It’s wonderful the weather has turned towards spring and summer, but for wood-burning stove users there can be mixed emotions about saying goodbye to the regular warmth and light of their stove. A helpful ritual this time of year is giving your stove a well-deserved Spring clean, so you know that it is ready and in perfect condition for next winter!
Read on to learn how to keep your wood-burning stove in tip-top condition.
Wood burning stove spring cleaning tips and guidance
Cleaning your chimney
Chimneys need regular cleaning to prevent creosote buildup and to reduce the possibility of a chimney fire. How often you clean the chimney depends on the amount you use your stove, the type of wood you burn, the type of wood-burning unit you have and the way you operate the unit. We recommend cleaning your chimney on a yearly basis as a minimum, with springtime being the perfect opportunity after a long winter.
We recommend hiring a professional chimney sweeper for the first chimney cleaning and ‘health check’. Use this as an opportunity to learn and see if this is something you would be willing to do yourself moving forward. A Charnwood stove is fitted with a drop-down throat plate allowing you to sweep through the appliance with minimum mess.
Please note if a chimney fire does occur, follow these steps to reduce your losses:
Call your local fire department immediately and give them your name and address.
If there is a fire in the stove or fireplace box, extinguish it with a multipurpose dry-chemical extinguisher. As some of the chemical travels up the chimney, it may extinguish the chimney fire.
A wood-burning stove is a great aesthetic complement to your home even when not in use. To clean the exterior of your stove, all you need is a soft brush and a vacuum cleaner to wipe away and remove any soot or dust.
If you use a cooking plate and have made a little more mess, then a stove cleaning product and a lint-free cloth works well. All cleaning is best undertaken when your stove is unlit and cool.
Maintaining your stove’s glass
Burning well-seasoned, dry logs on your stove will help reduce the amount of soot build up that occurs on your stove’s glass. However, occasionally soot will accumulate, especially if you have been using firewood with a moisture content over 20%.
There are a few methods that can be used to wipe away soot listed below:
It’s important to clean your stove’s glass frequently to reduce the amount of dirt that builds up. If you do this regularly, you won’t have to attempt scrapping stubborn dirt and risk scratching and weakening the glass surface.
Empty your ash pan
When leaving your stove unused for extended periods it is worth emptying out the ash pan as well as the firebox completely. Removing the throat plate and opening the air inlets allows a flow of air through the stove that helps prevent any rust forming.
With some care, any dust escape into the air can be minimised during ash removal. We recommended opening your windows for a short period afterwards to allow the air in the room to circulate.
Inspect the door and flue seals
Take the opportunity when cleaning your wood burning stove to inspect the rope seals on the doors and flue. The seals can succumb to everyday wear and tear, so it’s important that these are checked frequently and changed if necessary.
If these or any other parts of your stove need replacing, Charnwood offers a range of spares for all current Charnwood stoves, as well as most legacy models, in our spares shop.
A fresh coat of stove paint
If after inspecting your stove closely you notice some scratches or general marks of wear and tear, it is worth considering some Charnwood stove paint. Whether it’s a quick touch up or a complete colour change, we offer cans of our heat resistant stove paint in the 8 Charnwood colour options. This is a simple yet brilliant way to give your stove a new lease of life.
Before painting your stove, you should make sure that the surface is dry, clean and free from any grease. Before spraying your stove we recommend masking off the glass and handles and gently rubbing down any areas to be retouched with a Scotchbrite pad.
Regular maintenance in conjunction with a yearly deep spring clean is the best way to extend the life of your stove and make sure that performance remains at an optimum level. When you consider all the benefits a wood-burning stove brings to our lives, it’s a no-brainer to give it the TLC it deserves so that it’s ready to keep you warm through next winter and beyond.
At Charnwood Stoves, we take pride in offering more than just wood-burning stoves—our team provide a lifestyle. With our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, we deliver stoves that not only warm your home efficiently but also add timeless elegance to your living space. Backed by decades of expertise, we understand the importance of easy maintenance and durability.
Our stoves are designed to withstand the test of time, ensuring hassle-free operation and peace of mind for years to come. Choose Charnwood Stoves for reliability, performance, and the assurance of a cleaner, greener future. Join countless satisfied customers who trust Charnwood for their heating needs.
There is a misconception among some in the media that people are installing wood-burning stoves purely for aesthetic appeal. However, the reality is there are many reasons including energy independence and security, significant well-benefits, supplementing other renewables, off grid living etc. The fact a wood-burning stove looks nice and makes a home feel like a home is usually just a bonus.
Well-being benefits
When people do talk about ‘aesthetics’, however, they are often underestimating just how sizable this benefit can be. The Charnwood Wellbeing Survey 2021 showed wood-burning stove owners enjoyed significant well-being benefits. While this is connected to how a stove ‘looks and feels’ the effects on the people and families are far from superficial.
‘Results indicated consistent blood pressure decreases in the fire-with-sound condition, particularly with a longer duration of stimulus, and enhancing effects of absorption and prosociality. Findings confirm that hearth and campfires induce relaxation as part of a multisensory, absorptive, and social experience.’
Here are some quotes from Charnwood customers discussing the well-being benefits of their stoves.
“You can just gaze into the fire and be taken away from the stresses of work. It gives opportunity for the family to come together and talk. Talking just seems to come easier when siting around the stove.”
“Watching the stove in full display is almost hypnotic and has great relaxing properties. It also has a back to nature feel and without any electrical devices in the room is perfect for de-stressing.”
“Fire is deep within the human psyche and sits in a happy place in our limbic brain. You get lost from the day to day in a fire – it’s a little bit of wilderness in the order of the day to day.”
“The stove just provides a much-needed atmosphere on a cold winter’s night. You feel relaxed, cosy and there is something about it that just welcomes you into the living room. I couldn’t live without it.”
Energy Security (Stoves provide a real sense of security)
There are many other wellbeing benefits that come from owning a stove including the peace of mind people get from feeling they have proper energy security.
“We love our log burner. It makes us feel warm, safe and secure. It helps heat the whole house, which has proved an asset in power cuts. Nothing beats sitting in the living room with the warmth of the fire in the depths of winter.”
“Lighting the stove after a walk by the sea during winter is a joyful experience. Has helped to alleviate the worry of power failures as we live in an area prone to electricity outage during bad weather. Just knowing that we have our lovely stove for independent heat and low light is fab.”
“Back up for central heating given no of power outages,”
“As an electric-only house, we wanted a plan b during a power cut to heat the home”
“more efficient than previous coal fire and, in extremis, if gas supply fails or is too expensive, will provide warmth.”
“Having a wood burner means I am less vulnerable in power cuts. I can still have heating, boil a kettle, cook food if I need to.”
As you can see, even when considering just the aesthetic appeal of wood-burning stoves, this isn’t purely a superficial quality as some with agendas would like you to believe. The well-being benefits associated with wood burning, even infrequently, are significant and provide people with an important tool for dealing with stress and extracting greater joy from daily life.
People install a wood-burning stove for the multiple benefits outlined below. The fact there are so many is the REAL reason people choose to install a wood-burning stove.
-Renewable source of energy
-Local fuel
-Lower start-up costs
-Independent of weather variability
-Supports other renewables
-Promotes sustainable living practices
-Provides energy independence & security
-Significant well-being benefits
-AND YES, they look great too!
