The finishing touch. Just that extra dash of romance. Creates ambience in any interior design. A glorious source of heat. The reasons are diverse, but the fact is that a fireplace or a stove is an asset in any room.

You obviously want a fireplace that matches your interior. A modern fireplace for your sleekly designed living room or a somewhat classic model for your cosy kitchen. Or perhaps your main consideration are the functional factors: a fireplace that’s built easily into your open fireplace or a wood-burning stove for your garden house because it lacks central heating.

Be inspired

When searching for your perfect fireplace, you can certainly use some assistance. That is why we are pleased to help you. We do that mainly by offering you lots of inspiration. You can browse through our inspiration pages, you can take a look in our social media channels, get more information in the FAQ pages, download the brochure or visit the nearest dealer. In short: we are here for you in more than one way. And if you still can’t decide, then feel free to call us.

An asset for your interior

From a classic stove to a modern fireplace: Barbas Bellfires always has a solution that meets your taste, style and wishes. Our fireplaces are truly an asset for every interior.

<h5 “p1″””><span “s1″””>Exterior of a wood-burning fireplace<p “p1″””><span “s1″””>The exterior side of our fireplaces is made from thick-walled steel and/or soapstone. That ensures a good transfer of heat and a durable and long-lasting use of the fireplace. And it looks just so cool. In the factory, the exterior side of our fireplace is treated with a heat-resistant varnish layer. To achieve this, we use a spray booth, which we have developed ourselves, where the varnish is applied under controlled conditions.<h5 “p1″””><span “s1″””>Interior of a wood-burning fireplace<p “p1″””><span “s1″””>And the interior. Made from concrete ceramic. It looks beautiful, but it is especially suitable due to its long lifespan. Concrete ceramic lasts longer than vermiculite, for example, which is used in many other types of fireplaces. Our interior sheeting, which is what the interior side of a fireplace is called, consists of reinforced concrete mix. Ceramic ensures slower degassing, so combustion occurs steadily and evenly. The result: high output and low emission, so you enjoy the most from a glittering and ambient wood fire. The combustion chamber in every Barbas fireplace is made from thick-walled, heat-resistant steel.<p “p1″””><span “s1″””>Want to have a peek into our factory? You can do that simply from your easy chair.

This question cannot be answered with a yes or no. To a large extent, it depends on the quality of your fireplace and how your wood burns. If you have a modern fireplace with ECODESIGN and you burn the wood according the Swiss method using good, dry wood, then this is better for health and the environment. And if you have your fireplace installed by an expert, you maintain it well and clean it regularly, then the wood-burning fireplaces of today do not or hardly harm the environment and your health.

Incomplete combustion is the culprit

One of the major causes of damage to the environment and harm to your health is incomplete combustion. In this case, the wood gets too little oxygen for combustion and this creates gasses and materials that are not fully oxidized (burnt). For example, carbon monoxide and particulates. Particulates are very small particles, not larger than one hundredth of a millimetre, consisting of a mixture of salts, minerals and tars. It is mostly the tars that are harmful to our health. But we have good news: creating tar hardly occurs in modern stoves. Particulates in modern stoves consist only of relatively non-harmful salts and minerals. Furthermore, the combustion chamber is so well developed that incomplete combustion no longer occurs. That is conditional to using good wood and that you burn the logs correctly.

Time for the real thing! We are pleased to teach you how use your wood-burning stove without harming your health and the environment.

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  Select the right fireplace

Everything starts with a good fireplace. New wood-burning fireplaces are cleaner than ever. There are strict environmental requirements, met by more and more manufacturers. One of these is the ECODESIGN. Officially, this regulation goes into effect only in 2022, but most manufacturers are already applying it. Barbas Bellfires as well. The emission of particulates in our fireplaces is at least 97% less than in open fireplaces. How do you choose the perfect fireplace? Have it built in and installed by a certified dealer/specialist.

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  Use good firewood

Good firewood is the basis for every good fire. The most popular wood type for wood-burning fireplaces is oak. It is easily available, burns long and gives off a warm flame. But there are other suitable wood types. We have made a list of the best firewood.

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  Burn the wood responsibly

As an owner of a wood-burning stove, you enjoy lighting a fire. Perhaps even the entire process that precedes it: chopping wood, cleaving and drying the wood. The way you burn the wood is very important for the environment and your health. You can read everything about burning wood in this page.

Stoking wood is serious business. You want to get the most enjoyment from your wood-burning stove and so you want to learn how to stoke a perfect fire. Ten practical tips:

Good preparations

1. Make sure that your fireplace has the correct output. A stove with too much or too little output does not work well. The result is incomplete combustion. That means an unattractive fire, perhaps smoke and it is certainly bad for your health and the environment.
2. Have the chimney swept at least once per year by a certified professional. This prevents problems; in worst case scenario, a chimney fire.
3. Do not light the fire when there is no wind or during a misty day. During mist or lack of wind, the flue gases remain in the house. This is hazardous to your health and as well as to your neighbours’ health. Wind force of 2 or less on the Beaufort Scale is considered windless weather. The Stoking Guide (Stookwijzer) will show you what are good stoking conditions.
4. Stoke only dry and untreated wood. Preferably wood with a trademark (FSC or PEFC) so that you know that that forest is replanted in order to compensate for felling. The wood must be cleaved, it must dry outside for at least two years in a covered place and must not be too thick. It is recommended to use a hygrometer to measure the moisture of the wood. The moisture of the wood must be between 15% and maximum 18%.
5. Never use painted or impregnated wood: they release heavy metals during combustion. Chipboard is also forbidden due to the glue in it. Do not stoke any paper or carton, because that creates lots of smoke and flying ash and is therefore forbidden to use as fuel.

Get going

1. Light the wood fire by using firelighters and small pieces of wood. It’s a really bad idea to start the fire with flammable liquids (for example spirit); this could lead to highly dangerous situations, such as bursting flames. So what is a good method? Start by placing the thick logs at the bottom of the fireplace, on top of these place the loose pieces of wood and the firelighters, and then light these items. Stack the wood loosely so that air can flow well around the logs. The best method is the Swiss stoking method.
2. Make sure there is complete air supply. Good wood-burning stoves are equipped with a valve that controls the supply of air. Open these valves completely. Is the fire becoming too hot? Then do not add any more wood. Never reduce the supply of air.
3. Is it too warm indoors when the wood-burning stove is on? Stoke less wood and open a window for a few minutes. What you must never do is to close the air supply valve. That suffocates the wood: the wood does not burn completely, creating lots of extra harmful substances.
4. Check whether you are stoking well. A good fire has yellow, even flames and you hardly see any smoke coming out of the chimney. Orange flames and dark smoke indicate that the combustion is not good: therefore, make sure there is a sufficient amount of air supply or extra air supply.
5. Let the wood fire extinguish by itself. If you temper the fire by reducing the air supply, you release lots of hazardous substances.

