All posts by Peter

28Nov/22

What are the benefits of multi-fuel stoves?

Multi-fuel stoves offer a wide range of benefits. They provide a highly efficient and effective way to heat your home, as they are capable of burning both solid fuels, such as coal and wood and liquid fuels, such as oil or gas.

This means that you can choose the most cost-effective option for heating your home, depending on availability and price in your area. Multi fuel stoves also provide more control over the temperature in your home than other heating sources. This is because some multi fuel stoves come with an adjustable air vent so you can easily adjust the amount of heat being created. Additionally, you have complete control over when and how much fuel is burnt due to the presence of a manual override switch or timer controls. Multi fuel stoves are also much safer than other heating sources, as they are designed to contain and prevent any spillage of combustible materials.

A huge range of modern and traditional styles

From the look and feel of a traditional logburner to a sleek multi-fuel stove that elevates your home décor, there is a style to suit everyone. As the popularity of multi-fuel stoves continues to rise, manufacturers have developed an ever-increasing range of designs, shapes and styles for you to choose from. This means you can find the perfect solution for your home, whether it’s a classic wood burning stove or something more modern and contemporary.

Easy to maintain and clean

Multi fuel stoves are extremely easy to maintain and clean, as most models come with removable ash pans that make emptying out the ashes simple and straightforward. With regular maintenance and cleaning, your multi-fuel stove will provide years of reliable use without any issues. Furthermore, some modern multi-fuel stoves feature catalytic converters, which help to reduce the amount of smoke and emissions produced during burning. This means your multi-fuel stove will be kinder to the environment and potentially more efficient too.

Versatile and affordable

Finally, multi-fuel stoves are a great choice for those looking for an affordable and versatile heating solution. With their ability to burn a range of fuels, you can use the most cost-effective option for heating your home at any given time. In addition, the versatility of multi-fuel stoves means that you can use them for both heating and cooking purposes. This makes them a great choice for those looking for a multifunctional solution that won’t break the bank. Overall, multi-fuel stoves offer an efficient, affordable and easy-to-maintain heating option that is perfect for any home. So if you’re looking for an effective way to heat your home that can save money in the long run, a multi-fuel stove may be a perfect choice. With so many benefits, it is easy to see why multi-fuel stoves are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient heating solution.

29Jul/22

Livable Kitchen Layout tips

Making a kitchen livable has little to do with its appearance and functionality. If you’re planning a kitchen, here are a couple of layout ideas to keep in mind.

Kitchens are high-traffic areas. If your kitchen is a dumping ground for coats, bags and posts, consider creating space before entering the kitchen. Once in the kitchen, ensure primary pathways are not obstructed if the oven or fridge door is opened. 

When planning your kitchen, it’s also important to keep the main tasks of preparing, serving and cleaning up afterwards in mind. You don’t want to be putting key elements of the kitchen too far apart, e.g. the oven across the room from the sink. If you’re lucky enough to have space for an island, make sure it’s not too close or too far away. It’s a pain if it interferes with opening the fridge or the dishwasher. 

21Jun/22

Are log burners bad for the environment?

Whether you call yours a logburner, stove or wood burner, one of the key questions cropping up in recent years is whether these solid fuel-burning appliances are bad for the environment. The short answer is that yes, they can be – if they’re not used and maintained properly. Burning wet or unseasoned wood, for example, releases more harmful particles into the atmosphere and significantly reduces the efficiency of the appliance. However, when used correctly, log burners and stoves are a sustainable and low-carbon way to heat your home. Here’s a quick guide to using your stove in an eco-friendly way:

1. Only burn well-seasoned wood

This is the most important thing you can do to reduce emissions from your stove. Wet or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which means it doesn’t burn as hot or as cleanly as dry wood. This causes your appliance to work less efficiently and produces more harmful particles (smoke), which are released into the atmosphere. Seasoned wood is typically around 20% moisture content or lower, so make sure you give it plenty of time to dry out before using it in your stove.

2. Use a chimney fan

If you have a wood burning stove or log burner with a chimney, fit a chimney fan. This will help to create a strong updraft in your chimney, which will improve the draw on your fire and make it burn hotter and cleaner. As a result, you’ll use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.

3. Use an efficient wood-burning stove

If you’re in the market for a new wood-burning stove, make sure you choose one that’s been approved by the Environment Agency. These stoves have to meet strict efficiency standards and are some of the cleanest-burning appliances on the market.

