multi fuel stove in new build advice please

nigelatcroft

Hi we are currently at the beginning of a new build and want some advice on the best multi fuel to fit. The house will be mega insulated and have electric underfloor heating throughout. In the lounge which is approx 7m long 4.2 m wide and 2.2m high ceiling we want a multi fuel for our main heat source. There is also a 'snug' from the lounge separated by a double door which is 2.3 m x 4.25m x 2.2m high which ideally would like to heat as well occasionally by leaving door open (underfloor heated in there also).
We currently have an Aga Stretton insert in our old and v high (15ft!) ceilings Victorian house and are generally impressed byt it never really heats the room sufficiently but it is up against it in this large and draughty room!

We thought that a 5kw should be enough (??) but all of the ones I have seen have really small fireboxes and don't want to be limited by log size etc. This is certainly true of the Aga little Wemlock which we considered-like the build quality but just seems too small and tiny fire box. The Ludlow seemed too high an output? Also styling not so nice.
Have looked at all the posts and some companies eg Clearview Charnwood etc seem to get good reviews-we want British, Cast Iron (we think unless anyone can persuade us otherwise) and vital to have a good handle and solidly made-we did have a stovax stockton 5 once and the handle quickly fell to bits(!). I would be really grateful for advice on output and recommendations of stove based on build quality, durability and heating ability.
Cheers

Smiley_Dan

it is up against it in this large and draughty room

Any reason you can't fix the draughts?

On that subject, look for a stove with vents ducted to the outside, rather than just vents in the wall which leads to less controlled draughts.

PollySouthend

Smiley_Dan wrote: »

Any reason you can't fix the draughts?

On that subject, look for a stove with vents ducted to the outside, rather than just vents in the wall which leads to less controlled draughts.

they are talking about the old place.

my lounge is the same size more or less and 4.5kw heats it up nicely.

wouldn't bother with clearview, if you really want British there are better brands like hunter that aren't clear view rip off prices.

you wont get cast iron and british as there are no cast iron places in the uk. i would go for a nordic brand like moreso.

Greenfires

Hunter? Not a patch on Clearview (and no I don't have one) Some very dated designs too. Usually tell them a mile off as they'll have black glass nine times out of ten.

A._Badger

Greenfires wrote: »

Hunter? Not a patch on Clearview (and no I don't have one) Some very dated designs too. Usually tell them a mile off as they'll have black glass nine times out of ten.

Amazing. I've had a Hunter for over five years and never once had black glass. In fact I rarely even have to do more than give the glass on mine a wipe with a dry cloth every week - and that mostly to shift dust from when I empty the ashpan.

It's a shame some people never bother to learn how to drive their stoves properly.

A._Badger

nigelatcroft wrote: »

We thought that a 5kw should be enough (??) but all of the ones I have seen have really small fireboxes and don't want to be limited by log size etc. This is certainly true of the Aga little Wemlock which we considered-like the build quality but just seems too small and tiny fire box. The Ludlow seemed too high an output? Also styling not so nice.
Have looked at all the posts and some companies eg Clearview Charnwood etc seem to get good reviews-we want British, Cast Iron (we think unless anyone can persuade us otherwise) and vital to have a good handle and solidly made-we did have a stovax stockton 5 once and the handle quickly fell to bits(!). I would be really grateful for advice on output and recommendations of stove based on build quality, durability and heating ability.
Cheers

Since the fine old firm of Coalbrookdale was swallowed whole by Aga, Little Wenlocks have ceased to be 'Britsh' stoves and are now made in Ireland, which may or may not bother you.

My own Litte Wenlock, though it was a much loved family friend, was anything but modern in design and, frankly, Aga's service for it was just rotten - there is no other word for it.

There are a lot of myths about cast iron. People seem to feel that it is a superior material for stoves when, in many respects, it is inferior to steel. People say it retains its heat for longer, which is true, but it is also equally slow to heat-up in the first place.

It is also worryingly easy to crack under impact and can suffer damage from thermal shock during (mis)use.

Chinese-made cast iron is always a worry as there are question marks about the quality of raw materials used (very important with cast iron) not to mention the quality of workmanship during the casting process. As another poster has said, if you really inist on a cast iron stove, I would buy one from a tried and trusted European maker.

