log burner

rustyboy21

andrewf75 wrote: »

I've looked seriously at gas, but the problem is that the whole point of the reason why people want wood burners is the whole "burning something" part! The storing of logs, the chopping, the lighting of the fire, the whole ritual. If it was just flicking a switch then I'd be asking myself whats the point.

I understand the issues and the warnings, but I think these only apply to people who are just getting one to be trendy. Most people who get wood burners do so because they want to do the whole storing/cutting/burning logs thing!

Its a similar thing to BBQs. Why do you go through all the hassle of lighting a fire when you could just switch the oven on. Because its fun playing with fire!

Ah but that is the male primeval instinct coming out. Man make fire, tend to fire, burn things etc.

If you have a partner/wife, do they think on the same lines as you. You will end up with a lot of dust/soot around your house, it clings to everything. So cleaning duties are increased. Also factor in child friendliness of a stove, if you have young kids then you WILL need a god robust guard around it, Plastic surgery is not a nice thing to go through when you are little, believe me been there , got the T shirt !

What I was trying to get over to you, is that it is a lot of work sourcing fuel, the cost implications of it, the overall outlay, when you may only be using it 10 times a year maybe. The storage of fuel is a big issue, you will also end up with all the creepy crawlies coming out the wood in your nice warm house, can your partner cope with that?

Really sit down and think of what it will cost, what implications they have and is it worth the effort and cost, for the small amount of times you will be using it each year. If you live in a rural or semi rurual area with plenty of space then maybe ok. If you live in the 'Burbs' or city then it is a no brainer, get something else, you may not have the space or the supply contacts for the fuel.

My next door neighbour has had one fitted, he wanted to get one cheap via me and I said no, as he has a habit of cutting corners. I suggested he go to one of my competitors in the area. He did so and has had it fitted all correctly ( Thankfully, with a liner). They have a lovely paved garden at the rear of the house, with an outhouse. The outhouse is full to bursting with offcuts of wood from the DIY sheds, broken up pallets, MDF, the garden is an eyesore now, wood dumped everywhere. His wife has complained to me that she couldnt sunbathe this year as it was awful out there. She is complaining that she has to dust every day, to keep on top of all the mess.

I have sent them a letter, stating that if any issues arise from him burning incorrect wood and materials in his stove, which affect mine or my families health, then I will hold them responsible. I know for a fact the flues on the houses are faulty, I had to have a liner put through to get a gas fire fitted and the stove is on the same stack as mine. They have security cameras everywhere around the house, but dont have buildings or contents insurance !

andrewf75

We're in semi rural area I suppose, but there are lots of local companies selling logs - seem to average about £100 per cubic metre seasoned and neighbours seem to go through one or two of those a winter. Longer term I would hope to get hold of unseasoned wood to season ourselves to save costs. We have lots of space for a logstore. Many of these companies also give discounts for group deliveries so may also cut costs that way. Given the popularity of logburners I think there are a lot of companies out there now. I would imagine this is the case even in urban areas these days.

Appreciate the advice.

Zola.

We have a Morso 04 5KW stove, I would highly recommend buying a quality brand. You only want to install it once. Ours cost £2500 for everything, harth, stone cladding surround etc.

The way we see it is, its NOT to be used as a primary heat source, and more of a luxury to put on for a few hours at night, or when its cold over the weekend.

Combined with a little bit of radiator heat to begin with it can heat up a room within an hour to a very comfortable heat.... easily too much heat ...

It is a luxury item really more than anything. The fire is nice to look at....but be warned it will make you super lazy, you won't want to get off your seat to do anything productive whilst it is on,....perfect for winter.

Finally, I would echo what others say about wood supply and also storage. Unless you have a garage, a shed with space or a sheltered space outside to store wood, forget about it.

Look online for suppliers, We found a good supply of seasoned wood from a tree surgeon off Gumtree, £40 for a huge metre cubic bag which will last for months, as long as you are not burning it every single day for hours on end.

andrewf75

Thanks, some good tips there. I'm sure some of these companies supplying wood are making a fortune out of the logburner boom so I will certainly shop around. Planning to buy/build a log store - I do have shed/garage space but I believe its supposed to be open to the air?

wrightk

just thought id add my two penneth!

we have a beasty 15kw stove,provides 7 rads heating and hot water.we are off grid.

if we were in an area with mains gas or even electric storage heaters id consider myself insane to even be considering a standalone roomheater.

fair enough if you want a centrepiece,nostalgia etc,but; dont expect it to save you money,be cheap to run,or be clean

martinsurrey

http://www.whatstove.co.uk/burley-debdale-9104-reviews

I have one of them, I went in with my eyes open, it was expensive, it heats 2 rooms up, or one into a sauna.

Its the best thing we did.

Nothing like a walk in the winter, followed by a soup in front of a fire.

I looked at a fire with the largest window, as its the fire I wanted to see

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ozq80HUL2o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYMO6Z0LzMM

Zola.

OP,

I think its only important to have a lot of air if the wood needs to dry. All the wood we buy has been drying for 2 years and has usually less than 15% moisture. A moisture meter is a good gadget to invest in to make sure your logs are suitable for the stove. Anything over 20% should not be burned.

Mojisola

saverbuyer wrote: »

I'm going for the Clearview Pioneer 400.

We've got the Pioneer Oven and are very happy with it - heats our living space and cooks a casserole and baked potatoes at the same time.

andrewf75

Zola. wrote: »

OP,

I think its only important to have a lot of air if the wood needs to dry. All the wood we buy has been drying for 2 years and has usually less than 15% moisture. A moisture meter is a good gadget to invest in to make sure your logs are suitable for the stove. Anything over 20% should not be burned.

OK, thanks I'll have to get one of those gadgets

theonlywayisup

We have a Westfire, had it about 9 years now and it still looks fantastic. We have UFH in the entire house with http://www.westfire.dk/fireplaces.aspx?ProductID=PROD73 in the sitting room. We are very rural with our own supply of wood.