interchangable for that added flexibility and a remote control for maximum control over this glass fronted electric fire.

The slimline outset depth of 130mm means minimum intrusion into the room from the face of the wall and when not in use allows the fire to step back into the background and not detract from other decorative features in the room. While the 750 watt convection heater means that unlike many other electric fires that rely on a fan to circulate the hot air around the room which can be noisy and prone to faults, The Katell Strata utilises the natural movement of hot air to circulate the heat around the room, this ensures that atmosphere in the room is not ruined when the heater is turned on.

The modern finish is available in American Black Walnut, Natural Oak or Ebony Stained Oak and features horizontal brushed steel inlays to break up the wood and add horizontal definition. The contrast between the brushed steel and the Black American Walnut shown in the picture above help draw attention to ribbon flame effect in the centre, which can be used independently of the 750w convected heat output for maximum atmosphere and ambience.

Replacing An Old Back Boiler With A Baxi Bermuda

Replacing an old Back Boiler Unit (BBU) with a new Baxi Bermuda BBU High Efficiency couldn't be easier and a straight forward process. One of it's main advantages is that existing pipe work can be used. This means that the entire system can be replaced in a single day, this means minimal distruption, little need for expensive redecoration and unlike wall mounted hung boilers the back boiler system takes up very little room.


In addition, according to the Energy Saving Trust, the householder can expect to save around £235 per year on their gas bill by replacing an old boiler with a new A-rated model. The Baxi Bermuda is currently the only high efficiency back boiler unit to achieve a grade A efficiency rating


The package includes a state-of-the-art Valor Dimension Dream electric fire featuring the very latest patented hologram technology to create an extremely lifelike coal effect fire.

Guide To Smoke Control Areas

The Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968 were introduced to deal with the smogs of the 1950s and 1960s which were caused by the widespread burning of coal for domestic heating and by industry. These smogs were blamed for the premature deaths of hundreds of people in the UK. The Acts gave local authorities powers to control emissions of dark smoke, grit, dust and fumes from industrial premises and furnaces and to declare "smoke control areas" in which emissions of smoke from domestic properties are banned. Since then, smoke control areas have been introduced in many of our large towns and cities in the UK and in large parts of the Midlands, North West, South Yorkshire, North East of England, Central and Southern Scotland. The implementation of smoke control areas, the increased popularity of natural gas and the changes in the industrial and economic structure of the UK lead to a substantial reduction in concentrations of smoke and associated levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) between the 1950s and the present day.

These Acts, together with other associated clean air legislation, were repealed and consolidated by the Clean Air Act 1993 which, together with regulations and Orders made under the Act, provide the current legislative controls. Control of smoke emissions may also help reduce emission of a wide range of other pollutants such as particles, sulphur dioxide, PAH and PCDD/F (dioxins and furans) which may be present in smoke.

Can I Still Have a Multifuel Stove If I Live In A Smoke Control Area?

Yes! Although there are some exceptions, most multi-fuel stoves can only burn authorised smokeless fuels, which means that logs are not an option. Only stoves that have been DEFRA approved for smokeless zones can burn logs in smoke control areas due to their high efficiency.

Stoves such as the Broseley Fires Serrano 5 have been DEFRA approved and are suitable to burn logs in smoke control areas allow you to burn arguably the most eco-friendly fuel while not damaging the surrounding atmosphere.

If you do not know whether you live in a smoke control area then check with your local council or simply visit this website

Carbon Neutral Heating For Your Home

Wood burning is better in ecological terms as the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is the same as, or less than that absorbed by the tree during it's lifetime.
It is also a renewable resource, especially when derived from plantations and cultivated woodland. When using your wood burning stove, for optimum results, it is recommend that logs should be seasoned for 2 years or more to achieve a moisture content below 20%. This will not only give up to twice the output of freshly cut timber but help avoid a build up of tar in your stove's flue.

Additionally, if it is possible for you to obtain hardwood logs this is better still, as they will have around twice the calorific value of softwoods.

This photograph displays a fire through the glass of a modern, high-tech woodburning stove, one that is CE certified and HETAS accredited. Please observe that the flames are big, lush and semi-transparent, very different from the dark, opaque, ragged flames you would see in an open fireplace.
The small jets and feathery flames at the top of the image are flowing downward from the tiny combustion air holes at the top of the firebox.

Not only do these modern woodburning stoves burn much cleaner and more efficiently than older conventional stoves, but can also offer larger unobstructed views of the raging fire inside.
By upgrading to a CE certified and HETAS accredited wood burning stove, you can save wood, reduce smoke and enjoy the view all winter long.