We understand the well-publicised desire to improve PM 2.5 emissions from all areas of society, including wood burning. However, modern wood-burning stoves are part of the solution, and it would be far more productive to acknowledge ALL their benefits and not look to invent narratives to manipulate public discourse.
There’s no denying that a wood-burning stove looks great, but it is far more important to acknowledge how it makes you feel.
Why Choose Us?
At Charnwood Stoves, we understand the allure of a wood-burning stove extends far beyond mere functionality. Our commitmentto quality craftsmanship and timeless design ensures that each stove we produce not only provides efficient heating but also becomes a centerpiece of warmth and comfort in your home. With decades of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on delivering stoves that blend tradition with innovation, offering sustainable heating solutions that stand the test of time.
Choose Charnwood for unparalleled reliability, exceptional performance, and the assurance that your investment will enhance your living space for years to come. Join countless homeowners who have made the decision to elevate their lifestyle with a Charnwood wood-burning stove.
This blog is a review and closer look at the results of the Charnwood Wellbeing Survey 2021. A survey of over 1200 wood-burning stove users and the impact of stoves on their wellbeing. The vast majority of stoves owned by participants utilise Charnwood’s modern clean-burn technology and are EcoDesign ready.
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In recent years we have seen a move towards a greater understanding in society of mental health and the need for self-care. The lockdowns only brought this more into focus and it was no coincidence that stove sales rose steeply during this time. It was clear from our conversations with customers that there was a strong relationship between owning a stove and a happier home.
We recently conducted a survey of stove users to better understand the significant and unique benefits that wood-burning stoves provide their owners and family’s wellbeing. The response was phenomenal with 1227 users (we thank you all) providing deep insight into the wider benefits of owning and using a stove.
A whopping 93% replied, definitively, that their stove has a positive impact on their wellbeing, while the bar graph below shows the range of ways these benefits manifest.
Participants were then asked to elaborate on their choices, and we were overwhelmed with the response. You can view the Charnwood Wellbeing Survey Results here.
Here are some of the best responses that provide some wonderfully deep insight into life with a stove.
The benefits of a wood-burning stove to wellbeing
“The wrap round warmth the fire provides improves the feeling of well-being that no other heating system seems to provide.”
“The world seems much better with a stove! It has huge mental health benefit, particularly during pandemic “
“I live alone and work a very stressful and emotionally draining job. Coming home to my stove provides so much comfort, even in the absence of having someone to come home to. Literally couldn’t live without it.”
“I find the process of building and lighting the fire therapeutic and sitting watching the flames is very relaxing.”
“It helps me to switch off after work and also to consider things more clearly and calmly. It seems to warm my soul as well as my feet!”
Increases bonding and improves relationships
“My grandchildren ask for the fire to be on when they are having a hot chocolate on a frosty day.”
“Winter evenings with friends. Whenever we have visitors during the winter, we always make sure the stove is running as this usually ensures nobody will request the television be turned on, leading to an altogether much nicer atmosphere with people actually chatting and engaging much more, rather than staring at the screen.”
“After a day of sledging and building snowmen and having snowball fights with the family it was very relaxing and comforting for us all to warm up in front of the fire.”
“Chopping wood is a great way to relieve stress! Everyone congregates around the fire and the children like to help with the kindling etc. It just creates a special atmosphere.”
“The stove is the catalyst for family bonding, which helps with relaxation & mood improvement. It helps to unwind after a days exertions at work.”
“You can just gaze into the fire and be taken away from the stresses of work. It gives opportunity for the family to come together and talk. Talking just seems to come easier when siting around the stove.”
Digital detox – an antidote to the digital age
“Helps to switch off from the technology that takes over our everyday lives. You feel a sense of achievement when the first sparks ignite.”
“It’s extremely relaxing to sit by the fire and watch the flames dance away. So much so in fact, that we opted to cancel our Netflix subscription and we simply don’t watch it any longer. We’d much rather sit and watch the fire instead!”
“Sitting round the fire has become a special tradition. We’ve removed our technology from the living room and now have the fire and bookcase”
“We watch the flames not the TV (even the dog likes to sit and stare)”
“I sit on the sofa watching the flames. It’s better than watching tv”
“Mesmerising flame watching takes us away from our worries and concerns. The room has a focus that isn’t a screen and gives warmth with it.”
Stoves provide a real sense of security
“We love our log burner. It makes us feel warm, safe and secure. It helps heat the whole house, which has proved an asset in power cuts. Nothing beats sitting in the living room with the warmth of the fire in the depths of winter.”
“Lighting the stove after a walk by the sea during winter is a joyful experience. Has helped to alleviate the worry of power failures as we live in an area prone to electricity outage during bad weather. Just knowing that we have our lovely stove for independent heat and low light is fab.”
“Back up for central heating given no of power outages,”
“As an electric only house, we wanted a plan b during a power cut to heat the home”
“more efficient than previous coal fire and, in extremis, if gas supply fails or is too expensive, will provide warmth.”
“Having a wood burner means I am less vulnerable in power cuts. I can still have heating, boil a kettle, cook food if I need to.”
They cultivate a deeper connection to nature
“Worked in forestry for 36 years, just a natural thing to do, can’t beat a real fire.”
“Chopping and stacking wood is very calming and lets my mind focus on that one task. Building, lighting and getting the fire to the perfect temperature does the same and gives a real sense of achievement. It all makes me feel closer to nature.”
“For me, sitting around a real fire has a deep connection to something ancient.”
“There’s something deeply Primeval about lighting a fire and benefiting from its heat. Every time you light it there is a deep sense of satisfaction”
“Splitting logs gets me outside and keeps me active, which is good for my body and mind. There’s also a great sense of satisfaction in getting the wood pile ready for winter, and I’ve also learned a lot about different types of wood and how to manage trees sustainably.”
“Watching the stove in full display is almost hypnotic and has great relaxing properties. It also has a back to nature feel and without any electrical devices in the room is perfect for de stressing.”
“Christmas Day spent with all the family and grandchildren gathered around our stove brings happy memories all year round.”
“Christmas especially. The stove just provides a much-needed atmosphere on a cold winters night. You feel relaxed, cosy and there is something about it that just welcomes you into the living room. I couldn’t live without it.”
“It’s a ritual on Christmas morning to rekindle the stove, and to unwrap the presents without a fire is unthinkable. There’s something magical about children in their pyjamas sitting on the rug in the cosy space in front of a blazing stove.”
“My young nephew visited at Christmas & we built the fire together. It was the first time he had ever lit a real fire. We celebrated with toasting marshmallows! It wasn’t just building a fire – it was building a memory.”
Conclusion
This survey is the first of its kind (that we know of at least) and brings real weight to the argument in favour of wood-burning stoves beyond their already strong heating and environmental credentials. When having the debate on the viability of various home heating solutions, we should recognise the powerful effects that wood-burning stoves have on wellbeing – effects that no other heat source can replicate.
If mental health and wellbeing are, as we believe, important considerations that are rightfully getting more attention, then it is vital that this is properly considered when arguing for and against all types of energy solutions. Let’s be clear, the experiences discussed above are nothing short of what makes life worth living – we shouldn’t downplay or underestimate the important role wood-burning stoves play in people’s lives and the positive knock-on effect to society.
