Verine Orbis Plus - High Efficiency Full Depth Gas Fire

The Verine Orbis Plus full depth open-fronted high efficiency gas fire provides an incredible 74% net efficiency and the appearance of a real coal fire.

The Verine Orbis Plus is our first full depth open-fronted high efficiency gas fire. You can now achieve the look of a real open coal fire at an incredible 73% net efficiency. It features a mesmerizing and highly realistic coal fuel bed making this product one of the closest things you can get to a real coal fire and comes with the almost standard Flame Supervision Device (FSD) and Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) for safety.
Suitable for installation into standard brick chimneys the Orbis Plus comes in a choice of manual, slide, easy flame or remote control and can be styled to suit your home with our wide range of trims and frets ensuring you'll get the product that is just right for you.

Keep your eyes peeled, this Higher Efficiency gas fire wil soon be available from retailers such as Fireworld, Fireplace Supermarket and Fireplace Megastore

Manufacturer Insight: Charlton & Jenrick

Back in 1986 two friends (Bill Jenrick & Barry Charlton) going through a mid life career crisis decided to start their own business in the fireplace industry. Both experienced in running multinational companies and extensive experience in the gas industry they set about the daunting task of starting a new business.

With the help of Telford & Wrekin council (then the Telford Development Corporation) they got their first premises, a 150sqft room in the Telford Business Development center on Stafford Park and Charlton & Jenrick Ltd was born.

Twenty four years later the Charlton & Jenrick Group returns to Stafford Park, once again with the assistance of Telford & Wrekin council. The new premises, although just a stones throw from the original premises, are very substantially larger at 42,000sqft. It will be home to the group's gas fire manufacturing and product development operations, which employs 43 people.

The group is now a major player in the fireplace market employing over 120 staff across 3 sites in the UK and sales in excess of £12m. With it's 4 main brands, Katell, Paragon, Fireline & Matchless they are involved in almost all product groups including gas and electric fires, timber, marble & stone fireplaces and suites plus wood burning stoves.

Their customer base includes around 500 independent retail shops, local authorities, major national house builders and contractors.

The new premises on Stafford Park 2 offer increased efficiencies and the room for planned growth.

The full range or Paragon, Matchless and Katell are available to order from the Showroom at Fireplace Megastore with a number of items on display, combined with a number of brochures available giving access to see the full ranges.

Drugasar Update

A couple of week ago we paid a visit to our friends at Drugasar and their Innovations Roadshow, they had some very exciting news, they adding to their Metro range, with more details to follow as soon as it is launched!

They also shared with us the below image of one of thier Metro Fires with the Ceraglass interior! I think it really adds something that isn't quite matched by the standard black or natural interior. The flames reflecting the warm glow back into the room add that extra depth that makes the flames even more alluring! Although it is a little extra I think it would certainly add that extra wow factor! While the natural interior certainly gives the traditional log fire feel the relfexive black glass interior adds a very modern and cutting edge finish.

We also had a demostration of the Drugasar PowerVent® system that will allow your Drugasar balanced flue fire to be installed almost anywhere in your property, allowing even more flexibility to that already offered by the standard balanced flue system. But we will have more news about each product as they are officially launched. For now, we leave you with a video of the Metro 100XT Tunnel, what better way to make a design statement and separate two rooms than to use the Metrol 100XT Tunnel.

How To Heat Your Home - Fires & Stoves

Nothing beats a fire - whether it's real or not. Before you shop, you'll first need to find out what type of chimney or flue your home has.

Traditional brick chimneys, which come complete with chimney stack and chimney pot on the roof, can be used for any type of fire.

Pre-fabricated flues, characterised by a metal flue pipe on the roof, are compatible with most gas fires.

Pre-cast flues, with no chimney breast, just a raised ridge tile on the roof, are usually found on modern homes. You should be able to fit a slim-line gas fire.

No chimney? No worries. If you've got a suitable outside wall, you can probably have a balanced-flue (these are sealed at the front so that gases don't escape into the room) or power-flue gas fire fitted (these use a fan to extract the gases).

No suitable outside wall? Then it's time to think about a gel or electric fire.