4. Get your chimney swept regularly

A build-up of soot and creosote in your chimney can reduce the draught and cause your fire to smoke. This is bad for the environment and can also be a fire hazard. Make sure you get your chimney swept at least once a year (more often if you use your stove frequently) to keep it clean and working properly.

5. Don’t overfire your stove

If you burn too much wood at once, it can cause your fire to ‘smoulder’ which produces more harmful particles and reduces the efficiency of your appliance. Only add small amounts of wood to your fire at a time and make sure the flames are always visible.

6. Invest in an eco stove

The fact of the matter is this: the technology used by EcoDesign stoves produce 90% fewer emissions than open fires and 80% less than a typical 10-year-old stove. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option, an eco stove is the way to go.

7. Use your wood burner wisely

When used correctly, wood burners can actually help to improve air quality. In rural areas, for example, burning wood can reduce particulate matter in the atmosphere. This is because wood smoke contains particles that act as ‘seed crystals’ around which water vapour can condense. This process effectively removes harmful particulates from the air.

So there you have it – everything you need to know about using a log burner in an eco-friendly way. Just remember to use dry, seasoned wood and to get your chimney swept regularly, and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment.

27May/22

Kitchen flooring: Solid wood is king

Solid wood flooring is the perfect choice for your kitchen. It’s tough, durable, and can handle the wear and tear of a busy room. But that’s not all – it also looks great! A solid wood floor will add style and sophistication to your kitchen and will be the envy of your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Let’s learn more about the benefits of solid wood flooring.

Oak isn’t the only option

Oak is one of the most popular hardwoods, but there are plenty of other high quality, durable and attractive woods available, such as maple, cherry, walnut and bamboo. If you’re looking for something a little different, you can try a distressed or hand-scraped finish to give your kitchen some extra character. Solid hardwood flooring is also available in a variety of colours and stains, so you can choose the perfect look for your home. Whether you want a light and airy feel or a dark and cosy space, there’s a wood floor that will suit your style.

Engineered hardwood is a great option

If you love the look of hardwood floors but are worried about moisture damage, engineered hardwood might be the right choice for your kitchen. Unlike solid hardwood, which is made entirely of one piece of wood, engineered hardwood consists of several layers of wood glued together. The top layer is made of the same hardwood as solid hardwood, while the lower layers are usually made of a softer wood, such as plywood. This construction makes engineered hardwood more resistant to moisture, so it’s a great option for kitchens where there might be spills or accidental moisture damage. Engineered hardwood is also easier to install than solid hardwood, so if you’re planning a DIY project, it might be the way to go.

Laminate flooring is a budget-friendly option

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, laminate flooring might be the right choice for your kitchen. Laminate flooring is made of multiple layers of synthetic materials, with a hardwood or stone veneer on top. It’s more resistant to scratches and moisture than solid hardwood, but it doesn’t have the same durability. Laminate flooring is a great option if you’re looking for the look of hardwood without the price tag.

Vinyl flooring is easy to clean

If you’re looking for an easy-to-clean flooring option for your kitchen, vinyl might be the right choice. Vinyl floors are made of multiple layers of synthetic materials, with a clear wear layer on top. This wear layer protects the floor from scratches, stains and spills, making it easy to keep your kitchen clean. Vinyl floors are available in a variety of colours and styles, so you can find the perfect look for your home.

Tile is a classic choice

If you’re looking for a classic flooring option for your kitchen, tile is a great choice. Tile is made of fired clay or porcelain, and it’s available in a wide variety of colours, sizes and styles. Tile is easy to clean and maintain, and it’s resistant to moisture, stains and scratches. If you’re looking for a durable and low-maintenance flooring option, tile is a great choice.

But in our opinion, hardwood is best!

There are plenty of great flooring options on the market, but in our opinion, hardwood is the best choice for your kitchen. It’s durable, attractive and easy to maintain, and it will add value to your home. So what are you waiting for?

14Apr/22

Pre-Designed Kitchen from the Catalogue

Pre-designed kitchens can be an excellent option for homeowners who don’t want to design their kitchen from scratch. Pre-designed kitchens have already been created, so you can choose the design that suits you best straight from the catalogue.

As a bespoke design can take a long time to produce, using a prefabricated design can help you to avoid a lot of stress and ultimately save you time as well.

Another significant benefit of this type of kitchen furnishing is that it can generally be a quicker process than alternative kitchen installations. The reason for this is that the kitchen fitters, usually from the business you bought the kitchen from, are usually more familiar with how all of the items and appliances are installed.

This can also help you to save a lot of time during the installation process, allowing you to begin using a kitchen again a lot sooner.