Charnwood stands out as your premier choice for wood-burning stoves, offering unparalleled benefits for your wellbeing and home environment. Here’s why you should choose us:
1/ Premium Craftsmanship: Our stoves are crafted with precision and care, ensuring durability, efficiency, and timeless aesthetic appeal for your living space.
2/ Health and Comfort: Experience the soothing warmth and ambiance of our stoves, promoting relaxation and comfort while creating a cosy atmosphere for you and your loved ones.
3/ Eco-Conscious Design: We prioritise sustainability, offering stoves that are eco-friendly and energy-efficient, contributing to a healthier planet while enhancing your indoor air quality.
4/ Trusted Heritage: With a legacy of excellence spanning generations, Charnwood Stoves is a trusted name synonymous with quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Choose Charnwood Stoves for superior craftsmanship, unparalleled comfort, and a commitment to your wellbeing through our wood burning stoves.
We’re thrilled to report back on another successful show at Progetto Fuoco, one of Europe’s if not the world’s most important biomass heating fairs. This year’s event took place from February 28th to March 2nd, and was held in Verona, Italy. There was a huge turnout and a renewed sense of optimism within the biomass heating sector.
Our team, alongside our fantastic Italian partners Zetalinea, were delighted to showcase our full range of products to an enthusiastic audience. This included our popular Bodj fireplace accessories, the ever-reliable and beautiful Vlaze heat shields and hearth plates, and of course, our impressive selection of British made wood-burning stoves!
The Charnwood SkyeE700 EUDebut
This year’s star attraction was undoubtedly the debut of our brand-new Skye E700 wood burning stove, which wowed attendees. The Skye E700 is a new intelligent micro processor controlled stove set to revolutionize the way we burn wood. Load the fire, close the door, set your room temperature using the Charnwood app and let the stove do the rest. Maximising efficiency is now as simple as that – we can’t wait to see how this game-changer impacts the industry!
High efficiency heating & cooking
The Haven, Charnwood’s newest cook-stove also received considerable interest, attracting visitors with its stylish looks and impressive 90% efficiency rating. This translates to a coveted 5-star rating in the Italian market, solidifying the Haven as one of the cleanest burning and most efficient models available today.
Combining the charm and functionality of a traditional range with the very latest efficiencies and clean burn technology the Haven features an oven, hot plate and a large glass window for a beautiful view of the fire. The integrated thermometer allows for greater temperature control and cooking accuracy. It offers a surprisingly versatile and delicious way of cooking, allowing you to create soups, roasts, cakes, bakes and more!
Enhancing your fireplace with style and safety
Beyond the impressive stoves themselves, on display were a range of complementary products to elevate your fireplace experience. Among these were the stunning Vlaze heat shields and hearth plates, designed and crafted in Britain by our very own A.J. Wells & Sons.
Vlaze boasts a luxurious, porcelain enamel surface that comes in a variety of designer finishes and sizes. This exceptional material is not only beautiful but also incredibly durable, withstanding extreme heat to safeguard your home. Vlaze is the original and best wood burning stove heat shield and the perfect Charnwood pairing.
Bodj fireside
Bodj fireside accessories are handmade, sustainably sourced, and beautifully designed for the ethical and style-conscious home. The Lotus log holder (pictured above) is based on the petals of a Lotus flower. This sculptural log holder is both stylish and ergonomic. The ironwork frame is tightly woven with rattan and is ideal for logs and kindling. It goes so well with your Charnwood stove!
A huge thank you
Finally, we want to thank everyone who visited our stand throughout the event. Your enthusiasm and interest in our products continue to inspire us. A special thanks goes out to the Progetto Fuoco team and to our partners Zeta Linea for their continued collaboration and support. We can’t wait to do it all again with you!
Don’t forget to check out the video from the event
Over the last few weeks there has been a lot of talk on wood burning centered around ‘No Burn Night’.
As a stove manufacturer we certainly have a vested interest and have been pushing back on claims which we have felt to be unfair, misleading or untrue. Much of this debate has spilt over onto social media where it has often been less than savoury! Of course, we all know that social media is never the best place to have these in-depth discussions.
Often in debates we tend to try and demonise our opposition, we try to (mis)represent their arguments on our terms, often to discredit their motives, and aim to crush them and be the victors of the argument. We saw this during the Brexit debate, on both sides, – issues were simplified, positions were demonised, mistruths were told, and it is probably fair to say from whatever perspective you come from, that the results have been a bit of a disaster. When it comes to the debate on air quality it is too important to allow this to happen. So, what if we take a different approach? What if we tried to believe the best in each other and the motivations behind what we are all trying to achieve?!
There is a risk here – surely if we try and understand the other side, give them the benefit of the doubt even, won’t they take advantage and undermine our position further? Surely, the first rule of negotiation is to go in hard and then maybe meet in the middle. Well maybe, but what if we try to do things differently? Indeed, the prize is surely one worth having as this debate centers around an important issue: the environment and more specifically air quality. Something that we all believe is vitally important.
What are the arguments on both sides?
One of the first Charnwood stoves replacing a more polluting open fire
In writing this, we are aware that we approach this from a position of vested interest, so let’s start with us. We manufacture, amongst other things, wood burning stoves and have done so for around 50 years. We employ around 180 people here on the Isle of Wight and export to around 20 countries. We are a family business and work with other small, often family-run businesses up and down the country who sell and install our stoves. We started making stoves because there was an oil crisis and at the end of the 1970s, Dutch Elm disease had killed many trees. This wood was often burnt on open fires, which was neither efficient or clean. That inspired the founders to start making stoves to burn the wood better. Over the years we have found ways to dramatically improve performance, so we get more heat and less smoke from the wood we burn.
But why burn wood at all?
Well, wood is a plentiful natural and renewable resource that reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. It has been used for heating and other things for millennia. Forest management is also vitally important – well-managed woodland is good for biodiversity and is lost if it is not managed well. We also see forest fires tragically result from not managing forests, such as those in California.
Energy has, throughout history, been the key to power – the British empire was built on coal. Then came oil and we saw the rise of America, Russia and the Middle East. As we move into a low carbon economy, we see access to rare earth metals that make batteries as critical, and it is China who have taken the lead in this race. Those who control access to energy hold power. But wood is different and it’s plentiful which means it cannot be controlled by any large player.
In this image a modern ultra-efficient Charnwood Island Stove has replaced an open fire
So, clearly, we think wood has many advantages. “Of course you do”, you might say! But we are also aware that to heat from wood it needs to be burnt, and burning things creates smoke. In the UK, traditionally it has been open fires which have been the primary method of heating, and it has always been our argument that burning on a stove is far better – more efficient and with significantly less emissions (3). Over the years we have continued to invest in equipment to keep improving even further.
SO, what is the problem with wood?
If we look at those that don’t like wood burning we hear a very different story. It is perhaps unfair of us to try and explain the opposite position, but notwithstanding our obvious bias, we will try and Steel Man their position: Wood when burnt produces, amongst other things PM2.5 – these are small particles that are not good for us and when breathed it can cause health problems. These health problems are hotly debated as the body will deal with a certain amount of PM2.5 (and different types) but it is claimed that it can cause respiratory disease, and even dementia. In fact, all types of burning will produce these particles to greater and lesser extents. The term PM2.5 describes the size of the particle rather than the composition, and its composition depends on what is being burnt. More research is needed to understand the relative toxicity of the different types of particles. If we take the position that there is no safe level of PM2.5 then logically it must follow that we should not burn things – and wood is included in this.
