STOVES questions and answers here(see mod note in post 1)

Thanks for your input Stove Fan. Going with underfloor for 2600sq ft build, so no radiators.

I was advised to go for 30kw stove, I'm leaning towards the San Remo, as I'm thinking 5kw falls a little short to heat my room as there is another room leading off it (entrance with no door). Guesswork on my part

hairyslug wrote: »

We are adding a new sittingroom in the next few months and have decided to go with a stove, at the moment the house is being heated by a fairly badly installed ofch, pipes going up, down and all over the place and a boiler that looks like its on its last legs, i have seen and heard of some people having problems with boiler stoves and the cost of the stove and install is putting me off, we are in a bungalow, about 1000sq ft, is it realistic to thing that by keeping doors open and upgrading the insulation that the stove could heat the whole house and just use the ofch for hotwater and as a back up for heating.

cheers

We have the same sized bungalow ours is extended but the same size 1,120sqft. Our walls have been internally insulated with kingspan backed plasterboards on all walls, internal and external. 38mm insulation, 12mm plasterboard. The extension is cavity walled with 70mm aeroboard in and kingspan lined internally.

The windows are double glazed and the loft only has 10 inches of loft insulation.

In my opinion there would be no way we could heat the whole house just using a non boiler stove and no rads. We use a multifuel villager berkley boiler stove heating 5 rads. All of our rooms run off a hallway and so are not open plan. The non boiler stove would heat one room and take the chill of the room(s) adjoining but not all over if not fully open plan.

I would consider a boiler stove. Either the villager berkley or even much better quality still the woodwarm enigma 8 freestanding with 25,000btu boiler. The great thing about the woodwarm is you could buy the stove first see how you go and then buy and fit the boiler afterwards.

Stove Fan:)

hairyslug wrote: »

Thanks for that stove fan, is it much work adding a boiler stove or is it as simple as joining the pipework to the current pipes with a reg valve

cheers

Hi:) It really depends on what you want to achieve. If you want to remove the oil totally and just have the stove it simplifies things, but either way more plumbing in is required as pipework has to be fitted and the system designed safely.

The normal pipe routes are 2 1inch pipes from stove to cylinder in the hotpress, preferably the cylinder in loft so utilizing gravity or high up in cupboard.

2 more 3/4 pipes from stove connected to the main radiator pipes.

This is a standard setup using all four outlets on the boiler stove. I like this setup best.

Setup 2.

If your combining it to work with oil you will need a twin coil cylinder.

The plumber would most likely just use 2x 1 inch pipes to the hot water cylinder but just tee off before the cylinder in 3/4 and link up to the radiator circuit pipework in the hotpress. This is called a 2 pipe setup.

The solid fuel stove will have a gravity heat leak radiator to dissipate the heat in a powercut. Ours is near the stove. This absorbs heat if the hot water cylinder water was already hot in the event of a powercut.

A boiler stove is well worth the investment and would reduce/cut your reliance on expensive oil:)

Have a plumber visit you and get him to size the boiler stove needed and cast his eye on your system.
My stove suggestions may not be suitable if your insulation levels are not as good. Also consider the arrow ecoboiler EB12HE. The EB12 is more powerful to room and water. Out of the three though woodwarm is the best for quality.

There is no harm in getting a free quote:)

Stove Fan:)

I am back again, chimney now ready to be lined, am about to order the 904 grade ss and builder will fill it with vermiculite and a light cement mix, think I have got that right.
Now have narrowed down choice of stove, either a stovex brunel 3, 7kw, a nestor martin S 23, or a morso badger (Ithink) has anyone any preference for any of these. I have read all the comments on whatstove .com, and of course its more confusing, there appear to be as many negative as positive comments. ( except I thing the morso). I believe I need 7kw of output, 22x15x8 ft. Thick stone walls 200 year old house. Sorry to hear stove fan is returning to England, do hope you will not desert us here, and leave us to the wolves. Thanks for all the advice, you are a real treasure. I do feel a bit embarrassed about going on so, but would really appreciate any one who has experience of any of the above. many thanks gq

jp99 wrote: »

Hey all, I'm looking for a stove 30kw with back boiler. Has anyone any good opinions on either San Remo (19.5 to boiler, 10.5 to room) or Carraig Mor (25 to boiler, 5 to room) as options ? Prices are very close.

Heating setup I am going with is stove linked to 500l buffer tank (also solar tubes linked to buffer tank) which would run underfloor on both floors backed up by oil.

I guess another question I have is which stove output is more suited to my heating system (19.5/10.5kw or 25/5kw). Is Carrig Mor
giving too much heat to my boiler (as thermal store is already backup up by solar tubes & oil) ? Thank you.

Please check this 'boilers & stoves'. Maybe you'll find her what you looking for

Stove Fan wrote: »

Hi I have calculated you need 7kw max, less if very well insulated or airtight new build.