New stoking is stoking wood responsibly. Stoking a fire where no materials are released – in any case as little as possible – that are hazardous to people and the environment. And whereby a good fire is created, which burns well and has a beautiful display of flames. The new stoking method is known as the Swiss method. Why? Because in Switzerland research was done into the best and most environment-friendly method of stoking a wood-burning stove. The best comparison is a burning candle that burns from top to bottom.

The correct materials

Responsible stoking obviously depends as well on the materials you use. Modern fireplaces meet the strictest European environmental requirements and have a high yield. This means that less heat and fewer hazardous materials are released to the outside via the chimney. Furthermore, it is also important that the fireplace is installed by a certified specialist and that the chimney is cleaned every year. Subsequently, always use clean and dry wood and don’t stoke during misty or windless weather. Under these weather conditions, the chimney draws less than normal and the smoke and gases are dispersed less quickly. That is not good for you and for your neighbours.

The Swiss method

Get going! Applying the step-by-step plan below, you create a beautiful wood fire.

Step 1

You will need:

• Cleaved wood logs of around 25 to 30 cm long with a thickness of around 7 cm
• Firelighters of approx. 10 cm long with a thickness of 3 cm
• A kindling agent, such as firelighters. Never use flammable liquids, such as spirit or paraffin.
• A lighter or matches

Step 2

Preparations

• Open the air supply and the valve of the flue completely.
• Place a sufficient number of logs stacked criss-cross in the fireplace. It’s like building a tower. The instruction booklet of your fireplace will advise you about the quantity of logs. That depends on the size of the fireplace.
• Make sure that the logs are not lying against one another and place the split side of the log facing upwards.
• Place the kindling wood criss-cross on the stoking wood with two or three firelighters in between.

Step 3

Lighting the fireplace

• Light the fire from above, just like with a candle. That way you heat the chimney well. That also burns the gases and smoke released from the underlying logs. This is the most efficient method of getting the fire going swiftly and without any problems.
• Light the firelighters and close the door of the fireplace.
• After around 20 minutes you will have a complete and smoke-free fire.

Step 4

While you stoke

• Fill more wood only if the logs are completely burnt and there is a bed of ashes. It is sufficient to supplement with one layer of logs.
• Open the fireplace door and place the new logs carefully in the red-glowing ash.
• Once the logs are burning well after a few minutes, you can close the primary air supply using the air slide valve. The user manual of your fireplace explains what the primary air supply is.
• The secondary air supply and window aeration are always kept open even if the room temperature becomes too high. Also see the user manual for this.

Step 5

Finished stoking

• Finished stoking? Don’t add any more wood and let the fireplace cool down.
• Close the air slide valve only when the fireplace has cooled down completely.

Want to view the Swiss stoking method with your own eyes? View our instruction video about the new way of stoking.

Also handy: download our instruction booklet.

Stoking evenings for learning to stoke

Do you want to practice in a real situation? That’s possible! During the winter months, we organise special stoking evenings. In our factory in Bladel, we practice with various models of wood-burning stoves. That means a bit of theoretical knowledge: we explain to you the importance of the new way of stoking. Afterwards, we get down to work. Experts from Barbas Bellfires are also on hand to assist you and to answer your questions.

Who are the participants in the stoking evenings? New owners of a wood-burning fireplace. People who have had bad experiences with stoking a fire and want to get some tips. Or people who have not managed to keep a fire burning. Therefore, the stoking evenings are for anyone who wants to learn the best way to stoke your wood fire .

You are absolutely delighted with your wood-burning fireplace. Unfortunately, your neighbours might suffer from the smoke or complain about the odour. That is obviously annoying for all sides.

First, speak to your neighbours about the problem. And subsequently, check your stoking behaviour. Are you stoking at the right times? In windless or misty weather the smoke actually hangs around the house. That is both unhealthy and bothersome. And are you stoking in a correct way? For example, if the air valve is only semi open, not enough air reaches the fire and that causes it to develop more smoke. The type of wood you use can also make a great deal of difference. In short: nuisance can be caused by many factors and it can be prevented.

Do you stoke responsibly, using the correct materials? You can also make agreements about certain hours, for example, that you don’t use your fireplace. In any case, always try to come up with a mutually agreed solution.

You have made a decision: there will be a fireplace in your house. Now you just have to choose between wood or gas. The differences between a gas and wood fireplace are immense. With a wood-burning fireplace you have extra work: you need well-dried wood, you have to light the fire yourself and to keep it burning. A gas fireplace is practical and easy to use. You press the button on the remote control and the fire is lit.

The advantages of gas

75% of fireplace fans in the Netherlands opt for a gas fireplace. Why? Because in terms of looks, the modern gas fireplaces are hardly distinguishable from real wood-burning stoves, yet far easier to use. The fire lights with a push of a button. At your desired intensity. And when you go to sleep, with a push on the same button, the fire is extinguished immediately. Ideal for you and your hectic family life. In the evening you have precious little time, yet you still want sit a couple of hours by your cosy fireplace. Or perhaps you do have the time but you simply want an easy solution. Our Bellfires gas fireplaces can be equipped with special mood lighting that makes your fireplace look like an extinguishing wood fire. The only aspect that you still need to fantasize is the scent and sound of crackling wood.

Also see: What are the advantages of a gas fireplace’.

The advantages of wood

A wood-burning fireplace is mostly about the experience. Getting the wood yourself, stacking the logs, lighting the fire and keeping it going. It’s all part of experiencing it. But after a long day at work, lighting the wood-burning fireplace for one hour? You don’t do that so quickly. It takes time to get a good fire going. And therefore, you have to be able to enjoy it very much. Moreover, a wood-burning fireplace demands patience: you play with the air supply, with the quantity of wood, as long as it takes to achieve the perfect fire. You can buy ready-to-use logs, but the real firewood fanatic will chop and cleave the wood himself and let it dry for two years.