Carbon Neutral Benefits
The Forestry Commission have recommended that millions of trees are planted to cover an extra 4% of the UK in woodland, equivalent to 30,000 football pitches a year, increasing the UK's total woodland cover to 16%.
According to the Solid Fuel Technology Institute, logs are the cheapest form of heating energy. The cost per kW of useful energy is now around 4p. This compares to 5p for anthracite, 7p for natural gas, 7.5p for oil, 9p for LPG and 12p for electricity.

Gazco Steel Manhattan Gas Stove

The Gazco Steel Manhattan Gas Stove is a contemporay steel stove, specifically designed to fit in with contemporary interiors. With style and precision engineering this stove can easily become the focal point of any living room.With realistic coal or log fuel effect this stove available in either Natural Gas or LPG provides a maximum heat output of 5.15kW and a maximum efficiency of 78%. The steel body in either anthracite or brushed stainless steel finish can be top or rear flued using a 5'' flue pipe.
The Steel Manhattan is available with the choice of manual, standard or programmable remote controls. The standard remote control allow you to vary the flame height and heat output from the comfort of a chair once the pilot light has been lit.
The progammable remote control contains two extra features, one allows the temperature to be moderated in the room via a thermostat, The second additional feature allows the fire to be programmed to turn itself on and off twice a day. Combined these features can allow you to walk into the room after a long day at work to the perfect temperature and the fire already lit and projecting the warm glow into the room.


This stylish stove would look great in the brushed stainless steel finish to really attract attention, gone is the era where a stove would sit in the fireplace and blend into the background when not in use. The brushed stainless steel Gazco Steel Manhattan can become the centre-piece of the living room even when not lit and really add to the contemporary and modern feel of any room.

While the anthracite finish is a more subtle finish that wouldn't command so much attention it still provides a high-quality, modern and contemporary finish that will become the prime focus in any living room.

Drugasar Launches New Range For Autumn 2010

Drugasar is Europe's largest producer of contemporary glass fronted fires. Drugasar is a Dutch based manufacturer with export markets all around the world and have just launched their new range of gas and electric models for autumn 2010.
As well as the luxury fires, that Drugasar have become famous for, DRU is also launching the Global range, fires that are designed for the UK markets and available at a mid-range pricefor households on a budget.These new fires are designed for homes with or without a standard size chimney. They are glass-fronted, frameless fires that can either be installed 'hole-in-the-wall' or combined with a selection of classic fire surrounds.
There are 3 balanced flue models: Global 70, 70XT and 100. Despite the lower price range compared to other DRU fires they all have the features familiar to any Drugasar fire such as highly-authentic log or pebble fuel effects and a high, realistic flame picture and remote control.In addition they are available in either LPG or Natural gas for maximum suitability.
The new Global 100BF model has dimensoins of 580x984mm and a heat output of 6.5kW while the 70XT has a viewing window of 600x720mm and the Global 70 has viewing dimensions of 450x720mm, both of these fires have a 4.7kW heat output.
A special feature of the DRU balanced flue Global fires is the patented DRU Maxvent® system. This provides forced air ventilation inside the fire to produce 25% more convected heat from the same source of energy.
The Global 90CF is a 90cm wide conventional flue fire designed for the UK market. It can be inserted directly into a standard chimney opening without the need for flue-pipes or liners. This dramatically reduces the cost of installation.
The Global 90CF is also a frameless fire, with two optional frames, Alpha and Beta and, like it's balanced flue counterparts is available with realistic logs or pebbles, natural gas or LPG and comes with a remote as standard.

Drugasar has also launched an electric version of one of it's most popular luxury gas fires, the Metro 12o. The Metro 120-e Slim Line is for homes that want the beauty of a classic and contemporary fireplace but without the added expense of gas connections or conversion of a chimney.

The Metro 120-e features an impressive LED flame effect that replicates the warm glow of a real fire. At 1.2 metres wide it is the largest electric fire in the DRU range and is certain to attract attention. This fire is glass fronted the flame effect can be used independently of the 2kW heat to generate the required ambience during the spring and summer months.

How Do I Remove My Old Gas Fire?

During the summer months most people aren't thinking about their fireplace but when the summer moves into autumn then the season for buying a new fire or fireplace begins, the next question after you've decided on what you want to replace the old fire is How Do I Remove My Old Fire?
Most people would think, Do It yourself, How hard can it be? Just pull the fire out of the surround and disconnect and cap the gas pipe.
This approach is highly illegal and could jeopardise the safety and lives of you and the other people in and around the house or cause problems when trying to sell the property.