What do anti-wood burners think of pro wood burners
Again, this is difficult to answer and there are many views. But it is probably fair to say that they think we are an industry with vested interests whose desire to make money overrides the damage we do to the environment and air quality. Of course on a local and personal level if you are living next to someone who is creating a lot of smoke by burning wood badly, maybe on an open fire, old appliance, using bad wood or even unregulated burning outside it is really not pleasant and rightly this should be stopped.
What do pro-wood burning people think of anti-wood burners
It is easier for us to answer this one! We often feel misrepresented and frustrated by the lack of distinction between different types of wood burning. Wood burnt on a stove will generally be much cleaner than that of wood burnt on an open fire or outdoor appliance. It is essential to differentiate between various forms of wood-burning. Chief Medical Advisor Chris Whitty in his report acknowledges this saying, “For air pollution emissions, there is substantial difference between the different open fire and stove designs, the age of the appliance and how well maintained it is, and the moisture content of the wood, for those who want to burn wood.”(2)
We can often also feel aggrieved because for us (and some other stove companies) the reason we got into making stoves was to improve air quality and the environment. So, we feel as if we are being shoved out of our own party! We want to improve air quality by better burning, and we feel through misrepresentation we are frustrated in this mission. We strongly believe that we are at risk of seeing air quality worsen by not getting people to burn better.
Ecodesign-compliant stoves are up to 90% more efficient than an open fire and in London 70% of wood burning still occurs on open fires. (1) If people were widely encouraged to switch to one of the many modern and efficient wood-burning stoves available, it would massively reduce urban PM 2.5 emissions. In fact, the latest wood-burning figures released by Defra appear to show this taking place across the country as reported by the SIA:
“What is clear from the latest data is that, despite an increase in stove sales, domestic emissions have come down. This points clearly and conclusively to the improvement in air quality that can be achieved by replacing open fires and older stove models with modern, Ecodesign design compliant stoves such as clearSkies certified appliances.” (4)
Finally, it must be said that on some fringes of our community, there is also a feeling that we are up against bigger powers (in much the same way that those who don’t like wood burning feel we have large commercial interests). We are in fact quite a small industry made up of a lot of small and medium-sized companies. There is often a feeling that the anti woodburning lobby is being funded by big players (perhaps fossil fuel companies) who have a vested interest in having control over energy. There is also a subset who feels that governments don’t like wood burning because they cannot tax it!
Believe the best
So, there is distrust on both sides – and although there may be good reason for some of it, we share the same motivation: we both want to improve air quality and the environment. Of course, we are taking different approaches towards this. Some want to ban burning, while in our company we want to improve it. But we mustn’t forget, during these debates, that our goal is the same – cleaner air!
Can we work together?
If we share the same goal can we help each other? Is the pragmatic approach mutually exclusive to the idealistic one? Is the idealistic path really threatened by the pragmatic one? Can we work together?
Could we think of it as more of a relay race where the goal is clean air? To get there we all need to work together to get the biggest improvements first and then keep improving. For our industry it means using technology to keep improving stoves, it means working constructively with legislators to implement meaningful and challenging standards which are enforceable and actually make a difference. We need to be really honest about where this is not happening and be prepared to take tough decisions. For those whose goal is to see all burning banned it might mean first putting their efforts into stopping the worst kind of burning – unregulated indoor and outdoor burning. Difficult conversations need to be had; goodwill needs to be shown on both sides, we may not agree on everything but we share the same goal and we can support each other in those things we do agree on. The prize is worth it, so let’s choose to believe the best in each other and together make a difference!
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Further reading that explains in more detail why we strongly feel a collaborative approach is required:
At a time of multiple global crises when thousands of people have been thrown into fuel poverty, wood-burning stoves are playing a vital role in helping families survive these troubled times. So, it’s wrong and dangerous for certain newspapers to misrepresent data to blanket criticise a heat source that is helping so many. We agree that updating open fires and old wood-burning stoves will make a massive difference to PM2.5 emissions. However, we ask you to be discerning and take a closer look at the data which reveals that modern ultra-efficient stoves are a big part of that solution.
Our heritage (why we’re passionate about wood-burning stoves)
In 1972, Alfred J Wells and his two sons started a small engineering business in Niton on the Isle of Wight specializing in tractor and machinery repairs. A combination of the 70s oil crisis and the spread of Dutch Elm disease in the UK led the trio to produce a small wood-burning stove as an alternative way to help people heat their homes efficiently.
Our founders were the original environmentalists who knew that responsibly sourced wood is a carbon-neutral fuel that is local, sustainable and reduces the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels. Their cutting-edge stoves were a cleaner and more efficient way to burn than open fires, significantly reducing emissions.
Now in its 50th year, A.J Wells has grown from humble beginnings to making Charnwood a leading global stove brand. We are a proudly British business, sourcing raw materials here in the UK and providing significant local employment. We remain motivated to push innovation well beyond Ecodesign standards and lead industry developments towards manufacturing the most efficient wood-burning stoves possible.
So, is PM 2.5 from wood-burning stoves damaging our health?
Inside the home
PM 2.5, or fine particulate matter, are microscopic particles or droplets present in the air that can be damaging to health when inhaled in sufficient quantity. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has established that the safe daily average limit for PM 2.5 in the environment should be ≤ 10 µg/m3 (1). As a point of reference, the air in Central London averages between 18-25 µg/m3.
A study conducted in the US in 2019 that featured in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, examined 137 homes and found that the average daily level of PM 2.5 particulates in homes was 6-7 µg/m3 while those with a wood-stove was just a fraction more at 6-8 µg/m (2). A tiny difference that is well within the WHO safe level.
This doesn’t surprise us, as we know that a correctly functioning wood stove draws air, smoke and particulates out of a room and up the chimney. However, best wood-stove practices are vital in achieving these low levels and something that we are passionate about teaching our customers and other wood-stove users alike.
Data is too often twisted and cherry-picked to bolster a blinkered argument. For example, comparing the emission rates between wood stoves and HGVs has caused much unnecessary concern. Claims that a wood-burning stove is worse than 750 HGVs make a good headline but is shockingly misleading.
Closer inspection reveals that their data excludes brake and engine wear and in fact, just one Euro 6 HGV (let alone 750) produces 13 times more PM2.5 emissions than an Ecodesign wood-burning stove over the course of a week’s real-world use. Furthermore, emissions from HGVs are emitted at ground level (nearer head height) while wood smoke is dispersed more safely, higher up via a chimney flue.
The SIA say, “ The claims are based on simplistic calculations using permitted rates of emission and do not consider either real world use or non-exhaust emissions. Furthermore, these permitted emissions rates rely on vastly differing measurement protocols and techniques. It should also be noted that there are several unreferenced assumptions, and the report does not appear to have been independently peer reviewed.”
Another common error is to lump in modern efficient stoves with all other forms of domestic wood-burning, including open fires and outdoor bonfires which are far more polluting (3).
However, a high-quality ClearSkies rated stove that is properly installed and serviced and is burning properly seasoned wood fuel, reduces emissions by up to 90% compared with an open fire and by up to 80% compared with older, basic stove models.