Also see: What are the advantages of a wood-burning fireplace’.

Stoking evenings

We are organising stoking evenings. That’s because we totally understand the glorious experience of working with firewood and we want you to enjoy it as well. Here you will learn the best way to stoke wood, how to achieve a beautiful show of flames and how to generate optimal burning. In addition, with proper burning you prevent the emission of particulates. We will explain here in detail more about this. Want to participate in the stoking evenings? See the available dates and sign up.

We make it easy for you. There is always a dealer in your area if you have additional questions. There you can also view a selection of our product range. And the dealer will explain with the same passion and knowledge the options in gas and wood fireplaces.

Je hebt de knoop doorgehakt: er komt een haard in huis. Nu nog kiezen tussen hout of gas. De verschillen tussen een gas- en houthaard zijn groot. Bij een houthaard moet je aan het werk: je hebt goed gedroogd hout nodig, moet zelf het vuur aansteken en brandend houden. Een gashaard is praktisch en makkelijk in gebruik. Eén druk op de knop van de afstandsbediening en het vuurtje brandt.

De voordelen van gas

75 procent van de haardliefhebbers in Nederland kiest voor een gashaard. Waarom? Omdat je moderne gashaarden qua uiterlijk bijna niet meer van echte houtkachels kunt onderscheiden, maar ze wél een stuk makkelijker in gebruik zijn. Het vuur brandt met één druk op de knop. Op de door jou gewenste intensiteit. En ga je naar bed, dan is het vuur met een druk op diezelfde knop ook meteen weer uit. Ideaal voor jou en je drukke gezin. Want ‘s avonds heb je weinig tijd, maar wil je toch een paar uurtjes gezellig bij het vuur zitten. Of misschien heb je best wel tijd, maar wil je gewoon een makkelijke oplossing. Onze Bellfires-gashaarden zijn uit te rusten met speciale sfeerverlichting die lijkt op een dovend houtvuur. Alleen de geur en het geluid van knetterend hout moet je er nog bij fantaseren.

Zie ook ‘Wat zijn de voordelen van een gashaard’

De voordelen van hout

Bij een houthaard draait het grotendeels om de beleving. Zelf het hout halen, een houttoren bouwen, het vuur aansteken en dit vervolgens brandend houden. Het hoort allemaal bij de ervaring. Na een lange dag werken nog voor een uurtje de houthaard aansteken? Dat doe je niet zo snel. Het kost tijd om het vuur goed brandend te krijgen. En daar moet je dan ook goed van kunnen genieten. Een houthaard vergt bovendien geduld: je speelt met de luchttoevoer, met de hoeveelheid hout, net zolang tot je het perfecte vuur hebt. En je kunt kant-en-klaar stookhout kopen, maar de echte houthaardfanaat hakt het zelf, klieft de houtblokken en laat ze twee jaar drogen.

Zie ook ‘Wat zijn de voordelen van een houthaard’

Stookavonden

Omdat wij als geen ander weten hoe geweldig de ervaring van een houthaard is, en we vooral willen dat jij er ook van geniet, houden we stookavonden. Hier leer je wat de beste manier is om hout te stoken, hoe je een mooi vlambeeld krijgt en hoe je de optimale verbranding creëert. Met een goede verbranding voorkom je bovendien de uitstoot van fijnstof. Daar leggen we hier meer over uit. Deelnemen aan een van de stookavonden? Bekijk de beschikbare data en schrijf je in.

Fabrieksshowroom

We maken het je graag makkelijk. In onze sfeervolle showroom in Bladel – onder Eindhoven – presenteren we een selectie van onze Barbas Bellfires haarden en kachels. Onze experts vertellen je alles over de voor- en nadelen van gas- en houthaarden. Daarnaast is er altijd een dealer bij jou in de buurt waar je terecht kunt met je vragen. Daar kun je ook een selectie van ons aanbod bekijken. En de dealer vertelt je met net zoveel passie en kennis over de mogelijkheden in gas- en houthaarden.

Onze showroom is geopend van maandag tot en met vrijdag van 9.00 tot 16.30 uur en op zaterdag van 10.30 tot 16.00 uur.

The output of a fireplace or stove is expressed in kilowatt (kW). To put it simply: the larger the room (in cubic metres), the more output (kilowatt) the fireplace or stove needs. When you are purchasing a fireplace, first determine its function. Will the fireplace serve as a primary source for heating the room? Or for additional heat? Or perhaps only for creating a warm atmosphere. If you’re only interested in creating ambience in the room, then a stove or fireplace with a low output of 4 kW is sufficient. For supplementing the heating, you will need greater output and the highest output is of course necessary if the fireplace will function as a primary heating source. In addition, the insulation of your residence also plays a role. A modern, well-insulated residence needs less heat than an older poorly insulated house. So select the stove or fireplace that best meets your situation and wishes.

The fireplace as a primary source of heat

If you will be using the fireplace as a primary source of heat, you can calculate yourself the necessary output quite accurately. Also take into account, for example, an open kitchen or an open staircase: these factors will cause a loss in heat, so you will have to increase the calculated output.

Calculating the required output

Calculate the number of cubic metres by measuring the length, width and height of your room and multiplying them by each other. On the intersection of the line in the graph, you can read the required output. The line that you read depends on the extent to which your residence is insulated:

• Line A: you have a well-insulated residence with double-glazing, wall insulation and floor insulation.
• Line B: you have a reasonably insulated residence, in any case with double-glazing.
• Line C: you have a poorly insulated residence. You have none of the abovementioned insulation.

Do you want to be sure that you have selected the correct output? Consult a professional, who will give you the correct advice. Here you will find the dealer closest to you.

Every fireplace produces flue gases, which have to be discharged using a flue tube. If you don’t have a chimney or a flue in your home – and you still want to purchase a fireplace or stove – then a gas fireplace is the easiest. A wood-burning stove actually requires a vertical flue, i.e. a chimney that goes straight up. That is necessary for drawing in oxygen, which keeps the wood burning. Furthermore, the wood smoke must always be emitted above the apex of the house. This is a legal regulation.

Additional options with gas

With a closed gas stove you have more possibilities. Here the flue can also be positioned horizontally so that the smoke is discharged to outside via a façade of the house. Therefore, you can install a gas stove almost anywhere. The flue must not terminate under ventilation openings or in corners, because there has to be sufficient space for supplying oxygen and for discharging the flue gas. Read more about this topic here.