Personally I would go with the Charnwood island 2. It is a cracking stove and has a great reputation. The morso is good too though:)
http://www.charnwood.com/range/stove/island-ii.aspx 8kw nominal 10kw maximum so has some output if needed. To be honest you may only need the island 1, if your insulation is good.
The one big advantage with the island is that it can have an external air supply duct, hence no airvent causing drafts. The woodwarm doesn't have this option:( We have had vents but have never had a problem, I fit them on the most sheltered wall away from the worst winds:)

Another company that I really rate is woodwarm.
In fact if I was looking for a good 8kw stove and had under £1000 to spend it would be the woodwarm enigma 8. The enigma 8 is a new model but woodwarm are a quality manufacturer and get great customer reviews.
http://www.fireplaceproducts.co.uk/woodwarm-stoves/woodwarm-enigma-8-multifuel-stove/ Woodwarm are sold here too. Look at dealer locator on the woodwarm website. Do shop around for the best deal on delivery/price and always pay by credit card.
http://www.woodwarmstoves.co.uk/products/wildwood-range1/enigma8kwfreestanding.ashx If you do a google search you'll find a photo:)
Some woodwarms lit.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=woodwarm+stoves&oq=woodwarm+stoves&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_nf=1&gs_l=youtube-psuggest.12..0.556.3495.0.5469.10.10.0.4.4.0.516.1336.0j1j0j2j0j1.4.0.




See www.whatstove.co.uk for woodwarm/charnwood etc reviews. (unfortunately no enigma reviews yet)

By the way I'm just a person who has an intrest in stoves and have no ties to any manufacturer.

Stove Fan:)

Thank you so much stovefan for your advice,makes deciding so much easier now!

Hi All,

I have a Stanley erin stove about a year old now and i have a few questions about it, so thanks in advance.

1.
I have tried to clean the inside of the fire box a few times especially the back of the boiler itself to get rid of sooth for more heat transfer, my Question is: i cant remember if the back baffel plate should sit right back on to the boiler itself therefore no gap at bottom, just the side gaps at the wall, or should it be sitting as shown in the picture? icant remember which way it was originally.

2.
Is there any kind of spray solution/chemical/cleanner out there on the market that i can buy to dissolve the sooth instead of scrapping it away from the boiler? I usually clean in once every 2 months and the amout of sooth build up is unreal as you can see on the pic, or maybe there might be sort of home remedy that i dont know of.

3.
Does sooth really reduce the performance of the boiler? i know about the safty hazards and all.

any help would be much appriciated,
Thanks all
D

DSC_0021x.jpg

Hello all,
After a long while of debating on a boiler or non boiler stove I decided that a non boiler type suits me best for now. ( unless its possible to fit a boiler type for now with the intention of plumbing it in the future )?

I'm looking for a hassle free multi-fuel burner insert stove ( DIY job )
The opening dimensions of my existing fireplace is 22''x16

It will need to heat my sitting room which is 20x12x8. What Kw size would you guys recommend?


Thats all I can think of for now.

Regards
Rich

Damoedge wrote: »

Hi All,

I have a Stanley erin stove about a year old now and i have a few questions about it, so thanks in advance.

1.
I have tried to clean the inside of the fire box a few times especially the back of the boiler itself to get rid of sooth for more heat transfer, my Question is: i cant remember if the back baffel plate should sit right back on to the boiler itself therefore no gap at bottom, just the side gaps at the wall, or should it be sitting as shown in the picture? icant remember which way it was originally.

2.
Is there any kind of spray solution/chemical/cleanner out there on the market that i can buy to dissolve the sooth instead of scrapping it away from the boiler? I usually clean in once every 2 months and the amout of sooth build up is unreal as you can see on the pic, or maybe there might be sort of home remedy that i dont know of.

3.
Does sooth really reduce the performance of the boiler? i know about the safty hazards and all.

any help would be much appriciated,
Thanks all
D

DSC_0021x.jpg

Hi:) I would have the baffle as shown by the manufacturer. On our boiler stove I just scrape the deposits off the boiler with the coal scuttle shovel. I find this is fine on it's own:) I scrape ours about once a week.
I would sweep your flue as well. Always try to burn dry wood and burn brightly for at least 20 minutes a day to help clean the tar off the boiler.
Slumbering the fire is the worst for boiler and chimney deposits.

Stove Fan:D

Stove Fan wrote: »

Hi:) for your room size your looking at 4kw to heat the room. Presume the measurements are in feet:D

Unfortunately most boiler stoves the boiler is built into the stove. ie factory welded in. These factory fitted or wraparound boiler give more heat to the water. The small boilers that clip in like the 10,000btu version are only suitable for heating your hot water.