The real thing

For that authentic 'crumpets by the fireside' feeling, nothing can beat a real, or solid-fuel, fire. But in order to live this dream you must have a chimney and hearth in tip-top condition. And, just as important, you must check that you're not living in a Smoke Control area (to see where you stand on these rules take a look at www.uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk) - if you are, you won't be able to burn either coal or wood.

Opening up your fireplace

If you know that your home once had fireplaces that have since been concealed, don't despair. In many cases a fireplace will simply have been bricked up and then covered in plasterboard, all of which is easily removed. Once this is done, hold a lighted taper in front of the opening - if the flame is drawn inwards, you should have a clear chimney, but if it's burning outwards there is some kind of obstruction that must be cleared. From this point you will need to seek professional advice and practical help to ensure that you comply with the building regulations.

Stoves

Like fires, stoves come in various fuel types (including electric, gas and multifuel), but by far the most authentic is a wood-burning stove. And, while they can blast out a tremendous amount of heat, they are becoming increasingly clean and energy-efficient (some as much as 90%).

Drugasar, a Danish company that has been making cast-iron stoves for over 100 years, has made particular advances, utilising the latest clean-burn technology to reduce smoke emissions. And, of course, burning wood is carbon neutral, so the amount of carbon monoxide produced is the same as if you just left it to rot in the forest.

It's essential to pick the right size stove for your room, to ensure it will meet your heating needs. Most companies, like Drugasar, will enclose a user guide that gives you plenty of maintenance tips that you'll need to get the best out of your stove and ensure its longevity. Some types of wood-burning stove can be used in smokeless zones, but it's worth checking your situation with your local authority (or go to www.uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk). It's also possible to fit some types with back boilers, to generate heat for radiators and hot water, too.

Stoves and boilers burning pellets made from waste wood currently have the greenest credentials. To find out more check out the Renewable Energy Association website, www.r-p-a.org.uk.

You Won't Know Carbon Monoxide Is There.

Keeping you and your family safe should be a major concern when having any gas appliance fitted, replaced or repaired. That's why we want to make sure you know about Carbon Monoxide (CO) and the steps you can take to keep everyone safe from harm.

Four Sigs That Could Show CO is Present:

• Staining, sooting and discolouration on or around your gas boiler, fire or water heater.
• Excessive Condensation or seeing/smelling smoke in the room the appliance is installed in.
• Colour of pilot lights and other gas flames - these should burn mostly blue but if they are yellow or orange, Carbon Monoxide may be present (Note: This doesn't apply to fuel-effect, living-flame or decorative flame gas fires which are meant to have an orange or yellow flame.
• A pilot light that frequently goes out could be another indicator that CO is being produced.

REMEBER: It's important to keep vents in doors, walls and windows clear and to check regularly that your chimney (if you have one) isn't blocked by birds nests or other debris.

What You Should Do If You Think Carbon Monoxide Is Present.

• Stop Using The Appliance Immediately
• Open All Doors and windows and leave the room
• Call the Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999

How Do You Recognise The Effects Of Carbon Monoxide?

The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be similar to flu and can include headaches, dizziness, confusion and extreme tiredness. If anyone in your home, friends, family or visitors show any symptoms please see a doctor immediately. It may not be CO poisoning, but it can't hurt to check.

How Do You Stay Safe From Carbon Monoxide

One sure way is for your gas appliance to receive an annual service by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.

Always Make Sure Your Appliances Are Professionally Installed.

If you are having appliances such as a fire or stove installed please make sure the work is carried out by a qualified engineer. Always ask for a Gas Safe engineer to install and service your appliances.

Ask Your Landlord

If you rent your home, it is your landlord's job to make sure any gas appliances and pipework are safe. Check with them today to make sure a Gas Safe Engineer repairs and faulty appliances, performs safety checks annually (my landlord is carrying one out on my house right now) and issues you with a certificate to verify the work has been carried out.

Choosing Your Perfect Fire

As well as being a source of warmth, a well chosen fire can become a real feature in a room. Yet with so much choice available, it can be difficult to know which type of fire will suit you and your home, and this is where we can help.

From traditional to ultra-modern contemporary, there are a wide choice of electric, gas and solid fuel fires and stoves in a range of different colours and styles available, as well as a wide selection of surrounds, hearths and finishing touches which will both compliment your fire, and create the mood, atmosphere and look you want.