Do you have doubts about the possibilities in your residence? You don’t have a chimney but you definitely want a wood-burning fireplace? Then bring in an expert. Our dealers always provide tailored advice.

Here you will find the nearest dealer who can assist you.

You are looking for a reliable and good supplier. Because your investment in a gas or wood fireplace must be truly worthwhile. In terms of ambience, but of course also in terms of quality and service. What makes Barbas Bellfires the right choice? We are pleased to tell you more about our company and our brands.

Our company

Dutch-manufactured fireplaces

Barbas Bellfires is a combination of two brands: Barbas and Bellfires. Brands with established reputations, which have merged into one company in 2003. Our fireplaces and stoves are technically very reliable. Everything in Barbas Bellfires is 100% Dutch. Manufactured in-house in our factory in Bladel.

Passion for craftsmanship

We produce modern and innovative gas and wood fireplaces that are meaningful for you and for your interior. We have been doing this since 1928 and our passion for craftsmanship has never changed. Our love for fireplaces and stoves has remained constant. That’s why we work diligently on the quality of our fireplaces and make sure that they are safe and operate without any problems. And the way you experience the fire is perfect and always improves.

Furthermore, we are proud of our after-service and the professional help in maintaining your fireplace. Sustainability is not only about the work and the product, but also about our relationship with our customers. And that’s you.

Every fireplace is custom-made

We manufacture your fireplace completely tailor-made. We will build it exactly the way you want it. With a sense for style: timeless or modern. We have no fireplaces in stock and – perhaps this sounds contradictory – that is precisely the reason that we can maintain short delivery times. When we implement an improvement in our product(s), we don’t need to first use up our old stock (or to throw away good material); we offer the new solution immediately. You can choose from a wide selection of basic models that enable us to create countless combinations. We can adapt every model in terms of shape or size, of course within the approved boundaries. So no matter how large, small, high or unique is the space in your home or office, a Barbas-Bellfires fireplace always fits in.

Our brands

Barbas

Barbas stands for durable and ecological reliability. Established in 1976, it is the brand for wood-burning fireplaces. All fireplaces are designed by us. We have our own R&D department where we carry out non-stop research into improvements. By now, our fireplaces are equipped with ideal combustion chambers in order to burn the wood as efficiently as possible. No loss of heat and no harmful particulates that flutter to the outside with the smoke. Our products are made with top-quality and stylish materials, such as concrete, steel and ceramic.

Bellfires

Bellfires is ease, ambience and comfort. Established in 1928; already for years the absolute market leader in gas fireplaces. The gas fireplaces are completely developed in-house and are tailor-made from A to Z to the wishes of our customers. Moreover, our focus is on design and safety. Safety is safeguarded comprehensively in the development process. The many finishing options result in the distinctive Bellfires design: stylish and in line with your lifestyle to the finest details. Our gas fireplaces create the ambience of an open fireplace, but with the ease of a gas fireplace: the fireplace is very easy to operate using a remote control. Moreover, the fire image of our gas fireplaces is so stunning that it’ is hardly distinguishable from a real wood fire. That is not only our opinion, but feedback that we get from consumers who already installed our fireplaces. They boast about the fire image because of the colour and the serenity in the play of flames. And we are proud of this.

Want to have a peek into our factory? You can do that simply from your easy chair.

Because we want our stoves and fireplaces to be easily available everywhere. That’s why we have worked hard on developing a large and professional network of dealers. Specialists who know everything about building-in, placing and installing fireplaces and stoves, about output and air control, safety and combustions processes, oxygen supply and flue gas discharge. The dealer is your contact person and ‘handbook’, your expert and personal advisor. In many cases, the dealer will visit your home to give you tailored advice. Which fireplace best suits your room and where is the best place to install it. After installation, the dealers provide service and maintenance.

Barbas Bellfires international

The Netherlands and Belgium are not the only countries where you can buy our fireplaces. Our gas stoves and wood-burning fireplaces are available worldwide. Wherever you live – in Ontario, Paris or Cape Town – there is always a dealer or Point of Sale in your area.

Closer than you think. Due to our vast network, we have dealers throughout the country who can show, sell and install our products. Dealers who know just as much as we do and who love our stoves and fireplaces just as much as we do.

Do you want to see the Barbas Bellfires product range with your own eyes? Or do you need to talk to an expert who can tell you everything about our gas and/or wood fireplaces? Here you will find the nearest Barbas Bellfires dealer.

At Barbas Bellfires we produce everything under one roof in Bladel, a stone’s throw from Eindhoven. Our factory and the head office are located here. For us a fireplace is not just an anonymous piece of steel, but an individual interior design product. We create it with love so you will also love it. Each fireplace is tailor-made: from 120 basic models in more than 17,000 combinations, we build the fireplace that you want and which best fits into your interior design and reflects your taste. The fireplace then passes through the entire factory, bearing your name, and is meticulously checked at every step of the way. This is no production line work; most of it is done by hand. Therefore, ever fireplace is a personal masterpiece of the technician. And this is the passion that you can feel!

The process – from order to installation

Preliminary work

Your order – which we receive from the dealer – is recorded in a work order with a barcode connected to your name. Such an order contains all the parts necessary for the fireplace. During the preliminary work, all the necessary parts are set (bent) and welded to each other. Good preliminary work is vital for the quality and lifespan of your fireplace or stove.

Paint shop

The fireplace parts are hung on a transport system on their way to the paint shop. First they pass through the launderette where they get degreased and washed. The conveyer system continues and brings the parts to the spray booth. Spraying is done by hand. Even the most difficult to reach corners are not overlooked. From there the parts are transported to the oven where the varnish is baked. The baking process prevents the fireplace/stove from spreading unpleasant odours the first time that it is stoked. It also makes the fireplace/stove less susceptible to damage. After 45 minutes, the varnish hardens and the parts are ready for assembling.

Assembly

Assembling your fireplace or stove is also done entirely by hand. Regardless of the model and its dimensions, our technicians connect the parts to create a perfectly fitting total appliance. After that, the sealing cords around the window are applied and the interior is installed. After assembly, the fireplace/stove is ready for transport. Within 24 hours your new asset is delivered to the dealer, who will install it in your home as soon as possible.