Additionally, logs that are sourced from properly managed woodland can be asustainable practice thatworks in harmony with our forests. In fact, copsing is key for wildlife proliferation and the future of our woodlands.
When the UK government released its 2020 figures for PM emissions the data showed that the overall percentage of PM2.5 attributable to domestic indoor burning (including open fires and old stoves) was 17%. More importantly, it showed that modern Ecodesign compliant wood burning stoves were contributing just a tiny 1-2% to emissions. (4)
Trusted Chief Medical Advisor Chris Whitty in his latest report acknowledges this saying, “For air pollution emissions, there is substantial difference between the different open fire and stove designs, the age of the appliance and how well maintained it is, and the moisture content of the wood, for those who want to burn wood.” (5)
Therefore, a far more pragmatic and impactful approach to reducing PM 2.5 levels would be to target the significant percentage from open fires and old stoves by actively encouraging people to switch to the very best modern wood-burning stoves!
Not all stoves are equal either (Ecodesign is just a start)
It’s also important to note that not all Ecodesign wood-burning stoves are the same. The figures above are based on the most basic Ecodesign models on the market. However, ClearSkies 5 rated Charnwood stoves are up to 30% more efficient than standard Ecodesign.
That’s a super clean burn! Yet we continue to innovate and believe we can increase efficiency and reduce emissions even further in the near future. After all, 10 years ago Ecodesign was considered difficult to achieve and here we are already beating that standard – we are excited about the innovations to come.
The uncomfortable truth is that it’s impossible to remove PM 2.5 completely from our lives and a level of risk must be accepted if we are to function as a society. When you consider that roasting a chicken in the oven or even making toast can produce levels of PM 2.5 in the home far in excess of a wood stove, it helps put things in perspective!
It is also clear that, despite how things may be presented, there is no 100% clean and easy home heating solution. While each option has merits, they also have their limitations and challenges.
Heat pumps have been championed by the government as the leading home heating solution, however, they have high start-up costs while full efficiency during the cold seasons cannot universally be reached. Electricity is required to run the heat pumps, which unless 100% renewable means they are not carbon neutral. Even when renewable energy is used, these energy sources also have their limitations and challenges as we detail below. However a great solution can be heat pumps in conjunction with a wood-burning stove – in fact we do this in our offices – as the heat pump provides background heat with the wood-burning stove topping up the heat for the cold days.
Solar panels
Solar panels are dependent on the sun which means that they cannot be fully relied on. Batteries used to store solar energy require lithium mining, while the manufacturing, installation, transportation, and maintenance of solar panels produce 0.18 pounds of CO2 for every kW hour. Solar panels also have toxic metal components containing cadmium and lead and are hard to recycle. (6)
Wind turbines
Wind turbines can be devastating for birds and other wildlife, while they are also weather dependent meaning a constant supply is impossible. There is also much resistance from individual communities due to how they affect the beauty of the countryside.
Nuclear
Modern nuclear plants are a promising option for cleaner electricity; however, they have a difficult past which means there will always be societal resistance and a level of risk will always be there. They also produce highly toxic waste which requires careful management.
Natural gas
Natural gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel and as global stocks continue to decrease, fracking is increasingly being relied upon. Fracking can be highly damaging to the environment and can contaminate local groundwater supplies. It has been blamed for leaking millions of tons of methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide and is also associated with releasing airborne hydrocarbons that can cause health and respiratory issues.
A hybrid co-heating solution that can help unleash other renewables
We are not saying these technologies are all bad, in fact we have made a significant investment in solar panels on our factory roof producing over 1GW of energy to date. We are just pointing out that all energy sources require compromise and tradeoffs. The key is to maximise the benefits while reducing the negatives.
This is what ClearSkies standards achieve. Unlocking all the benefits of wood-burning while keeping emissions to a bare minimum.
A reminder why wood-burning stoves are a vital part of the equation:
-They can produce heat for long periods, unaffected by weather variations
-Allowing them to work in conjunction with wind, solar and other energies helps make these renewable technologies more viable
-They provide energy independence and security
-Are an ideal emergency/low-frequency heat source
-Allow single-room heating rather than heating the whole house/empty rooms
-Responsibly sourced wood is a carbon-neutral fuel as it gives off the same amount of carbon whether it is burnt or decays naturally. The carbon released from burning wood is balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree during its lifetime
-Ability to source fuel locally and without fracking, deep-sea oil drilling and excessive transportation
-A good quality stove can last many decades and provide an affordable source of heat for low-income households
-The right to repair. Most components used within a Charnwood stove are modular and can be replaced when or if they wear out, further extending the life of your stove
We believe that the optimum path forward is a co-energy solution that involves combinations of renewable technologies AND modern efficient wood-burning. When insufficient sun or wind prevents solar panels and turbines from working, an ultra-efficient wood-burning stove is there to provide a reliable source of heat. People can more confidently embrace renewables when they have a wood-burning stove to fill in gaps of supply.
Let’s pull together and collaborate
We understand the general concern with PM 2.5 emissions and welcome stringent regulations, but it is vital we target the appropriate sources. Wood-burning critics are right to point out the issues with open fires, outdoor bonfires and poor-performing stoves. However, we urge you not to muddy the water by targeting modern ultra-efficient stoves along with them – the differences are vast!
We also fully accept that wood-burning best practices and burning appropriate fuel are vital. That is why, on top of the information we continue to share, we are developing a free training program for all our customers as well as anyone who wishes to inform themselves.
A grown-up debate that is nuanced and considers a wider range of factors is essential. Otherwise, we risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater and finding ourselves in an even more compromised position regarding our energy security.
We can achieve so much more if we come together, and we urge those of you who resonate with this to help spread a positive message.
Why Choose Us?
‘At Charnwood Stoves, our team offer wood burning stoves that represent the pinnacle of quality craftsmanship and innovation. Our stoves are designed with a focus on sustainability, ensuring they not only provide warmth but also minimise environmental impact. With meticulous attention to detail, we strive to create products that exceed expectations in performance and efficiency. Trust Charnwood Stovesfor reliable heating solutions that prioritise both your comfort and the planet’s well-being.
The SIA have written a fantastic blog to address the anti-woodburner’s misleading, ambiguous and, in some cases, untrue media campaign. It was released in time for Clean Air Night to give consumers a chance to get both sides of the story. Here we will share the key information as we want to amplify their important voice in this ongoing debate.
The claims made here by the London Wood Burning Project (above left) and cleanairhub.org.uk (above right) rely on the grouping of all methods of burning wood (including garden bonfires & firepits) at home. However, the data from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) shows us that burning dry wood on an Ecodesign compliant stove accounted for less than 0.1% of total UK PM2.5 emissions in 2021.
Modern stoves offer a range of benefits and you can get both sides of the story and learn more about that here.
Just like the posts above, the term ‘wood burning’ in this post (below) is deliberately ambiguous and takes no account of the type of appliance or quality of the wood fuel.
There is reliable evidence that using dry wood and other sustainable solid fuels can help consumers reduce their home heating bills. A recent study by Gemserve for Homefire found that households with gas central heating that adopt zonal heating using dry wood fuel could save up to 7% on their annual heating bill and up to 11% using smokeless solid fuel in the same way.
