One of the nicest things about winter is snuggling up in front of the fire and having a cwtch. We round up the latest fires and fireplaces available in North Wales.
As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, the focus of the home is once again on the fire. The focal point of the living room at any time of day, it comes into its own in the evening as you snuggle down in front of the flickering flames…
If it sounds idyllic, that’s because it is. What many people don’t realise when they first begin researching a fire however is the sheer choice available. The first major decision to make is whether you want a solid fuel (real) fire or a modern (gas or electric) version.
There are pros and cons to both, of course. A natural fire has a certain charm to it and is very cheap to run once installed – you just need to factor in the cost of the fuel itself, whether this is logs or coal, and any kindling. The downside is that once the fire is roaring away you need to wait for it to die down – which isn’t ideal if you suddenly have a hot flush. You also need to build the fire in the first instance, and be prepared to clean it out – a real fire can be a very messy affair indeed.
Log burners are a modern solution to the “real” fire. A glass door provides you with the desired ambiance, yet keeps the fire (and the ash) contained. And improved technology means that the glass is kept increasingly clear by drawing air down the inside of the door in order to prevent soot and other combustion particles from coming into contact with its surface – meaning that cleaning is kept to a minimum.
But, whether you go for a traditional open fire or a log burner, you will need to have your chimney swept prior to lighting your first fire – and once a year from then on.
Since there is quite a lot to consider when installing a log burner, your best bet is to utilise one of the local companies that specialises in this area.
North Wales Stoves is a small family business carrying out log burner installations across North Wales. It has a large showroom so that you can see all of the options available first hand, and is the main dealer of Clearview Stoves in North Wales. It can also offer different stoves such as Stovax, Contura, Fireline and Chilli Penguin – which is made in Pwllheli. North Wales Stoves also provides site surveys with full estimates provided, chimney and flue design, and excellent workmanship.
Percy Doughty is a company that was established in 1952 and, while it isn’t local, it has been supplying high quality fires, stoves, fireplaces, solid fuel spares, flue systems and associated products to the heating industry for over six decades as a true one-stop shop.
The company is renowned for its high quality, superior craftsmanship and innovative products – priding itself on maintaining traditional values with a family run business. Its established brands include Vision Trimline, The Penman Collection, Vision and The Gallery Collection, which feature a whole range of fires, fireplaces and related products.
Percy Doughty has become renowned for the superior quality, craftsmanship and innovative products that it supplies to its dealers. It only sells direct to carefully selected resellers and is committed to excellent customer service, and strives to constantly improve its standards.
Eternal Flame Fires and Fireplaces in Mochdre Business Park is a family run business that manufacturers its own range of fireplaces which allows the customer to design a fireplace that suits their individual requirements.
It specialises in open-fronted living flame gas fires which have the combined combination of high efficiency, high heat output, no mess, low running costs, low emissions and instant control.
In addition, Eternal Flame offers a full fitting service by its own installers which includes building false chimney breasts, plasterwork, gas runs, load bearing lintels, chimney sweeping and anti downdraft cowls fitted – plus all waste removed from site.
Meanwhile Mochdre based Colwyn Fireplace Centre specialises in multifuel, gas, LPG and electric fires – so it has a solution whatever your burning desire happens to be. It also supplies and installs a full range of casts and wooden surrounds. Its showroom has over 100 displays for you to see including a dedicated stove room and an electric fire room. All of its products are available on a supply only, direct delivery or fully installed basis, with all installations being carried out by Gas Safe and Solid Fuel Registered engineers for your safety and peace of mind. It also undertakes all building work for each project.
One of the firms that Percy Doughty supplies up here is North Wales Mowers – a company that offers a complete ‘tree to burner’ service. Located in Mochdre, North Wales Mowers is a one-stop shop for all things related to log burners – not only does it have a large range on display, but its organises installation by a registered installer too. And, once your burner is up and running, North Wales Mowers will even deliver the logs that you need directly to your door.
But, if you fancied being a bit more hands on, then fear not because North Wales Mowers also supplies chainsaws – so you can just cut out the log delivery altogether and chop your own wood instead.
Of course, chopping your own wood isn’t for everyone. In fact, many people prefer the convenience of being able to turn their fire on and off at the flick of a switch.
Finally, R N Williams & Sons in St Asaph has been advising homeowners on the most suitable stoves, fireplaces and flues for 60 years. The company boasts the largest heating showroom in North Wales, with around 150 stoves and fires on permanent display. However it’s not quantity over quality, as years of experience have led to the selection of only the finest British and European stoves, with many well-known brands, several exclusive in the area.
With more people choosing to extend their home rather than move, R N Williams & Sons has seen a steep increase in demand for freestanding stoves to be fitted in orangeries and conservatories. With free delivery across North Wales from Anglesey to Chester, it’s well worth a journey to the showroom where you will also find range cookers, kitchens and bathrooms on display.