How long does it take from the preliminary work to the assembly? Only six hours!

We have summarised these six hours in this video. You can see for yourself the process that takes place before your fireplace is installed in your house.

You attach importance to sustainability. Also when you purchase a stove or fireplace. You want a product produced in an environment-friendly manner, which is used sustainably and lasts long. Sustainable in three ways.

We get queried more and more often about the origin of our products and about our work methods. We welcome this critical attitude towards sustainable development and manufacture with great enthusiasm. You can rest assured: we deal very consciously with the entire production chain.

No waste

Lean work – or prevention of waste – is anchored in our production process. We work according to the Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) method. This means that we start working on a fireplace only after receiving the order. We have no fireplaces in stock. The entire process from the preliminary work to assembly runs very efficiently and takes only six hours. That way we avoid waste in time, energy and materials.

Minimum impact to the environment

Everything in Bladel is under one roof, both office and production. Our employees live in this region and we try to reduce unnecessary transport kilometres, on all fronts. You might think that producing in our country is more expensive than in low-wage countries, for example, but we have always succeeded in delivery top quality at competitive prices. Our environment-friendly paint shop is also a splendid example of production with minimum burden on the environment.

Do you have a moment? Because a wood-burning fireplace will no doubt become the favourite feature of your house. Just imagine: long winter evenings by the fire. Cosy meals with the background of crackling firewood. Or watching an exciting movie close to the heat of your fireplace. And we haven’t even spoken about the financial aspect. Wood is relatively cheap and easy to obtain. You can buy good firewood at nearly every home-improvement store and there are many possibilities to order firewood online and have it delivered.

Dancing flames

A wood-burning stove spreads slightly more intensive heat than a gas fireplace. The temperature remains relatively stable in a gas fireplace while it can vary quite a lot in a wood-burning one. When you add logs to the fire, the flames flare up and the temperature rises. As the fire winds down, you notice that it gets cooler. So you crawl closer to the fireplace. But what tops it all? The dancing flames. A gas fireplace has a steady display of flames; with firewood, the fire goes to all directions. And that is precisely what many people enjoy. A sense of having a campfire right in your own living room.

First, ask yourself three questions. Does my house have a chimney? Will I use the fireplace for heating or purely for creating atmosphere? And what should be the output of my fireplace? If you have the answers to these questions – and we naturally will help you with this – you can start looking for the wood-burning fireplace of your dreams.

You need a chimney

A wood-burning fireplace always requires a chimney or another type of vertical flue. That is necessary for drawing in oxygen, which keeps the wood burning. Furthermore, the wood smoke must always be emitted above the apex of the house. Do you want a wood-burning fireplace, but you don’t have a chimney? We have made a list of the alternatives for you. Furthermore, it would be best to contact a Barbas Bellfires dealer who can assess the situation.

The yield of your wood-burning fireplace

You buy a fireplace to keep yourself warm. Or to enjoy its warm ambience. Regardless of the reason, you want to keep the loss of heat as low as possible. When you light a wood-burning stove or fireplace, the heat radiates through the walls and window of the appliance to the space in which it is located. Heat loss means that part of the heat is lost via the chimney to the outside. The yield of the fireplace indicates how much (or better said: how little) heat is lost in this manner. The higher the yield, the less the loss of heat. Modern fireplaces and stoves have high yield. The wood-burning fireplaces of Barbas even have a yield of 80%. Nearly no heat is lost.

Fireplace for heating

If you use the fireplace for heating, then based on the size of your space, you can calculate the output that you need. Simply said: the larger the space (m³), the more output (kW) is necessary. Also take into account, for example, an open kitchen or an open staircase: these factors will cause a loss in heat, so you will have to increase the calculated output.

The necessary output is easy to calculate by yourself. First calculate the number of cubic metres of the room. Do that by measuring the length, width and height of your room and multiplying them by each other. On the intersection of the line in the graph, you can read the required output. The line that you select depends on the extent to which your residence is insulated:

• Line A: you have a well-insulated residence with double-glazing, wall insulation and floor insulation.
• Line B: you have a reasonably insulated residence, in any case with double-glazing.
• Line C: you have a poorly insulated residence. You have none of the abovementioned insulation.

Picture from page 109 in the brochure

Do you want to be sure that you have selected the correct output? Consult a professional, who will give you the correct advice. There is always a Barbas Bellfires dealer in your area.

When the fireplace is burning, you might get soot deposit on the window. Not too much – thanks to the modern fireplaces, which are very clean – but if this occurs, then below are a few cleaning tips. It is advisable to clean the window after every time you stoke a fire. What is the best way to do this?

Use recommended products

Sometimes it is helpful to stoke the fire well, so that the soot particles are burnt off. The user manual of your fireplace will tell you the best way to clean the windows of your fireplace. Read the manual carefully, because the method for cleaning depends for example on the type of glass that you have. Is the window damaged or broken? Have it replaced before using the fireplace again.

This is the way you clean most windows in wood-burning fireplaces:

1. Check whether the appliance has cooled down and there are no glowing embers left in the combustion chamber.
2. Clean the window with a moist cloth, sponge or paper. Use a glass-cleaning agent or a ceramic hotplate cleaner.
3. Make sure that the window is dry and there is no residue of the cleaning agent on the window. Residues could burn into the glass later. Therefore, go over the glass once again with a moist cloth.

Using good wood prevents extra soot deposit. Furthermore, ensure good combustion and keep the flue clean by engaging a chimney sweep every year.

Routine cleaning of your wood-burning fireplace is necessary. After all, you want the fireplace to do its work perfectly. If you follow the steps below every year, your fireplace will stay in optimal condition.

1. Have the chimney swept at least once per year by a certified professional. This prevents problems; in worst case scenario, a chimney fire.
2. Brush the fireplace. Clean your stove thoroughly using a soft brush to brush all the cold ash and soot out of the combustion chamber. After that, go over with a hand brush and dustpan; never use a vacuum cleaner for this purpose.
3. Clean the combustion chamber by wiping the walls with a sponge. Never use water; that can create rust. Chemical agents are absolutely forbidden.
4. Clean the windows. We have made a list with a number of tips for you.
5. Check the sealing. You do this by lighting the fire and setting the air supply to the lowest position. Do the flames continue to burn? Then air is entering via cracks. You can also check the sealing by placing an A4 sheet between the door and the stove. If the sheet of paper remains in place, then the sealing is good.
6. Grease the hinges of the doors. If you do this annually, the doors will open and close properly.

