Tag Archives: log burner

Why do I need a stove fan?

WHY DO I NEED A STOVE FAN?

A stove fan is a heat powered fan that helps to distribute the stoves heat more evenly in the room.  Particularly useful when the stove is not centrally located, it helps to move the warm air around to achieve a comfortable room temperature more quickly and evenly.  Can make the stove look cluttered, and they cannot be used on some modern convector type stoves.

A good quality stove fan will circulate warm air around a wide area using energy generated by your stove heat. The fan speed will vary depending on the temperature of your stove, but it should operate very quietly.


J DAY STONEWORKS EXPERTS RATING – 3/5  Individual circumstances dictate how much benefit will be derived from these devices, but improves heating efficiency in most cases.

Hotpod

Hotpod

The Hotpod company was set up by Dan Harding and Lucy Aldridge in 2005 to make and sell the things Dan made as a Blacksmith and for Lucy’s work as a Yoga teacher.

Hotpod is a range of uniquely designed, extremely efficient yet incredibly simple wood burning and multi fuel stoves hand-built in Cornwall, England by artist blacksmith Dan Harding.   We love the quirky design and character of the Hotpod and it takes pride of place in the reception of our showroom in Colney Heath.

Hotpod stove origins

Dan has been making stoves from recycled materials since 1992, originally out of necessity, for heating his VW surf-bus in the winter. The design steadily evolved until in 2001 Dan made the gas bottle stove which all the Hotpods are copies of, for his and Lucy’s first house.

The Limited Edition

In 2005 Hotpod was born as Dan and Lucy got involved in BBC2’s experimental programme “How to pay off your mortgage in 2 years”. It was decided that Dan would make and sell copies of Lucy’s stove and turn it into a business.

The Unlimited

In 2007, after the programme had finished, Dan and Lucy reinvested in the business in partnership with the programme’s presenter, business guru René Carayol, and started working on the Hotpod Unlimited, the cast iron version of the original Hotpods. The Hotpod Unlimited launched in 2009 and in 2011 was tested for full EN13240 Compliance and passed with flying colours and an amazing 81% efficiency. At the same time it was put forward for DEFRA exemption for use in smoke free zones and this was awarded in October 2011.

The Nautipod

Nautipod
Nautipod

in 2012, a good friend of Dan and Lucy had just finished building his Cornish Lugger and was looking for a suitable stove. That search brought him to Hotpod HQ to see if Dan had any ideas. Dan found a piece of 200mm square tube under the bench and it was tried in place in the boat and was a perfect fit. A few weeks later, the original Nautipod was born. Dan realised the potential of the stove for use in spaces for which the Hotpod was too hot. Development was slow but after selling 11 prototypes from word of mouth it was finally ready for the world at the end of 2015.

The Special Edition

Still effectively a prototype, the Special Edition has been in production since 2010 but there have only been 5 built so far and they have all been red. They have not been offered for sale until now as there have been assembly issues with enamel chipping where parts fit together. Dan now has this issue fixed and they are now offered as part of the Hotpod range and can be almost any colour and can even be colour matched from a pantone number.

Westfire

Westfire designs stoves with great care and attention to detail.  Think Scandinavian design and build quality with a lower price tag.

Westfire is a tried-and-tested concept, with attention paid to every detail.

With many years’ experience in the development of exciting and functional solutions for the home they offer both hearth plates and chimneys. These products complement their range of stunning wood burning stoves, making it easy to create a stylish and exclusive look in your home.

West fire manufactures a range of highly functional wood burning stoves that meet the most stringent requirements for environmentally friendly combustion.  Convection stoves heat the air and spread it evenly throughout the room.

Danish Design

The Danes have always had a love for fireplaces and stoves.

Danish-made fireplaces and wood burning stoves build on age-old traditions and excel in terms of both design and functionality.

Since the first energy crises of the 1970s, a number of key manufacturers have developed a reputable line of solid, attractive wood burning stoves, convection stoves and fireplaces.  Focus has been on design solutions, environmental considerations and fuel economy.

Most wood burning stoves and fireplaces are easy to use. They are usually simple to light using a few firelighters, and the heat is often as easily regulated as on a radiator. We recommend using only clean, dry wood in your fireplace or stove, and making sure there is a good supply of oxygen when lit. Burn only small amounts of wood at a time as too much wood can lower the combustion temperature too far.

To find out more about West fire check out their website.

Westfire

Mendip Stoves

Mendip Stoves

Mendip Stoves are designed as multi fuel appliances, with cast iron grates and heavy duty vermiculite linings to improve combustion.  Tested for ease of use and durability each stove is named after a place in the Mendip hills in Somerset where the company is based.

Mendip stoves have easy to operate air supply controls which ensure efficient combustion and a continuous stream of air over the front glass to keep a clear view of the fire.

The “Woodland” Stove won Best Under 5kW stove in 2016 at the Hearth and Home awards.  Manufactured in the UK we have a “Ashcott” woodburner on live fire and a “Christon 550″ freestanding on show.

mendip stoves

Mendip have developed a reputation for supplying superior stoves, with the best combustion techniques, classy appearances and build quality.

The highly acclaimed, award winning Woodland stove offers a remarkable visual experience. The woodland stoves can also be placed close to timber walls, due to exceptional insulating properties.

Mendip Stoves are continually striving to improve their stoves, with many 5kW stoves SIA Ecodesign Ready. This means they emit less particulates, and still give great heat and character to your room.  This makes Mendip some of the cleanest and most efficient stoves on the market.

For more information visit their website.

Scan

Scan Stoves

Founded in Odense in 1978, Scan stoves have focused on delivering a perfect flame enclosed in a design-conscious piece of furniture.  Most Scan stoves are designed to be used freestanding and to be viewed from 3 sides, so the flames can be seen from 270 degrees.  Primarily designed in steel, they incorporate black edged glass and soapstone to create unique stoves for discerning clients.  Manufactured in Denmark, they have total control over raw materials and production and the finished products quality.
Now part of the Jotul Group, they continue to operate as a distinct brand with a unique identity and style.

Our showroom the Scan 58, visit our showroom to view it for yourself.  Trim and accessories may differ from those shown in the photos here.

Scan at J Day Stoneworks
Showroom

Visit the manufacturers website here.