Choosing the right fire

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a new fire, For the contemporary look there are a superb range of sleek, ultra modern fires and surrounds available. However, if you’re looking for something a little more classic, many traditional style fireplaces have been based on period designs.

Once you have chosen the style of fireplace, you will need to establish which fuel option best suits your requirements - gas, electric or solid fuel. If you would like a gas or solid fuel fire, the type of chimney you have in your home will determine which fire is most suitable.

Types of chimney

The type of chimney or flue you have in your home will usually dictate the type of fire you can have.

Brick chimney

Look for:

• External chimney stack with chimney pot on the roof
• Internal chimney breast

You can choose from these types of fires:

• Solid fuel stoves and casts
• Any gas fire
• Any electric fire

Pre-fabricated flue

Look for:

• External metal flue pipe on top of the roof
• Internal false chimney breast (built around a metal flue box)

You can choose from these types of fires:

• Multi-flue gas fires
• Depending on depth of false chimney breast, selected full depth bed gas fires
• Any electric fire

Pre-cast flue

Look for:

• Raised ridge tile on the roof
• Metal flue pipe on the roof
• No chimney breast (either internally or externally)

You can choose from these types of fires:

• Multi-flue gas fires
• Depending on depth of false chimney breast, selected full depth bed gas fires
• Any electric fire

No chimney or flue

If you don’t have a chimney or a flue you can choose any electric fire, or, if you fancy a gas fire you can choose one of our flueless options..

Flueless fires remove harmful gases via a catalytic converter. This results in a highly efficient fire since no heat is lost through the flue.

Please note that flueless fires are only suitable for certain sized rooms and require adequate ventilation.

Verine Eden HE Hole in the Wall Fire.

The Verine Eden is a high efficiency hole in the wall gas fire like no other that sets the bench mark for others to follow.
Hole in the wall fires are contemporary modern in the sense that they have elegance and designer appeal, however many fall short in delivering realistic fuel bed effect and elegant flame effect, well the Verine Eden delivers and then some.
Verine have created an unrivaled flame effect on the Eden that enhances the contemporary white stone fuel bed as well as a homely style with the realistic chunky log fuel bed effect whether you opt for the liquid propane gas version or the natural mains gas option.
Hole in the Wall gas fires of this type often do not have a measurable output or efficiency rating and are seen as purely decorative, but the Verine Eden excels once more to the point where it is classed as a high efficiency gas fire and boasts an impressive 83% net efficiency and up to a stonking 5.3kW maximum heat output.
The aesthetics of this fire are a major appeal and the fire has been designed to be minimalistic with high attention to detail, however the Verine Eden can have a deluxe designer mirrored frame which highlights the quality of this high end fire.
Safety features on the Eden include the flame supervision device and the oxygen depletion sensor. These additions give you piece of mind knowing the gas supply will be interrupted if one of these features are activated.
The Verine Eden emits both radiant and convected heat and can be viewed and purchased only from reputable retailers with showrooms and highly trained professional colleagues willing to assist you in selecting the right fire for your needs.Verine Eden HE Hole in the Wall Fire.

Creating A Quality Contemporary Fireplace For Under £800

For those looking to create a stylish, voguish and original fireplace but without the large budget to spend thousands of pounds on a fireplace and fire then for those with the luxury of a natural gas connection should read on for a very contemporary and modern fire surround but without creating a fireplace with a cold aesthetic.

The first thing you see when you look at a fireplace is the surround. To create a modern and contemporary feel without sucking the warmth out of the room and without breaking the bank, I would suggest the Bemodern Kansas in American Walnut. The rich dark colours of the Oak add a warmth to the surround not found in a beech, limestone or marble surround. The crisp straight lines and stepped finish frame the fire and draw attention in towards the surround and fire in the centre.

This rich and warm dark colours of the American Walnut would be prefectly complimented with the Black Granite Hearth and back panel. The deep black colour of the granite brings out the almost red colourings of the American Walnut and highlights the natural wood grain patterns.
For an even more contemporary touch this fire is available with optional downlights with a 25mm rebate, these would really add a contemporary touch with the downlights illuminating the back panel, hearth and fire and further drawing the eye to this stunning focal point.