Warranty and service

Have you observed any shortcomings in your Barbas fireplace? A breakdown or a fault is serviced swiftly by your dealer.

Our fireplaces and stoves undergo a great number of checks before they leave the factory in Bladel. We provide a 10-year warranty on the body of the appliance and on the separate parts of it, a one-year warranty. On consumer parts, such as glass (cord) and cast iron, you get a warranty until the initial stoking. If a particular model is no longer available after a number of years, then we make sure that the most important parts do remain in stock for at least ten years or we have replacement products. In any case, we can always maintain your fireplace and repair it, if necessary.

Is the fire unattractive? Too much smoke and too few flames? Perhaps you are using the wrong type of wood or you’re stoking in the wrong way. Stoking wood is serious business. That’s why we have formulated ten golden rules and tips for you.

Good preparations

1. Make sure that your fireplace has the correct output. A stove with too much or too little output does not work well. The result is incomplete combustion. That means an unattractive fire, perhaps smoke and it is certainly bad for your health and the environment.
2. Have the chimney swept at least once per year by a certified professional. This prevents problems; in worst case scenario, a chimney fire.
3. Do not light the fire when there is no wind or during a misty day. During mist or lack of wind, the flue gases remain in the house. This is hazardous to your health and as well as to your neighbours’ health. Wind force of 2 or less on the Beaufort Scale is considered windless weather. The Stoking Guide (Stookwijzer) will show you what are good stoking conditions.
4. Stoke only dry and untreated wood. Preferably wood with a trademark (FSC or PEFC) so that you know that that forest is replanted in order to compensate for felling. The wood must be cleaved, it must dry outside for at least two years in a covered place and must not be too thick. It is recommended to use a hygrometer to measure the moisture of the wood. The moisture of the wood must be between 15% and 18%.
5. Never use painted or impregnated wood: they release heavy metals during combustion. Chipboard is also forbidden due to the glue in it. Do not stoke any paper or carton, because that creates lots of smoke and flying ash and is therefore forbidden to use as fuel.

Get going

1. Light the wood fire by using firelighters and small pieces of wood. It’s a really bad idea to start the fire with flammable liquids (for example spirit); this could lead to highly dangerous situations, such as bursting flames. So what is a good method? Start by placing the thick logs at the bottom of the fireplace, on top of these place the loose pieces of wood and the firelighters, and then light these items. Stack the wood loosely so that air can flow well around the logs. The best method is the Swiss stoking method.
2. Make sure there is complete air supply. Good wood-burning stoves are equipped with a valve that controls the supply of air. Open these valves completely. Is the fire becoming too hot? Then do not add any more wood. Never reduce the supply of air.
3. Is it too warm indoors when the wood-burning stove is on? Stoke less wood and open a window for a few minutes. What you must never do is to close the air supply valve. That suffocates the wood: the wood does not burn completely, creating lots of extra harmful substances.
4. Check whether you are stoking well. A good fire has yellow, even flames and you hardly see any smoke coming out of the chimney. Orange flames and dark smoke indicate that the combustion is not good: therefore, make sure there is a sufficient amount of air supply or extra air supply.
5. Let the wood fire extinguish by itself. If you temper the fire by reducing the air supply, you release lots of hazardous substances.

Still not managing to get a good fire going? Then our stoking course (and refresher course) is something for you. You will then learn all the fine tricks of stoking. Read more about it here.

Oak

The best type of wood for a fireplace is oak. It is a flexible hardwood type, which is easy to obtain. Practically every home-improvement store has oak for firewood in stock. It takes some time for the wood to start burning, but afterwards it burns slowly. A disadvantage of oak is that compared to other wood types, its play of flames is less attractive.

Do you chop your own oak wood? Then it is important to store it uncovered for two years so that rainwater can wash away the tannin (which can cause chemical reactions). Subsequently, store the wood for two additional years in a covered place.

Other types of wood

Birch is also a popular wood for a wood-burning stove. This wood is known for clean combustion so it needs little oxygen. That creates less filth in the flue. Birch is a relatively soft wood, gives lots of heat and does not sputter. It does however burn faster than hardwood.

Alder is also a soft wood type. It burns very quickly and the fast combustion also heats up the space faster. Another advantage is the lovely play of flames.

Ash is tough, hard and flexible wood. It burns slowly and gives off lots of heat. The special characteristic of ash is its unique scent.

Beech is a hardwood type that burns with a large steady flame. In addition, it burns slowly and for a long time. It has a calorific action, which means that the smoke cleans the stove pipe.

Don’t use painted, varnished or treated wood

Wood which is absolutely unsuitable for your fireplace is wood that has been painted, varnished or treated. During combustion, hazardous substances are released; bad for the environment and for your health. Household waste, wood from demolitions and chipboard have similar consequences when burned.

Wood briquettes

Wood briquettes are made from pressed wood shavings and wood fibres leftover in the wood industry. Many people buy briquettes because they burn much better than other wood types. However, wood briquettes are more expensive in general than the standard firewood varieties.

Dry wood

Furthermore, the most important condition of firewood is that it is dry. The percentage of moisture in the wood is the determining factor. Freshly felled wood has a moisture content of approximately 50%. After one year of drying, this drops to around 20% and after two to three years to 12% to 15%. Good firewood has moisture content between 15% and 18%.

No, you can’t use your fireplace at all time. The weather is actually an important factor in dispersing the wood smoke into the environment. Do not light the fire when there is no wind or during a misty day. The smoke gases might remain in the house and that is harmful to your health and to your neighbours’ health. Wind force of 2 or less on the Beaufort Scale is considered windless weather. The Stoking Guide (Stookwijzer) will give you an indication of the stoking conditions in your area.

Online advice: stoke or not stoke

If there is no wind, the polluted air will remain hanging longer. Also the smoke from your chimney. The Stoking Guide advises you whether it is sensible to stoke wood. That advice is based on the air quality index of Dutch National Institute for Public Health & the Environment (Dutch: RIVM) in combination wit the actual wind speed. The air quality index gives the status of air quality per square kilometre in a particular area. The air quality is sub-divided into five air quality categories (unit in microgram per mᵌ of air), based on the health effects of particulates, ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Every hour the information on the Stoking Guide is refreshed.

