Real Coal Fire

[jennyjoan]

Now I have had all kinds of coal fire settings throughout my life

Electric fire
Real coal fire
Glass fronted coal fire
then Electric which is hardly ever on

I am going to back to the real coal fire (I know it is dirty) but am at home most of the time.

Have called my nephew who is plumber and he is coming up to see me re this.
Also think the last guy who took out the glass fronted one - snipped the dual feed pipe but I will be wanting connected.

Next chimney will be swept and then a nice fireplace. Anybody tell me where I can buy an open fireplace in Northern Ireland (can travel) Thank you

[The Builder]

It sounds like there was an inset one there before, Jen.

I guess there's no fireback, just an opening? Standard firebacks are available from builders' merchants. You can have any surround made up to suit you, if you don't want to buy one off the shelf.

[tamborine]

These are more efficient than coal. My fireplace is just the hole without grate etc. That I burn chopped pallets (free) in but beware where you dump cinders with nails.

http://www.thegassuperstore.co.uk/valor-0570011-willow-wood-burning-stove.html#fo_c=81&fo_k=74fb6520b0a38833615d3c26fe5d927b&fo_s=gplauk

[The Builder]

I do agree with Tambo about insets and woodburners.

But, that one in the link is way too cheap in my opinion. Possibly made in China. It's a steel construction rather than cast iron. It really won't last any great length of time.

Also, I doubt if the glass has any "airwash" system. It will likely soot up in no time.

Most of the ones I've been involved with are Scandinavian, or, a very popular make called "Woodwarm". I see Woodwarm Firewiews all over the place. They have the very best patented "airwash" system.

Just something to think about. The wide glass door is pretty close to watching an open fire.

I'm fitting this one in my house right now ..............

http://www.woodwarmstoves.co.uk/products/fireview-range/12kwplusfireview.ashx

Not cheap, but easier to control, and you can burn coal or any old rubbish ;o)

[jennyjoan]

Have just got in - yes builder - there is a very big hole - I have been living there all along - do remember nephews pulling the 3 firebacks out - there are 3 builders around me - in fact neighbour is a builder so he can get me that too.

Did think those firebacks were awfully thick but I guess that makes the fire all the safer. Does it? Then I am wanting a Sophono the crate thing. Think you can get them at end of the Shore Road, Belfast.

[jennyjoan]

just looked the wood stove - no very much not for me. my next door neighbour's cousin has one and she brought me into it and it would depress me. Just want the dancing flames jumping out at me

[Psybbo]

I really miss ours :-(

[jennyjoan]

oh by the way am NOT looking for glass fronted again - just the old fashioned coal fire with the ashes dripping under the sophona.

Was worried but re the MDF wood fireplace.

[Buenchico]

Possibly useful links:
http://wilsonsfireplaces.com/

http://www.fireplacesni.co.uk/

[tamborine]

Fireplaces are built with fire bricks. Theyre denser than porous house bricks. MDF is combustible, so a no no.

[jennyjoan]

sorry Tam bo = I may have confused you - I am talking about MDF fireplaces (as in decor).

[jennyjoan]

As I said I want no stove effects. - Just the coal in side the HOLE.