Material Matters: Fires

Even with the advent of central heating and strict modern insulation requirements, fireplaces are still seen as the focal point of a room. Melanie Griffiths explains what you need to know when choosing your fireplace.

Fire Types

Fires traditionally fall into one of two categories: inset fires, which are recessed into the opening, and outset fires which protrude from the wall. But there are more contemporary alternatives, such as free-standing and ceiling-mounted fires. There are hundreds of models to choose from, be your design scheme ultra-modern or period style — or somewhere in between.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Stovax Riva 66 in Storm, a cassette wood or smokeless fuel fire with Cleanburn system, from £1,195 (01392 474055); Spirit Angel Flueless Fire, in LPG or natural gas, from £1,079 (01325 327221)
MAIN IMAGE (TOP): Gazco E-Studio Arts in Polished Steel, a high-efficiency glass-fronted fire with a stunning ribbon flame effect, from £499 (01392 474061)

Fuel Options

Solid fuel is the traditional choice, with the option of coal, smokeless fuels or timber. In Smoke Control Areas, the fuel must be smokeless. A Class 1 flue is always required.

Gas is the most popular fuel choice, mainly due to its low cost. Though some gas fires require Class 2 flues, many of them do not, converting the combustion products into harmless vapour. Some gas fires run on LPG.

Electric flame-effect fires require no flue, hearth or ventilation. They typically combine their flame effect with an electric fan heater which blows hot air into the room. The downside to electric fires is that they are more expensive to run.

If you don’t require your fire for heat, then consider a gel fire, which is powered by a non-toxic, smokeless alcoholic gel which produces a flame effect, and minimal heat. They are a good choice for free-standing and double-sided fires and can sit in interesting shapes such as bowls.

Heat Outputs

Before choosing your fire, you must work out your heat requirements. If you have a well-insulated house and central heating, then its looks are probably going to be more important than its heat output, as the house will be warm most of the time. Ask the manufacturer for help in calculating what your needs really are.

Fires can provide radiant and/or convected heat. Radiant heat is concentrated immediately in front of the appliance like an open coal fire. Convected heat distributes warmth around the room to provide a more even heat — which is generally more thermally efficient.