The Bemodern Kansas is also available in a slightly lighter natural oak finish which retains the suggest of warmth unlike some lighter wood finishes and adds a degree of subtlety. It is also available with White Marble, Pearl stone or Marfil hearth and back panel sets which help frame the surround between the back panel and a pale coloured wall, this drains a little bit of colour out of the wood, making the American Walnut appear slightly less dark.

The perfect complimentary fire for this contemporary surround would be the Flavel Windsor Contemporary HE, this high efficiency glass fronted gas fire features a minimalist and post-modern design in stunning silver finish. The 89% net efficiency of this fire provides both convected warm air and radiated heat. This means thatonly 11% of the heat is wasted up the chimney for ultimate value for money, while the 3.2kW efficiency means that more than enough heat is generated to warm the definitive living room.

The minimalist silver finish design features a ultra-realistic coal or pebble fuel effect with a realistic core glow for added realism and quality details such as the ribbed fireback.The strong horizontal lines of the fret detail work well with the crisp lines of the wooden surround and help turn the fire and surround into a stunning fireplace, while the stylish stainless steel trim contrasts against the dark colours to really draw attention to the fire and frame the glowing flames in the centre in front of a black ribbed fireback.

Together the Bemodern Kansas fireplace surround in American Walnut and the Flavel Windsor Contemporary HE combine to create a vogue and contemporary fireplace while maintaining the warmth and natural feel of a traditional fireplace. The glow from the living flame effect combined with the warming colours of the American Walnut really create an ambience best saved for cold, dark winter nights with the fire projecting the warming glow into the room and creating that warm ambience that only a fire can provide on a cold and dark wintery night.

This creative fireplace that would become an amazing focal point in most living spaces with contemporary furnishings and even more-so during the dark winter months when the 3.2kW of convected and radiated heat count just as much as the warm, contemporary aesthetic.

The Bemodern Kansas and Flavel Windsor Contemporary HE are available from the Fireplace Megastore for just £781, this amazing deal saves £185 on the RRP and means that for well under £1000 you can own a stunning modern fireplace that will be the focal point of your living room for years to come.

Everything that has been described above is now available from The Fireplace Megastore

Please note the above image features the Bemodern Sensation and not the Flavel Windsor Contemporary HE,

Image displays surround in American Walnut with Black Granite Heath & Back Panel

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.

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.

Burley Fires Environ 4247 Flueless Gas Fire

The Burley Fires Environ 4247 Flueless Gas Fire is the perfect solution for those wishing for a contemporary inset gas fire but without the luxury of an external wall or an existing chimney or flue. The catalytic flueless technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the UK thanks to 100% efficiency and low running costs only emits Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapour, eliminating the need for a flue. Catalytic style fires are the fastest selling type in Japan and are popular all over the world and due to their high safety specifications are the only type of fire used in several US states and Austrailia.

The Burley Fires Environ 4247 puts all this modern technology into a into a modern contemporary inset style with a brushed steel frame and pebble fuel effect, A choice of either black or cream fireback and optional remote control are also available allowing the traditional fireplace with surround and mantle to still feature in the modern living room without the need for to build a costly chimney or knock through an outside wall for a balanced flue fire and the 2.5kW heat rating means that this fire is not just for decoration but also provides heat to take the cold edge off a room.

The modern contemporary brushed steel finish would look great with the Europa Washington Wooden Fireplace Surround with the black granite back and hearth contrasting with the brushed steel frame and highlighting the fire in the centre while the Natural Oak finish frames the fire nicely to create a contemporary yet traditional effect focal point in the living room.

Bemodern Panoramic Cast Iron Fascia

The Bemodern Panoramic Classic Deluxe is unique among cast iron insets, many have a very traditional design with very few modern elements or styles. But this is different with the Bemodern Panoramic Classic Deluxe Cast Iron Fascia.

Suitable for class 1 or 2 chimney or flue this gas fire utilises a very contemporary and cubist design featuring strong lines and contrast between light and dark of polished and cast iron, the Panoramic also features an extra wide frame that gives the illusion of a 22" fire while only using a 16" opening. The pilot light and rotary flame controls are concelead behind the drop down fret cover to maintain the appearance of the fire at all times when not being lit of adjusted.

This wider frame, contrast between cast and polished iron and the strong straight lines combined with the 180mm depth fuel bed creates a very contemporary natural gas fire that would look great combined with a neutral coloured surround and create a focal point in almost any modern or traditional living room.