The same study also found that using renewable, sustainably sourced wood fuel instead of fossil fuel gas results in typical carbon savings of over half a tonne of CO2e / year.
The claim (above) that a wood burning stove is six times more polluting than an HGV is hugely misleading.
The claim is based on a report by the European Environmental Bureau published in 2022 that looks at the amount of emissions given off by generating a GJ of heat in a stove compared to the emissions releases generating a GJ of power in an HGV.
The claims made by the study rely on a simplistic calculation using permitted rates of emission. The study also fails to factor in the non-exhaust emissions of the HGV.
What we end up with is an apples and oranges comparison that fails to consider the impact of real-world use. According to a 2020 Defra report, on average stove users light their stoves for between 3.7 and 4.5 hours a day during the winter months. An HGV can be driven by the same driver for up to 9 hours per day, and the vehicle potentially operates 24/7 up to 365 days a year.
This means that over the course of 1 week’s real-world use a Euro 6 HGV actually produces 13 times more PM2.5 (271g) than an Ecodesign stove (20.16g). You can read more on this comparison here.
This claim (above) by campaign group Mums for Lungs is ambiguous and relies on the reader not seeking any further information on the data.
The data from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) which breaks down UK PM2.5 emissions by activity and source, shows us that in 2021 cigarette smoking accounted for 12 times more PM2.5 in the UK than burning dry wood on an Ecodesign compliant stove did.
Some of the adverts by the cleanairhub.org.uk, part of Global Action Plan, in support of Clean Air Night even contain false claims (see below).
This is one example. Contrary to the information given in this post, wood logs have the lowest carbon emission factor of any domestic heating fuel at 0.01kg CO2e per kWh. That’s 1/20th the carbon emissions of natural gas or electricity, and 1/29th that of oil.
Burning dry wood is a modern, Ecodesign compliant stove is a low carbon way to heat you home and can play a key role in helping the UK to meet its net zero objectives.
You can find out more about the benefits of choosing modern stoves here.
This statement (above) is false. Woodland management is needed to ensure healthy forests and the ecosystems they support.
Wood fuel is a key component of the woodland management cycle and the economies attached to it. Using wood as fuel also plays a vital role in maintaining woodland diversity, health, and resilience. Locally sourced wood fuel helps support small businesses and reduces the carbon footprint of fuel transport.
You can learn more about the importance of woodland management here
This is another misleading statement (above) and one which is actually disproved by the findings of a recent Imperial College study which found that a “clearSkies Level 5 stove demonstrated some benefits for indoor air quality” and that “the biggest increases in PM2.5 concentrations indoors did not relate to indoor wood or solid-fuel burning but instead were a result of cooking…”.
A literature review by commissioned by the SIA and carried out by the University of Manchester found no scientific evidence for adverse health impacts from exposure to the indoor air typically associated with modern, enclosed wood burning stoves.
And lastly for something positive. We could not agree more with this post and there are significant reductions (up to 90%) possible in the emissions created by domestic burning by switching from open fires and older stoves to modern, Ecodesign compliant stoves.
The SIA encourages all solid fuel stove users to educate themselves on the importance of:
Using the right appliance – if you use an open fire or an older stove it is time to upgrade. A modern Ecodesign compliant stove releases up to 90% less emissions than an open fire and up to 80% less than many older stoves.
Ensuring your stove is fitted by an appropriately qualified competent person e.g. HETAS or OFTEC registered.
Always use good quality fuel. Look for the Ready to Burn logo and never use chemically treated wood or burn waste on your stove.
Get your stove serviced and your chimney swept at least once a year. We recommend NVQ qualified sweeps for this.
A negative narrative is being unfairly manufactured around the wood-burning stove industry, by anti-woodburning groups such as the ‘London Wood Burning Project’ and ‘Clean Air Hub’.
The TRUTH is that UK PM 2.5 emissions have been steadily decreasing over the years despite record stove sales. In this blog, we summarise the flawed data and unfair generalisations anti-woodburning groups are using.
1/ What do they mean by ‘Wood-Burner’ & ‘Domestic Burning’?
They combine emission sources (Inefficient Old Stoves, Open Fires, Bonfires and Modern Ultra Efficient Stoves) to create a bigger more impactful number, and then claim 17% of London’s emissions come from ‘domestic wood burning’ or ‘wood burners’. Catch-all terms the public understandably associates most often with wood-burning stoves – especially because they create ad campaigns prominently featuring images of wood stoves. However, the actual contribution of modern wood-burning stoves is estimated by the UK government’s official figures at just 1-2%! (1)
2/ They use Weak Science & Manipulate Data
Imprecise methodology
Their data collection relies heavily on estimations and ambient air sampling, offering a blurry picture at best. Traffic, construction, industrial processes and even natural dust all contribute to PM2.5 and cannot reliably be controlled in their methodology.
(Pg.20 of the LWBP report)
Walking around with modified backpacks does not allow them to distinguish in any way what the source of PM2.5 is in a given area.
Small sample sizes and insufficient testing equipment.
One of the major studies often cited, is by Rohit Chakraborty et al, and based on a sample size of just 19 homes that took measurements using, as they admit, “low-cost air quality monitors” (7)
Manipulated data
They exclude critical data to stack the narrative against wood-burning stoves. For example, comparing the emission rates between wood stoves and HGVs has caused unnecessary concern.
Closer inspection revealed their data excluded brake and engine wear and in fact, just one Euro 6 HGV produces 13 times more PM2.5 emissions than an Ecodesign wood-burning stove over the course of a week’s real-world use. Furthermore, emissions from HGVs are emitted at ground level (nearer head height) while wood smoke is dispersed more safely, higher up via a chimney flue. (8)
3/Claims Based on Their Opinion NOT Fact
In the bottom left-hand corner of every page of the London Wood Burning Project report you can see the following disclaimer:
“This report is the independent expert opinion of the author(s)”
Firstly, anyone can claim to be an expert, however, the key word here is ‘opinion’.
Well, the SIA has commissioned extensive independent research which casts serious doubt on the estimations and ‘opinions’ provided by anti-woodburners (6)
We highly encourage you to read this report undertaken by Dr Amanda Lea-Langton, senior lecturer in Bioenergy Engineering at the University of Manchester:
At the time of writing the original blog post (11/01/2024) on a very cold winter’s day when wood stove usage would typically be higher, here is the PM2.5 picture for the UK taken from DEFRA’s official website.
So, when the anti-woodburners say 17% of emissions. It is 17% of a very low amount in the first place. Then, remember modern wood-burning stoves are just 1-2% of that low amount.
5/ Modern Stoves Equal Lower Emissions with HUGE Benefits
-They produce heat reliably for sustained periods and are unaffected by the weather.
-Allowing them to work in tandem with wind, solar and other green heating solutions. A stove makes these great technologies more viable – They are not in competition with each other.
-Energy Security – a wood-burning stove is an ideal emergency/low-frequency heat source.
-Wood stoves are essential for off-grid, sustainable, eco-friendly living. Perfect for yurts and other tiny home accommodations.
-Wood is a carbon-neutral fuel as it gives off the same amount of carbon whether it is burnt or decays naturally. The carbon released from burning wood is balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree during its lifetime.
-Wood fuel can be sourced locally without fracking and deep-sea oil drilling.
-A good quality stove can last many decades and provide an affordable source of heat for low-income households.
