Putting in a non-boiler inset stove, decision time...

Cmar-Ireland

Hi all,

We've decided to fit an inset stove to cut down on the draughts from the open fire and to give more heat to the room (and house ?).

I've narrowed it down to the following three,

Heatdesign Firewarm 4kw
Esse 301 MF 5kw
Boru Croi Beag 4.8kw

The room is approx 3.5 x 5.4m 2.4m high. Based on that the Firewarm is the best match.

Leaving the price aside, which would be the best one to go for. The chimney is standard 16x22 with a 6" flue. House was built in 2007 and the chimney is in good condition and regularly swept.

This will also be a DIY install, I'm comfortable with the install directions and would be competent doing the work.

Thanks

macjohn

Because the firewarm doesn't require the existing fireback to be removed the firebox on it is a bit small. Ok for briquettes but could be awkward for firewood blocks

Also that with the fact that your room needs 4kw I would think the firewarm might be small for your needs as it is not going to be at max all the time.

With the others its a permanent install and most complaints about stoves are because they are not installed correctly/ flue not connected properly. So do loads of research before you do it.

Also a big safety issue if not fitted properly so make sure you have your alarm in the room. Not doubting your abilities just giving you feedback on the general consensus here.

Edit - So if not 100% on everything get it professionally installed

Just saw that model esse can also be fitted with the fireback in place so have a look at the size of the firebox.
For some people it is a bit overpriced. By default leaves the Boru! That model Boru seems popular with those that have installed it
Henley also do a 5kw and they are a brand which seem to get good praise on here.

Cmar-Ireland

Thanks for the info. I had a look at the Henley stoves, the 5kw Apollo looks good. Also came across Woodferne, their 6.5kw Tara and Joyce models look like they would suit too.

As for fitting, I don't think I'll have a problem with it. I would also be fitting a CO detector, just to be safe.

macjohn

No bother.
If you look around the tara and the joyce seem to be close matches to other brands that are on the market, haven't heard that company mentioned on boards before. Loads of discussion in the stoves threads on buying replica stoves

They are in a very very different price range to the esse.

6.5kw is probably to high for your room - the room it is in could be come uncomfortably hot.

As I said wasn't questioning your ability at all just as your are obviously new to stoves its one of the things that might be worth getting an install price for, its not expensive, and if its not done right wont give you the desired heat plus it a real danger to you and your family. So the detector is more than just to be safe.

Cmar-Ireland

Should have mentioned that I'll be leaving the fireback in place, so that rules out the Henley.
The Esse looks great, but is too pricey. So it looks like the Boru Croi Beag is going to be the best option.

macjohn

You will think I am chasing you! Replied to you there in the other thread

Cmar-Ireland

Haha, not at all. I posted there due to the amount of traffic on that thread. Can have too much info !

macjohn

Cmar-Ireland wrote: »

I don't want to remove the fireback as we plan to sell up and build a house in a few years. So I want to be able to put it back to a regular open fireplace.

Fair point on the traffic.

Ok, ya see your point if you plan selling up.
Probably not worth going for the esse then if its not long term

But - if sounds like you intend taking the stove with you - so in your new (bigger?) house you will have a stove with a small firebox.
Will this stove suit the dimensions of the new house? Most houses that are one off build need a stove bigger than 4kw

If you only intend buying once would you not be better off buying one with full size firebox now.


How many years is a few? If its more than 3 winters then for my money not worth limiting yourself to only ones that dont need fireback removed.
When you sell if will affect your BER if the stove is removed.

Not raining on your parade - just looks from the external viewpoint that in neither house will you have the best options.

Just looks like you are curtailing yourself very much now so that in the future you can leave an open fireplace. IMHO doesn't seem worth it.