Every gas fireplace requires highly professional techniques. If you want to continue enjoying your fireplace for a long time, then good maintenance is essential. This is also important in other respects: the fireplace after all is connected to a gas pipe.

Annual maintenance

The average fireplace needs maintenance once per year. A service technician checks the entire fireplace. Everything is cleaned, where necessary screws, bolts and couplings are tightened well and the condition of the materials is checked. Is there a component that needs to be replaced? The technician will see to it.

Make a start

You also have a role in the long-term maintenance of your fireplace. Here are four tips from our service technician Rob Broekmans.

1. Clean the windows

“It is wise to clean the panes/windows of the fireplace several times per year. Both on the inside and the outside. Check the user manual of your fireplace for the recommended products. It is very important that you don’t leave any residues from the cleaning agent on the window, because these can burn into the glass once your relight the fireplace. Therefore, my advice is to go over the glass once again with a moist cloth.”

2. Change the batteries

“Another chore that you can easily do yourself: annually replacing the batteries of the remote control and the reception box. This should be four AA batteries (not the rechargeable ones). During the annual maintenance by Barbas Bellfires, the batteries are standard replaced by the maintenance technician. Batteries can leak if they are used too long. The leaking battering fluids can harm the electronics.” Rob does advise to handle the reception box delicately when changing batteries. “There are wires attached to it, which you must not detach.” In this video, Rob shows you how to do it.

3. Keeping the aeration grid free

“Some fireplaces have an aeration duct, usually attached to the chimney breast. Unfortunately, I sometimes come across homes where a cupboard, for example, stands in front of it. Do not do this! The grid is not there for nothing; it is important for the heat to escape.”

4. Keep the service hatch accessible

“Another problem that we sometimes encounter: built-in cupboards that obstruct the service hatch. Sometimes there is no way for us to reach it. So that means we cannot provide an optimal maintenance service.” Rob advises to always keep the service hatch/control block free and easy to access.

You can buy a maintenance subscription at you own dealer or at Barbas Bellfires. Read more about it here.

Convenience is the key. That totally applies to a gas fireplace. One push of the button and your fireplace is lit and with the same push of the button it goes out. Ideal if in between you have to go to the supermarket or if you come home late and you still want to enjoy dining near a cosy fireplace. Many gas fireplaces, also ours, can be operated using a mobile app. Very simple from your telephone or tablet. The biggest advantage of a gas fireplace is no doubt the ease of use. You don’t have to stoke a fire and the fireplace burns for as long and as intensive as you wish. And it is also extremely safe, because you never come in contact with the fire.

Cleaning the windows

The maintenance of a gas stove is relatively easy. Every year, have a certified expert carry out a comprehensive maintenance round. Then your only chore is to clean the windows occasionally.

Never short of fuel

Another advantage: the gas fireplace is connected to the gas-pipe system, so you’re always supplied with fuel. You don’t have to hassle with wood, as for a wood-burning stove, and you have no mess in front of your stove.

High yield

The modern fireplaces have high yield. That means practically no loss of heat. The heat produced by the stove is used for heating the room and is not lost to the outside through the chimney.

Different types of fire

The latest fireplaces have a realistic flame image that’s hardly distinguishable from a real wood fire. Moreover, with a gas fireplace you decide what kind of fire image you want. Interested in finding out which options are available with our gas fireplaces? We’ll be glad to tell you.

Are there also disadvantages?

The advantages are what it is all about. But we are honest and we want to mention a few disadvantages as well. First of all, you must have a gas pipe in your house. More and more new homes do not have a gas connection (and installing the gas piping is not cheap). In addition, a flue is necessary. That doesn’t necessarily need to be a chimney, because with a gas stove you can also construct a lead-through yourself through the roof or the outer façade. We can imagine that you will want to know more about this. Therefore, read our article about flues and the many possibilities.

Before you buy a gas fireplace, make a list of a number of important points. What kind of possibilities do you have in your home? Do you want to use the fireplace as a source of heat or mainly for creating ambience? If the latter is the case, then you need less yield. What is the yield of a fireplace? And what output will you need? In short: many questions. We will help you find the answers.

The yield of your gas fireplace

You buy a fireplace to keep yourself warm. When you light a gas stove or fireplace, the heat radiates through the walls and window of the appliance to the space in which it is located.  Heat loss means that part of the heat is lost to the outside via the chimney or the flue. The yield of the fireplace indicates how much (or better said: how little) heat is lost in this manner. The less heat loss, the higher the yield. Modern fireplaces and stoves have high yield. Our gas fireplaces achieve a yield of 85%. Nearly no loss of heat.

Calculate the output

How much output your stove or fireplace will need depends on the space that needs to be heated. Simply said: the large the space (m³), the more output (kW) is necessary. Take into account for example an open kitchen or an open staircase: these factors will cause a loss in heat. In that case, it is wise to somewhat increase the calculated output.

The necessary output is easy to calculate by yourself. First calculate the number of cubic metres of the room. Do that by measuring the length, width and height of your room and multiplying them by each other. On the intersection of the line in the graph, you can read the required output. The line that you select depends on the extent to which your residence is insulated:

• Line A: you have a well-insulated residence with double-glazing, wall insulation and floor insulation.
• Line B: you have a reasonably insulated residence, in any case with double-glazing.
• Line C: you have a poorly insulated residence. You have none of the abovementioned insulation.

Choose the type of gas fireplace

At Barbas Bellfires you can choose two types of gas fireplaces: built-in and freestanding.

A built-in gas fireplace is built into a wall or installed in an existing open fireplace, which you easily modernize with an open or closed insert fireplace. Our insert fireplaces have a built-in depth of only 35 cm and therefore fit in nearly any situation.
A freestanding gas fireplace is not only a showpiece in the room, but can also be easily replaced, if you ever want to switch to another model.
In addition, you can choose from various types of fires and burners. Curious about the choices? We have made a list for you.

Choosing an open or closed system?

A gas fireplace needs oxygen. Without oxygen it cannot burn. But it makes a difference where the oxygen comes from. You can opt for an open or closed system. Read the article about the differences between these systems.

Want to be sure that you made the right choices? Or would you like to discuss this or pose questions to an expert? Then consult with a professional. Barbas Bellfires has an extensive network of professional dealers. No matter where you live, there is always a dealer nearby.