-The right to repair. The majority of components used within a Charnwood stove are modular and can be replaced when or if they wear out further extending the life of your stove.
-There are significant well-being benefits from using a wood-burning stove. Read about the Charnwood wellbeing survey and all the amazing benefits of owning a stove for your wellbeing.
The research and analysis show that there are higher levels of PM created inside the home from cooking than from modern wood burning stoves!
Read on to learn more about the report on indoor air quality associated with wood burning and get a new perspective on PM 2.5 in the home.
There has been much debate on the topic of indoor air quality and PM 2.5 emissions in relation to wood-burning stoves over the last few years. To get an accurate picture, the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) commissioned a literature review looking at studies into the contribution from wood burning stoves to indoor particulate matter (PM). This looked at evidence from over 35 different studies into the impact on indoor air quality in the developed world from solid fuel combustion, including the 2020 study by Chakraborty et al, Indoor Air Pollution from Residential Stoves: Examining the Flooding of Particulate Matter into Homes during Real-World Use.
The report was undertaken by Dr Amanda Lea-Langton, senior lecturer in Bioenergy Engineering at the University of Manchester. We have listed some of the key findings below:
• No scientific evidence found for adverse health impacts from exposure to the indoor air
typically associated with modern, enclosed wood burning stoves
• No association shown between exposure to indoor wood burning and risk of asthma in
developed countries
• Use of modern wood burning stoves may help to improve air quality inside the home due to
the natural draught created during wood stove operation that pulls air from the room into the
appliance and from outside
• Other sources of particulate matter in the home, such as cooking, can release much higher
levels of PM compared to modern, enclosed wood burning stoves, and could therefore have
greater health risk potential
• In one study, oil-based cooking, such as frying food or grilling meat, had peak value PM
concentrations significantly higher than the WHO recommended average 24hr exposure limit
• In the same study the Ecodesign wood burning stove indoor air quality averages during
operation were below the WHO recommended limits
Not all stoves and wood-burning are equal!
A common misconception is that the use of wood-burning stoves is detrimental to our health due to their contribution to indoor air quality. This assertion often comes from conflating the performance of modern Ecodesign stoves with less sophisticated solid fuel combustion practices common in the developing world.
The findings in this report do not support this assertion and one broad literature review by a public body indicated that there was no association shown between exposure to indoor woodburning and the risk of asthma in developed countries. Additionally, a Manchester University study conducted in 2021 found that cooking, candles, incense, and hairspray all gave higher PM10 and PM2.5 readings than the use of a modern Ecodesign stove.
The report recognises that indoor PM exposure for wood burning stove users peaks when refuelling and during ash removal. Andy Hill, chair of the SIA, advises ways that this can be easily mitigated:
“When refuelling a wood burning stove it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Refuel when the fire-bed has become glowing embers. Never simply swing the door open as this will lead to a rapid change in pressure within the appliance and may trigger some small escape of fumes (what was described as “flooding” in the 2021 Chakraborty study). Instead, by releasing the door catch and opening the door very slightly the air pressure will settle within a few seconds, then the door can be opened fully and more logs added. Similarly, with a little care any dust escape can be minimised during ash removal.”
The report gives information about reducing emissions even further:
“…those using wood burners could reduce their emissions by following improved firing and fuel practices. Recommendations for firing included the use of kindling or natural cubes rather than paper, cardboard or newspapers; stacking according to the Swiss method with largest logs at the bottom; wood moisture to be between 10-20% and use of a hard wood fuel (e.g. beech, oak) rather than softwoods or prunings. This led to improved combustion and hence lower emissions so reduced the risk of exposure.”
This report gives valuable insight into how everyday household activities contribute to PM 2.5 emissions in the home. It accurately highlights the major contributors and crucially shows there is no scientific evidence linking adverse health impacts from exposure to PMs in indoor air and the use of modern wood burning stoves.
When considering the many benefits of a modern wood-burning stove to wellbeing, the fuel crisis, and environment it is wonderful news that people can now confidently enjoy all these benefits safely.
Why Choose Us?
At Charnwood Stoves, our team stand at the forefront of innovation, committed to elevating your home environment. Our unwavering dedication to excellence is exemplified in every aspect of our products. Choose us for a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and design finesse.
Experience peace of mind knowing that our wood burning stoves prioritise indoor air quality. The recent PM report showcased our commitment to transparency and your well-being. Trust Charnwood Stoves for the most reliable, efficient, and environmentally conscious heating solutions.
With Charnwood Stoves, you’re not just selecting a product; you’re embracing a lifestyle. Join a community that values craftsmanship, functionality, and a greener future. Elevate your living space with Charnwood Stoves — where quality meets a passion for a healthier, warmer home.
The report, which can be downloaded in full via the link below, was commissioned by the SIA and has been independently peer reviewed by Prof Alan Williams, CBE FREng FRSC, Emeritus Professor in Combustion, The University of Leeds.
This blog is a review and closer look at the results of the Charnwood Stove Accessory Survey 2022. A survey of over 1000 wood-burning stove users with the aim of better understanding stove accessory preferences and usage.
We were delighted to receive such an incredible response from our engaged wood-stove community. From discovering the most popular stove accessory to users’ other must-haves and how easy people find them to use – many interesting and useful insights were gained!
Read on to learn about the Charnwood Stove Accessory Survey and the other top wood-burning stove accessories!
The results
A woodstove is a wonderful addition to the home. Those of you who are new owners will be starting to notice how much more you are enjoying the colder evenings than before. What you will also notice is the ritual of building and maintaining a fire is much easier with the right tools.
The answers to the following questions will provide some ideas about which stove accessories you should consider next!
What is the most popular wood-burning stove accessory?
The results in the graph above show that the trusty Stove Pipe Thermometer is the most popular wood-burning stove accessory with 29% of the vote. 99% of respondents also found it easy to use.
Stove Pipe Thermometer
It’s perhaps no surprise that the trusty Stove (Flue) Pipe Thermometer is the favourite accessory of stove users. It is a crucial tool for conscientious wood stove users who prioritise safety and efficiency.
The ideal wood burning temperature range is between 140 and 240 degrees Celsius (284 to 464 degrees Fahrenheit) which avoids damage to the stove and a potential fire hazard from creosote buildup.
How to adjust the fire temperature?
To reach a sufficient temperature, ensure a good draft, use seasoned wood and build the fire correctly ensuring your fire burns hot enough. To reduce the temperature of your fire when in use, you can close the air vents.
Which of the following do you consider ‘Must Have’ stove accessories?
Here are some quotes from survey participants relating to the top 7 ‘Must-Have’ stove accessories.
Log Storage/Basket
“Having a full wood basket during these crazy days makes me feel safe and secure, whatever happens I know I have heat and hot water and light.”
“Keeps all the logs tidy and looks great beside the stove. Also useful for carrying in logs from the store outside!”
“Add to the aesthetics of the fireplace and is obviously useful for keeping wood supplies topped up.”
“It reminds me of my grandparents’ days as they always had one. It also keeps all my logs safe and tidy away from the children.”
“A good quality basket enhances the look of the stove as well as being practical.”
“My log basket really enhances both the look and the “feel” of my log burner.”
“Keeps my living room very tidy. Really neat and elegant looking item. Sturdy and robust”
“Looks great and saves having to leave the room/ go outside for logs.”