The only safe way to remove your old gas fire is to have a gas engineer that is on the Gas Safe Register.
The Gas Safe Register is the official body for gas safety in the home and workplace for the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Guernsey. Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI as the gas registration body in Great Britain and Isle of Man on 1 April 2009 and Northern Ireland and Guernsey on 1 April 2010
They are the only official list of gas engineers legally able to perform gas work on boilers, hobs, ovens, fires and all other gas appliances.
Anyone carrying out gas work must have a Gas Safe Register ID card. If not, they are breaking the law and putting you and your family at risk.

Gas safety is one of the most important factors in having a safe home and work place. The dangers that surround unsafe gas appliances are deadly serious. Poorly maintained, faulty or badly installed gas work leads to carbon monoxide poisoning, the effects of which can be fatal.
It’s not always easy to spot an illegal gas fitter for a fully qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Always ask to see your gas engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card to make sure they are safe and legal.

The Gas Safe register is here to make sure you don’t fall into the trap of paying for illegal gas work with your health, and possibly your life.

How Do I Find A Gas Safe Registered Engineer?

Finding an engineer that is registered on the Gas Safe Register couldn't be easier, simply by visiting the Gas Safe Register website and typing in your postcode, this will display the nearest registered fitters and businesses to you and their contact details. Or find a business by using the telephone finding service on 0800 408 5500.

Esse 525 Catalytic Flueless Gas Stove

The Esse 525 Catalytic Flueless stove brings the extraordinary benefits of catalytic technology to contemporary living spaces. This log effect gas stove does not require a flue giving you the freedom to locate it virtually anywhere. Ideal to create a stunning focal point in the room based around this ultra-modern and sleek flueless stove, while the 3.3kW heat output is ideal to complement existing heating. The Esse 525 completely breaks the stereotype of a stove featuring a large viewing window and brushed stainless steel legs to accentuate the fire and really draw attention to the flames.

By using the latest catalytic technology all burnt gas emissions are converted into clean Carbon Dioxide and Water. In addition to ease of location, catalytic technology also offers 100% efficiency. No energy is wasted, so all the heat generated warms your room which in turn lowers running costs.

A catalytic converter is not only eco-friendly, it can actually clean the air it uses. The high temperature of the catalytic process helps to remove odours in the home and neutralise airborne particles such as dust mites, creating a cleaner, healthier environment.
The Esse 525 stove stands solidly on 2” full height stainless steel legs culminating at a steel top with a high quality anthracite finish that has been laser cut to follow the curves of the the stainless steel legs. The result is a clean contemporary look with a softer edge and uncluttered view of the stunning log effect.

Laura Ashley Acacia Electric Fireplace Suite

The Laura Ashley Acacia Electric Fireplace Suite is a designer suite ideal for those looking to create that traditional fireplace look while still maintaing a contemporary feel but without the luxury of gas or a chimney. The Acacia fireplace suite includes everything you need to create the traditional look, the surround, cast iron effect back panel, hearth and matching electric fire.
The surround is available in natural oak and chestnut features column detailing each side and a stylised edge to the mantle shelf, this works very well with the straight lines of the highlighted black cast iron effect back panel and the strong vertical and horizontal lines of the fret on the front of the electric fire.

The electric fire on the Laura Ashley Acacia suite features a 3-dimensional virtual flame effect that utilises low-energy LED's projecting onto a unique transparent screen for ultimate realism, this, combined with the realistic coal effect creates a very authentic looking electric fire. A remote control comes as standard with the Acacia allowing for ultimate control from the comfort of a sofa or armchair with a flame only setting in 3 different light levels and a choice of 0.75kW or 1.5kW heat output from the electric fan heater discreetly situated in the canopy of the fire.

This designer suite would look great in a living room with more traditional elements of design while maintaining an overall contemporary feel.

Apex Clarkdale Power Flue Gas Fire with Draft Barricade

The Apex Clarkdale is designed for use in house without a chimney or flue. The Clarkdale is a Power or Fan Flue type fire which unlike conventional fires uses a high pressure extractor fan situated on the exterior wall of the house to draw the products of combustion out of the room.

The Clarkdale is 60% efficient and gives out 4.2kW of heat which is more than adequate to heat a standard living room, but unlike other power flue type fires that will experience a slight draft from outside when the fire is not in opreation the Apex Clarkdale features a Unique Draft Barricade Poweflue system, which minimises the usual draft found in standard Fan Flue systems, by closing the external vent when the fire is not on, and stopping any heat within the room from escaping from the outside wall.

The fire is available in Black, Brass or Silver trim which allows the fire to be coordinated with the existing style of the room, this flexibility allows the Clarkdale to fit well in either traditional or contemporarily furnished living rooms, available with a realistic coal fuel effect and remote control as standard allowing control of the fire from around the room.

