All posts by Maxfield

Jotul

Jøtul is one of the world’s oldest producers of stoves, inserts and fireplaces. Building on a proud Norwegian heritage, they  have combined fine craftsmanship with the art of coping with the cold for 160 years.

Visit our showroom in Colney Heath to see our Jotul stoves first hand. With a stunning range of contemporary and traditional models they are built to last with Norwegian accuracy and they guarantee all external cast iron parts for 25 years.

Jøtul has produced fireplaces from cast iron since 1853. This is an extremely suitable material that endures high temperatures and rapid changes in temperature. That’s why Jøtul chooses cast iron for their fireplaces, just like car manufacturers use cast iron for their engines.

In the showroom:

F100 in black

F105 short leg (live display)

F163 in white enamel

F135 (live display)

F361 Advance

Visit the manufacturers website here.

Why do I need a log store?

WHY DO I NEED A LOG STORE?

Most new users do not appreciate how many logs they might burn on their new stove.  A log store where you can keep logs dry is essential to keep fuel ready to burn, or season it for the future.

It also cuts down the trips to the log pile every few hours.  Dedicated log stores come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional rattan/wicker baskets to steel boxes or racks.  We always have a good selection of log storage options in our showrooms.

For keen DIY enthusiasts recycled pallets make an excellent base for constructing wood storage.  Air needs to circulate around the wood and a cover created to protect against the weather.

J DAY STONEWORKS EXPERT RATINGS – 4/5 Useful for most stove owners.

Log store

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking to fill your new log store? We offer a range of carbon neutral wood fuel and kiln dried logs sourced from sustainable managed British woodland. We also supply sawdust logs, by-products from local furniture manufacturers, and coffee logs made from coffee grounds.

wood fuel
heatforless.co.uk

View all of our wood fuel products, prices and availability on our dedicated site:

www.heatforless.co.uk

Do I need a fireguard?

DO I NEED A FIREGUARD

As most stoves are designed to burn behind the glass window, risks of errant sparks are very low unless the door is left open.  Fire guards or screens are useful, however, to keep pets and young children away from the hot stove.  Available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and finishes, even “child-proof” barriers are available if your child is particularly adventurous.

Pets are often drawn to the warmth of a stove, snuggling up in front of the fire to sleep.  To avoid burnt whiskers or other more serious injuries a fireguard will give you peace of mind when you leave the room.

Even with a fireguard young children should still be supervised around fireplaces. A fireguard could resemble a climbing frame to a toddler and small children love exploring areas that are out of bounds!

It’s obvious but don’t forget to keep matches, firelighters and lighters well away from fireplaces and small children. During the winter months when the fire is being regularly lit it’s easy to leave firelighting equipment within reach of small hands. A small fireproof lockable box could be useful if you don’t have a handy high shelf nearby.

Do I need a fireguard

J DAY STONEWORKS EXPERTS RATING – 5/5 if you have small children.  Children may not realise that the entire stove is hot as the glass.

… 2/5 if you don’t have small children or animals.

Why do I need a log carrier?

WHY DO I NEED A LOG CARRIER?

Usually in the form of a canvas bag or sling, a log carrier can make the chore of getting in the logs quicker and cleaner.

If you don’t want to buy a sling you could try using heavy duty large carrier bags, or even re-use the plastic bags from kiln dried logs.

J DAY STONEWORKS EXPERTS RATING – 2/5 – Useful but not essential for most stove users.

A log basket or holder near a fireplace is always a good idea. Some stoves have integral log holders, which are very handy.

It’s not a good idea to stack wood directly next to a stove if it’s not in a properly designed holder; wood is combustable, and that process is unpredictable. The outside surfaces of stoves are too hot to touch with your hands, so avoid stacking next to them. Smoldering logs could ignite at any time.

Why do I need a companion set?

WHY DO I NEED A COMPANION SET

A companion set is a useful set of tools, usually mounted on a compact stand or holder, to keep close to the fireplace in a tidy manner.  Usually either three tool (Poker/Shovel/Tongs) or four tool including a brush. They come in a wide variety of sizes, finishes and styles.

J DAY STONEWORKS EXPERTS RATING – 3/5 In some cases, a poker and shovel are useful, tongs and brush are probably not going to be used much by many stove owners.

If you do have a set remember that a poker can be a lethal weapon, especially if it’s straight from the fire. If you have small children around, or inquisitive pets, make sure your companion set is well within your fire guard.

If you haven’t got a fireguard but do have very small children, please consider getting one. You can always move it out of the way for Santa.