“It adds to the ambient feeling of the room when partially or fully loaded but I suppose more importantly it stops me from having to pop outside too frequently to get more logs, thus letting me enjoy the fire uninterrupted.”
“It saves us fighting about who is going to get more logs when it’s cold!”
“Ensures I always know the temperature my stove is at as to whether I need to add more fuel or calm it down.”
“Makes it so much easier to see if my fire is working at optimum temperature and if I need to adjust amount of wood/air flow.”
“Because it allows us to check whether we are burning at too hot a temperature or too cool. We use both hardwood and softwoods so it would be difficult to know without this vital tool.”
“It means that I always burn my logs in the most economical and environmentally friendly way.”
“I hadn’t realised just how hot the stove gets at full output making this an essential piece of it when topping it up with firewood.”
“It allows me to regulate my stove temperature to maximise the life of the stove and have efficient burning of my wood”
“Ensures the fire is hot enough to keep down the accumulation of creosote. Wouldn’t be without it!”
“I constantly use it to check that the stove is burning in its optimum range for efficiency and to prevent damage and tarring.”
“Invaluable, the little thermometer lets me know when the fire is at optimal temperature and I can then maintain that temperature throughout operation. Probably helps conserve wood too, a great bit of kit.”
“Just gives you so much information in regards to heat output from different fuel types, different wood species, hard woods, softer woods. It really allows you to dial in the stove to get the best from it.”
“This provides us with an idea of how well the stove is burning. For example, over the last two years we have been testing wood purchased from sellers and our own seasoned wood and the stove pipe thermometer gives us a real measure of the heat output (even though most of the time, we can tell the difference ourselves based on how nice the room feels). It also helps us regulate the flu for optimal burn. We learned a lot using the stove pipe thermometer about our stove and the wood we burn.”
“It reassures me that I have the right burn, low emissions and great heat output.”
“As an engineer I love indisputable visual indication of when things are operating correctly! Such a simple device and has definitely altered how we ‘set’ our stove.”
You can get a Charnwood Stove Pipe Thermometer here!
Stove Gloves
“Without them it would be very difficult and dangerous to use the burner”
“Only burn your fingers once to realise they are useful!!!”
“Provides confidence in 100% protection when refueling the stove.”
“Really effective and protects hands while loading logs”
“Just love them, total safety when loading the stove”
“Because it stops me blistering my hands.”
“Offers safety when handling logs, opening & closing stove and promotes attention to avoiding burns.”
“Makes me feel safe when stove has become very hot”
“They just make life so much easier handling logs and placing logs in the stove. No splinters or burns!”
Watch this space – Charnwood stove gloves are on the way!
Dustpan & Brush
“It makes emptying the stove so much easier and cleaner, the house is relatively dust free after clearing.”
“It helps to keep the room relatively dust free”
“Keeping the hearth clean and tidy stops ash and debris, from the stove and wood pile underneath it, from spreading to the floor and messing up the room.”
“Whenever the stove is used it is necessary to clean up small amounts of ash that fall out. The brush and pan are thus used very frequently.”
“The dustpan & brush makes removing the Ash so much easier, our charnwood is used every day from October to February so we collect a lot of Ash which we use as compost. We have other accessories but they don’t see as much use as the pan & brush.”
Poker
“An absolute must have accessory to reposition burning logs and coal.”
“Can re-arrange wood in the stove when going, safely.”
“Brilliant for getting fire going”
“I like poking the fire! Breaking it down to a bed of hot burning wood so I can get more fuel in!”
“I can poke the logs to get maximum burn.”
“Great to look at, well made and does the job perfectly.”
“You can move the logs about to create space and so regulate heat a bit better.”
“It’s so satisfying prodding at red hot embers on a freezing cold evening and feeling the heat on your face”.
“Great quality and have stood the test of time with good amount of use. Quality product.”
“We have a wrought-iron poker made by a friend from years ago..handle in the shape of a hare’s head..love it, wasn’t cheap but a real beauty.”
“Simple basic tool allowing rearranging of fuel to ensure even burning and helping keep glass door clean.”
“Get the fire going. Can push the logs back into the fire so they burn probably.”
“Easy to use. Metal. Compact. Stops dust flying around. Carry handle is useful.”
“Great 4 carrying ashes out on a windy day.”
“Ease of use in keeping ash contained and not flying all over the place.”
“Allows dust free disposal of ash.”
“I have two Charnwood stoves. One has the ash bin/carrier and the other doesn’t. It’s SO difficult to get the ash out of the stove that doesn’t have the ash bin/carrier.”
“It is a safe and clean way of dealing with the only downside to a log burner, the ash.”
“Ease of emptying.”
“Makes it easy to empty ashes no fear of dropping them all over the floor.”
“Makes it more convenient to remove ash over several days without having to fill smaller bin bags thus reducing plastic waste.”
“Easy to use with minimal dust released when moving around can hold at least 1 month’ worth of ash.”
“Simplifies the worst job – cleaning out the ashes and getting them to the bin without being covered in ash from head to foot in a gust of wind. Neat to store, fits the ashcan perfectly and contains the dust when you tip the ashes in.”
Surprisingly only 23% of those surveyed own a moisture meter. We consider a moisture meter a must-have stove accessory to ensure wood is properly seasoned before burning and we urge you to get one!
It is very important to only burn wood with a moisture content of 20% or less. This will keep harmful emissions to a minimum and significantly improve efficiency, while protecting your stove and chimney – saving you money!
Look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn label which guarantees a moisture content of 20% or less.
For a list of approved firewood sellers in your area click here.
Here are what some moisture meter owners had to say:
“I know I’m complying with byelaws and also prolonging the life of my Island 2 stove”
“Because I like to know that the logs I’m burning are dry and safe to use”
“Allows us to keep the stove clean by making sure we only burn the driest wood”
“This plus thermometer can’t really be replicated using non specialist tools.”
“It means I know when I can burn the wood that I’ve collected myself from the neighbourhood.”
“Vital for the whole seasoning process.”
“Especially Important given that the cost of kiln dried logs has doubled compared to this time last year!”
“I know I’m complying with byelaws and also prolonging the life of my Island 2 stove”
“Because it saves me burning wood which is too wet. Genuinely get a buzz when I ‘detect’ anything too moist on my meter!”
If you are seasoning your own wood, make sure you test it with a moisture meter before burning. You can get yours here.
Elevate your wood-burning stove experience with Charnwood Stoves, your trusted partnerin warmth and style. Our commitment to excellence shines through in every product, ensuring you receive top-notch quality and functionality. Choosing Charnwood Stoves means selecting the epitome of innovation, as seen in our most popular stove accessory.
Discover unparalleled craftsmanship and design finesse, perfectly complementing your lifestyle. With Charnwood Stoves, you’re not just acquiring a product; you’re investing in a seamless blend of form and function. Join a community that values sophistication, efficiency, and a cosy ambiance. Make the smart choice — choose Charnwood Stoves for a warmer, more inviting home.
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As you can see, there are a whole host of useful stove accessories that will enhance your wood-burning stove experience. For more information on all the stove accessories available, click here.
Finally, thank you to everyone who took part in the survey!
A whopping 93% replied, definitively, that their stove has a positive impact on their wellbeing, while the bar graph below shows the range of ways these benefits manifest.