The main advantage of cast iron is that it looks pretty and can be moulded into elaborate shapes, though few designers seem to take advantage of that these days, which makes you wonder why they bother to use it.

In terms of strength, a modern steel stove is going to last just as long, will be more robust in use and cheaper to buy. It will almost certainly be more advanced in design as that is the material the best UK makers use.

If it were me, I would probably buy a Charnwood, based on their excellent reputation. I don't have one, but I know people who do and they are a make that is consistently praised by owners.

Robwiz

I second A.Badger's comments about steel vs cast iron.

I came across Dowling Stoves and liked how their stoves are hand made by craftsmen in the UK, designed to be very robust in use with nothing to be replaced (apart from the glass if broken accidentally). No rope seals or grates that will require replacing. Steve Dowling is also very helpful and is happy to modify his designs to suit individual requirements. All the reviews and forum mentions online I found were very positive.

We have a Sumo and are very happy with it. It's not a boring cube and makes a great feature in the lounge.

matelodave

I've just watched some of the Dowling Stoves videos - they obviously have great fun up there and the stoves are literally bomb-proof.

nigelatcroft

Thanks everyone -I'm a total beginner with this forum thing and am really grateful for your suggestions. I have taken on board the steel vs cast iron thing and as my wife is always cold and wants to get warm quickly have now gone down the steel sided makes.
I am warming (pun intended) to Charnwood-had a very good look at JB heating in Northallerton and fell a bit for the C5 which gives sensible log size and vents air in from outside (don't pretend to understand how mind but also seems to have 'channeled' air around sides somehow.
Also impressed by catalogue of Aarow ecoburn 5 -but havent seeen one-any body got info on that ?
Others in running were Villager espirit solo 5 and a more 'off the wall' Norweigan (i think) DRU 44MF which was in sale, Parkary Consort 5 or Hunter Kestrel 5. Finally the Aga Much Wermlock

As you can see too much choice! I have taken on board also the many criticisms of Aga service which really surprised me-have seen this in many places so that probably rules them out -pity as always been impressed with ours apart from being underpowered for our room (duff advice there as have done the calculation today and it should have been 8kw!)

So the big question now is whether the Charnwood is worth the extra money (tight budget etc) ?? It did seem to be the best in terms of construction quality. Any views on performance gratefully received. I will check out the Dowling make as well as sounds fun

Chimney_Sweep_3

Does it have to be multifuel, I prefer wood its better for the appliance and flue in the long run, Charnwood good brand also woodwarn and Clearview. I recently fitted a new Burley 5KW at home it heats the whole place its only a 2 bed bungalow but its 1950s so solid walls and floor poorly insulated.
If its a new build incorporate some sort of heat store around the stove this can be masonry or soapstone Vitcas to some sheet material you can line the opening with that will hold the heat and release it over night/when the stove is out. Make sure you install a good flue at the correct size for the appliance dont let them put a big 9inch square one in just incase you want an open fire and make sure its well insulated, Isokern pumice is good and back filled with leca or vermiculite. The flue is the important part and more expensive than the appliance, and must be fitted by someone with a degree of intelligence. Get this all correct and duct cold air supply to it and it will heat the entire place well, use a heat exchange unit to ventilate the property and you will never be cold, depending on location of stove centre of property best with a couple of doors leading off the room idealy. A freind has a normal 3 bed 20s property thats heated entirely by a Burley 8KW he maintains 23-24deg downstairs and 20-21 upstairs.

nigelatcroft

That is really helpful thanks-I do want multi fuel as its more versatile and I like being able to mix fuels to get fire away and keep it going -but most importantly it insures against running out of logs or coal.
Very useful info re heat store and will talk to builder about that-ditto heat-exchanger and flue.
I am currently getting bogged down with too many choices -I am also consciuos after reading posts of actually not wanting a DEFRA exempt stove as that seems to exclude the possibility of shutting right down or making overnight burning difficult. All the Charnwoods seem to be???
Am currently looking at a DRU 44MF which looks good or an Aarrow ecoburn plus 5 but still liking the C5
anyone had any experience of these?? Builds quality, heat control and good quality handle that doesn't get too hot is important