There is this but please confirm the 30,000btu boiler can be fitted afterwards and it's not a factory fitted boiler.
http://www.woodwarmstoves.co.uk/products/fireview-range/65kwinsetfireview.ashx Unfortunately I think it may be a factory fitted but worth confirming with them by email.
Or alternatively just fit a boiler stove from the start:D You do need to size the boiler required though, you may well need more output than 30,000btus to water.

If you want just a non boiler either the woodwarm fireview 4 or the arrow ecoburn http://www.aarrowfires.com/our-range-of-stoves/ecoburn-range/ecoburn-inset.html
The woodwarm is the better for quality.

Stove Fan:)

Thanks for the info Stove Fan. The reason why im avoiding the boiler type is to keep costs down. Is it possible to fit a boiler type insert now and use it as normal without plumbing it into a system & maybe in a year or 2 from now plumb it into the water heating system? Hope you understand my question
I see you recommend the woodwarm brand for quality, ill check out their stoves. They have 2 dealers in the north so thats handy.

Thanks
Rich

Richard tea wrote: »

Thanks for the info Stove Fan. The reason why im avoiding the boiler type is to keep costs down. Is it possible to fit a boiler type insert now and use it as normal without plumbing it into a system & maybe in a year or 2 from now plumb it into the water heating system? Hope you understand my question
I see you recommend the woodwarm brand for quality, ill check out their stoves. They have 2 dealers in the north so thats handy.

Thanks
Rich

Hi, i just had a woodwarm 6.5kw inset stove fitted today, it's being going since 4 o clock and we're roasting:). It was installed by the supplier; hot stoves, along with 6'' flexiflue liner [ in that wind and rain:eek:] but we're delighted with the job, i think stove fan would approve

bod71 wrote: »

Hi, i just had a woodwarm 6.5kw inset stove fitted today, it's being going since 4 o clock and we're roasting:). It was installed by the supplier; hot stoves, along with 6'' flexiflue liner [ in that wind and rain:eek:] but we're delighted with the job, i think stove fan would approve

I must say that looks like a nice job Bod71. May I ask what size room the stove heats?
Also, I know everyones quote will be different depending on work but how much did hot stoves charge for the fitting of the stove? PM me if you prefer.

I see you had a 6'' flexiflue liner fitted. I thought this type of inset stove didnt require a flue pipe?

Richard tea wrote: »

I must say that looks like a nice job Bod71. May I ask what size room the stove heats?
Also, I know everyones quote will be different depending on work but how much did hot stoves charge for the fitting of the stove? PM me if you prefer.

I see you had a 6'' flexiflue liner fitted. I thought this type of inset stove didnt require a flue pipe?

Hi, our living room, dining room, and kitchen are open plan, like an L shape and measures 26ft by 16ft, pricewise it was £300 for the install, it is highly reccomended you use 904 grade flexiliner as it helps with the draw of the flue, but more importantly it reduces the risk of creosote and tar build up and can cause chimney fires. This again is not cheap at £50 per metre but im going to do this once as it has a garantee of 20 years.

bod71 wrote: »

Hi, our living room, dining room, and kitchen are open plan, like an L shape and measures 26ft by 16ft, pricewise it was £300 for the install, it is highly reccomended you use 904 grade flexiliner as it helps with the draw of the flue, but more importantly it reduces the risk of creosote and tar build up and can cause chimney fires. This again is not cheap at £50 per metre but im going to do this once as it has a garantee of 20 years.

Great job. £300 sounds very reasonable. I could probably do it myself but its best to get the experts in for this one.

Thank you bod71

Stove Fan wrote: »

Hi:) for your room size your looking at 4kw to heat the room. Presume the measurements are in feet:D

Unfortunately most boiler stoves the boiler is built into the stove. ie factory welded in. These factory fitted or wraparound boiler give more heat to the water. The small boilers that clip in like the 10,000btu version are only suitable for heating your hot water.

There is this but please confirm the 30,000btu boiler can be fitted afterwards and it's not a factory fitted boiler.
http://www.woodwarmstoves.co.uk/products/fireview-range/65kwinsetfireview.ashx Unfortunately I think it may be a factory fitted but worth confirming with them by email.
Or alternatively just fit a boiler stove from the start:D You do need to size the boiler required though, you may well need more output than 30,000btus to water.

If you want just a non boiler either the woodwarm fireview 4 or the arrow ecoburn http://www.aarrowfires.com/our-range-of-stoves/ecoburn-range/ecoburn-inset.html
The woodwarm is the better for quality.

Stove Fan:)

I got a rough quote from a Dublin based company to supply and fit the woodwarm 4kw fireview stove for 1900 euro, Does this seem average?

Stove fan, I was looking at the arrow ecoburn 5 inset stove which seem to be going for 830 euro. I would imaging its a good few hundred cheaper than the woodwarm? Is ther really much difference from the ecoburn 5 inset & the 4kw fireview woodwarm stove.

Bod71 - I tried ringing hot stoves but I get no answer, Ill just keep trying I suppose.