To create a modern and contemporary focal point in the living room the Apex Clarkdale could be utilised with the silver trim and the Apex Alabama silver trim to create an eye-catching and contemporary silver fireplace. The Clarkdale could then be unitied with a Katell Farnham Wooden Surround in natural oak and black granite back and hearth to really draw attention to the fire and help project the warm glow into the room.

Esse Firewall Flueless Gas Fire

The Esse Firewall is a designer range of flueless gas wall hung fires that are available in 41 and 48 inch widescreen versions. These fires feature catalytic converter technology that allows the fire to achieve 100% efficiency, only giving out Carbon Dioxide and Water vapour. These cutting edge fires feature a 10 year catalytic converter guarentee and are not susceptible to flue blockages or downdraughts which are problems for conventional flued appliances. These problems can cause the build up of dangerous Carbon Monoxide if not checked on a regular basis.

The Esse Firewall range are available in an ultra stylish black glass finish with a realisitic dancing flame effect. The 41 inch widescreen version provides 2600w of heat and the 48 inch widescreen version has a heat output of of 3.5kW, both bring warmth and style to any wall and can be located anywhere there is a gas supply.

A must for any contemporary living space with the stylish black glass finish and optional remote control allowing for easy operation of the fire from anywhere in the room. The Firewall Widescreen is easily mounted on most internal walls allowing for use as a unique and eye-catching focal point in kitchen, study or games room.

Apex Capacious High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Apex Capacious High Efficiency Gas Fire is a more efficient version of the traditional inset gas fire featuring a glass front and an efficiency rating of 89%, a vast increase over the normal 30-40% efficiency range of an open-fronted fire. This, united with the 4.4kW heat output rating mean this fire is more than suitable to warm the typical living room.

It is commonly assumed that placing a piece of ceramic glass in front of a fire would decrease its efficiency it is the draw that causes heat to be sucked out of the room. High efficient gas fires not only have a glass front, but also a convector box. This is a channel which goes from the front base of the fire to the front top of the fire, wrapping the engine of the fire, this channel will allow cold air to enter underneath the fire and heat-up as it rises around the burner. This then leaves the fire as convected warm air through the convector grill. You also have the glass front which means that the glass holds the heat within the fire box for longer allowing it to escape into the room through the convector channel, finally the Glass although ceramic heat proof does allow the radiant heat from the fire to heat the room.

The Apex Capacious HE combines modern technology allowing for a more efficient heating of the room with a versatile range of finishes and frets to create either a traditional or contemporary finish to the fire. For a traditional finish (as displayed in the picture) a brass trim is the best choice, combined with the Indiana Antique Brass fret to create a very traditional feel. This effect would be emphasised if the fire was placed in a traditional looking fire surround such as the Bemodern Hampshire Fireplace Surround. The light or medium oak colours of the wooden surround work well with the Manila back and hearth set to harmonise with the brass finsh to highlight the deep colours of the coal fuel effect and fireback and really draw attention to the living flames.

For a more modern and contemporary finish the silver trim and the Apex Washington or Apex Alabama chrome trim can be combined to give a very modern finish with strong lines and eye-catching silver finish. This striking modern fire when combined with the Allwood Milano 4 Step Fireplace Surround with the contrasting black granite hearth and back set and natural oak finish combine to make a very modern and contemporary focal point of most living rooms.

Drugasar Metro Tunnel 100

The Drugasar Metro Tunnel Fire makes a statement in any house. This double sided glass fronted fire can be viewed from both sides and is completely inset into the wall with minimal trim to really draw attention to the fire and create a seamless finish.

The Metro Tunnel is a simple and easy to operate, with a fully programmable thermostatic remote control that can control the temperature of the room and flame picture from the comfort of the chair. The fire also has the advantage of energy saving electronic ignition.The balanced flue style of the fire means no chimney is required, merely a balanced flue to an exterior wall, the fire puts out a maximum of 6.5kW and up to 70% efficiency, this in more than enough heat to warm a standard sized room.With the choice of Carrara pebbles or twig fuel effects and either polished black steel or rustic brick effect this fire fire can be customised to your style.

Despite its unique 2-sided display, the Metro Tunnel is only 476 mm deep, enabling it to be fitted easily into false chimneybreasts and pre-fabricated dividing walls. Because of the two-sided display the Metro Tunnel can be used as a dramatic room divider or inset into a complete wall to heat two adjactent rooms, The seamless finish creates a window through the wall and when the fire is lit, the dancing flames and realistic fuel effect come to life and create a unique focal point that certainly makes a statement.