How to Choose the Perfect Fire or Stove for Your Home
As the nights are drawing in and the temperature starts to drop, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a beautiful new fire or stove.
The perfect fire or stove is not only a great heat source but can provide a focal point to any room. From traditional wood burning stoves to panoramic electric fires and everything in between – we have a fire that's just right for you! With more than 40 years’ experience in the industry, our very own senior fire and stove consultant Keith talks you through everything you need to know and gives the answers to those frequently asked questions! So, sit back, relax and get ready to find out more.
What three things should I consider when choosing a new fire or stove?
The fire is the heart of any home. That’s why it’s important to remember that you’re likely to be sitting in front of it for a minimum of ten years – particularly during the autumn and winter months. Indeed, you’ll likely spend more time around it than other parts of your home! Most people who come to us already have an idea and a vision of what they are looking to achieve – whether that’s contemporary or traditional. When it comes to choosing the right fire or stove for your home, there are three things to consider.
Heating. Design. Functionality.
Think about the fuel type you opt for – whether it’s gas, electric or solid fuel. Gas or electric is ideal for minimal effort and maintenance. However, each has its own benefits. All are equally effective in heating your home when the colder weather draws in. When it comes to design, think about the space it’s set to feature in. Choose a stove or fire that fits in with the general theme of your home to ensure seamless integration. Also think about the functionality. Do you purely want a fire or stove for heat or do you want it to be a design statement that draws guests in?
Are wood burners safe?
Despite the bad press you may have seen, wood burners are perfectly safe. In fact, they can provide a cleaner burn than other fuel types thanks to their eco-design. There are also additional gadgets that can be installed alongside which makes the stove more environmentally friendly. These include a particle cleaning device. It’s placed on top of chimney tops and uses the air to operate a particle filter which cleans the air. Here at Bell we can also supply a stove fanthat sits on the top of your wood burner. This allows you to have a wood burner in almost any position within the home. They also help push 20% of your heat loss back into your room, helping to heat the room more evenly!
What is a multi-fuel wood burner?
It’s a common misconception, but there’s not actually a wood burner called multi-fuel. A wood burning stove is purely for burning wood. However, add a grate and you then have a multi-fuel stove that can burn wood, coal or smokless fuels!
Can you convert a wood burner to a multi-fuel stove?
Most manufacturers of wood burning stoves also offer a grate which fits in the bottom of the stove. So yes, you can convert a wood burner to a multi-fuel stove.
How long will I need to wait for my new fire or stove when ordering from Bell?
This is always a tricky question to answer, and one we get asked a lot! The honest answer is that it really depends on stock availability and our installers’ diary. Here at Bell of Northampton, we’re proud to offer a stunning range of prestige fires and stoves, including exclusive in-store-only models from leading manufacturers. Our bespoke design service means we work closely with you to create a fireplace or stove that’s perfectly suited to your home and lifestyle, all supplied and installed by our fully certified engineers. We always do our very best to accommodate your preferred dates, but installation can typically take anywhere from 4 to 8+ weeks, depending on the time of year. As the weather gets colder, demand naturally increases, so winter is usually our busiest period. Top tip: The best time to start planning your new stove or fireplace is actually in the summer months. With fewer installations booked, lead times are shorter, meaning you can have your new fire ready to go before the chill sets in!
At Bell, we think it’s important to see and feel the product and talk to someone with industry knowledge before making a purchase. So why not come and visit our extensive showroom on Kingsthorpe Road, Northampton for all the inspiration you need. Our experienced team will be on hand to answer any queries you may have.
Feel free to contact us at 01604 777507 or keith.pearson@abell.co.uk.
