That’s what I was thinking though I’d imagine getting the timings correct could be tricky.
I’ve done jacket potatoes wrapped in foil in the stove on the grate in the past by loading the fuel to one side - very nice actually. Although mine doesn’t have a proper cooking plate on top I have done a few casseroles in enamelled cooking pots in the past.
You may be correct, I found some interesting sites when Googling last nightregarding all these regs.
Fiskars make good ones - I’ve used a few mauls in my time, and my current Fiskars is a favourite.
Its their Splitting Hammer (forged), 2-in-1, Axe and Hammer, Weight: 3.9 kg, Hardened Steel Blade/Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic Handle, Black/Orange,X39, 1001703
Yes, I saw their stuff on the River, but a bit put off by the price. I kind of cope with the axe. One old axe was used with a sledge hammer and I have some wedges. When I get the chain saw back I will shorten some of the logs. It seems that tree surgeons always give you a few longer than you ask for and they are difficult to split!
Phil
I bought my Maul in a builders providers many years ago, nothing fancy with a wooden handle, not expensive and it does the job perfectly, just needs a sharpen now and again
I continue to be confused with non-wood fuels.
My multi-fuel stove manufacturer recommends Welsh Anthracite or Welsh Steam Coal which I found very hard to ignite and burn without a lot of clinker.
Further research suggests that these coals as well as derivative ‘nuggets’ which burn well. (containing Anthracite dust), last/stay in though have several additives but are ultimately bad for the flue liner.
Conversely the polluting house coal is less harmful to flue liners even if it might be to your stove.
Having something of a whale of a time with Columbian house coal I picked up a few weeks ago - brilliant stuff, for heat output and low residue too…
Another negative report. I stress I’m not condoning it, just putting it forward for consideration.
Wood burning at home now biggest cause of UK particle pollution | Air pollution | The Guardian
Shame the report didn’t give details to help people burn wood better other than using properly dried wood, which most would want to do.
Phil
Interesting read.
Are the figures just estimates though based on a survey - it says something like ‘we can count cars using cameras’, but ‘have no idea how people use their stoves’ in their homes
I suspect the majority of stove users don’t use them that often - unless you have a good free/cheap supply of seasoned wood they aren’t necessarily cheap to use (I don’t), but for me currently are a main source of heating, and one of the reasons I’m trying a whole host of different fuels.
I supplement with electric convectors but electric is darned expensive. Don’t ask about the gas central heating, which is currently not active - long unpleasant story.
Maybe I should be looking at heat pumps, but can only see that would pose major installation issues and cost, or at least as soon as many people start using them any 'grants/incentives/ will evaporate.
That is the comment at the end of the report that people sahould be advised on best practices for wood burning etc, and that makes sense.
You sense there must be an opening for some fancy devices to monitor flue emissions and advise or alter changes to air inlets.
No idea. Perhaps figures are obtained from dealers and/ or installers. Is the installation of a wood burning stove notifiable as is the case with gas installations? Also, I know the regulations differ between Scotland and England.
I don’t think they are notifiable, but ought to come with some kind of installation certificate (HETAS accredited), or an assessment of safety from a sweep or maintainer.
Not sure if I posted this interesting (!) read, lots of general info on flues, chineys, page 13 on burning fuel:
https://www.hetas.co.uk/wp-content/mediauploads/BFCMA-General-Guidance-10-12-12.pdf
Interesting may be incorrect but I found it a useful read to understand more about current standards/requirements.
A separate question perhaps, but what temperature do you find comfortable in Autumn/Winter?
I find 21-22 Centigrade optimal downstairs, can generally feel cold if under 18 C, though I keep my empty parents house at around 14.5-16.5C. Happy with around 18-19C in bedrooms at night.
Generally need at least one 2 kWh convector when temps outside are 8-10C, several more when colder as we’ve seen recently. I used to hook the convectors up to TP-Link Smart plugs that could turn on/off and give power consumption figures over time - pre-pandemic it was useful as little point heating an empty house for 8 hours, but since last year as we’re mostly in the house day/night the things simply come on when needed according to their thermostats.
There’s also stats and nitty gritty thereof which I don’t have the inclination to look at currently, however:
So does that mean fires used by 8% cause triple the particle pollution of all traffic, or just that fires produce 3x the paticulate pollution of transport? Quite important distinction really as if log burners/multifuel stoves are low hanging fruit regarded as snobbery by 92% there is little hope as they are unlikely to want to give up their cars when someone else can be blamed.
Are there any reader comments - can’t see any. Probably a cookie thing.
Not that I can see.
There’s a figure top left that increases - maybe social media stuff.
As far I could tell the article did not differentiate between open fires burning wood and stoves burning wood. Or any other solid fuel.
It did not help showing a wood burning stove with its doors open.
I use an air source heat pump and top up the heat with wood burning stoves. The former heats rooms to around 15-18 degrees C. I like a 20 degree ambient temperature but SWMBO likes it warmer. The dog prefers it cooler.
The industry strikes back. https://stoveindustryalliance.com/the-real-facts-about-wood-burning-stoves/