A white film might develop on the windows of your gas fireplace. This is caused by condensation or a burnt-in effect if the windows are not cleaned routinely. A cubic metre of gas contains more than one litre of water and as the stove heats up, it forms condensation. Therefore, always heat up the stove slowly. And if the glass is dirty, it’s time to take action. After all, you want to have the best possible view of the fire.

Cleaning agents

Sometimes it is helpful to stoke the fire well, so that the soot particles are burnt off. The user manual of your fireplace will tell you the best way to clean the windows of your fireplace and which cleaning agents to use. We advise you to follow the manual meticulously, because every fireplace is different. Some windows can be removed, some can be tipped to one side. Some fireplaces have non-reflecting glass; others have a normal glass window.

Glassex

A well-known cleaning agent for house, garden and kitchen, such as Glassex, can always be used. Take a dry cloth and carefully wipe the window back and forth. Do that until the dirt on the window is gone. It is very important that you don’t leave any residues from the cleaning agent on the window, because these can burn into the glass once you relight the fireplace. Therefore, go over the glass once again with a moist cloth.

Tips from grandmother’s time

We’ve also managed to dig up from the archives a number of tips from grandmother’s time.

1. Dip a paper towel or an old cloth in tea. Wipe the windows until they are clean.
2. After cleaning, wipe the window with a newspaper. Now they will stay clean longer.

It is difficult to indicate the average consumption and related costs. Perhaps you use the stove daily while your neighbour lights it once per month. Thus, the consumption and costs of a gas fireplace depend entirely on the situation.

Example of consumption per hour

Obviously, we can help you with some examples. For an average-sized living room in a well-insulated house, an appliance with output of 3 to 4 kW is sufficient. At full output, such a fireplace consumes around 0.5 cubic metres of gas per hour. The heated space reaches a good temperature rather fast and the fire intensity can be reduced. Your central heating system has less work to do; that way your gas fireplace compensates for the gas consumption. Modern gas fireplaces have an energy label, just like nearly all appliances. At a glance you can see what is the output and the yield of the stove or fireplace. Make sure that the stove you select does not have too little or too much yield. Elsewhere on our website, you can read how to calculate this.

Price of gas

How much does it cost to use a gas fireplace? The price of a cubic metre of gas is €0.63 (price level 2018). If you burn a 3 kW fireplace for four hours at full output, it will cost you only €1.26. Ultimately, the price drops even lower, because you don’t need to turn on your central heating. That translates to a nice saving.

The fire image from a gas fireplace – in other words: what the fire looks like – is nearly indistinguishable from real fire wood. It does however have a number of advantages compared to a wood fire. With a gas fireplace you can choose which fire best suits your taste or the ambience of the moment. The fireplaces of Bellfires have double burners, ambience lighting and various options for burning the fire.

The double burner

The double burner has two different options for the output of the fire. You use the double output when the evening is wintry, cold or wet or half-output during a pleasant autumn evening. That gives you a longer season for enjoying your gas fireplace.

If you switch off one of the burners, your output is reduced by 40%. Considerably less heat and also more economical, because you consume less gas. This does not take away from the atmosphere; the flames are just as high and beautiful in this power-saving mode. Interested in seeing what it looks like? View the animation film of our double burner.

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting can be installed under the burners of our Bellfires fireplaces to provide an extra glowing effect. The intensity of the light can be regulated. By simply pressing on the remote control, you determine how strongly or softly your smouldering fire burns – after all it looks like a real wood fire. With the special decoration set consisting of coals, decorative glass and ash, it is nearly indistinguishable from the real McCoy: the ease of a gas fire, the looks of a smothered camp fire, etc.

The double burners of Bellfires

We have four types of double burners:

• MagniFire

The MagniFire is built stepwise and creates a 3D fire image. This burner is standard delivered with ambience lighting. View the MagniFire.

• Premium Fire

More than ever before, the fire in the Premium Fire looks a real wood fire. Why? Because the burners are built into the logs and therefore, the fire looks as if it comes out of a real log. View the Premium Fire.

• Line Fire

If both burners in the Line Fire are on – front and back – the flame image obtains extra depth. In the power-saving mode, only the front burner burns, though it does so over the full width of the fireplace.

• Centre Fire

In the Centre Fire, the fire image can be adjusted in width. With both burners on, the gas fire burns over the full width of the fireplace, and with optimal heat output. In the power-saving mode, the fire image is centred in the middle of the fireplace.

Our gas fireplaces last a lifetime for many reasons, including our use of top-quality materials.

The external side

The external side of a gas fireplace is made from thick-walled metal sheeting. In the factory, a heat-resistant varnish layer is applied to the metal. To achieve this, we use a spray booth, which we have developed ourselves, where the varnish is applied and hardens under controlled conditions.

The combustion chamber

Every Bellfires fireplace has a combustion chamber made from thick-walled, heat-resistant steel. It looks beautiful, but it is especially suitable due to its long lifespan. For the gas burners we use only the best materials: durable stainless steel. In addition, the combustion chamber consists of ceramic materials with perfect insulation features.

Convection casing

A convection casing can be installed in nearly every type of Bellfires gas fire. The cold air is sucked into the space between the inner and outer casing of the fireplace. Above the convection casing, the heated air is subsequently spread very evenly throughout the room. This also allows you to direct the heat to a particular area. That makes you feel more comfortable. The convection casing is concealed in the chimney breast and therefore indiscernible.

The design grid

Next is the design grid for the fireplace. You can choose a grid that nearly disappears in the housing or rather a model that catches the eye. Obviously, we have also thought a lot about the technology, not just the looks. Because ventilation is very vital in stoves, we have developed a grid that is suitable for both chimney breast ventilation and convection air. These grids spread the heat and ensure good ventilation of the chimney breast.

A complete grid consists of two parts. The aeration tray is built in when the fireplace is installed. Afterwards the insert – that’s what we call the grid that comes in front of it – is easy to place. The grids are available in two sizes (160 and 320 mm wide) and in three colours (white, graphite black and grey).

A gas fireplace needs oxygen. Without oxygen it cannot burn. But it differs where this oxygen comes from. You can opt for an open or closed system.

Closed combustion system

Stoves with a closed combustion system get the oxygen via an external pipe (supply duct). Therefore from the outside. The flue gases are subsequently exuded via the internal pipe (discharge duct). One of the advantages of this combustion system is that you don’t need a chimney. In addition, this is an ideal solution for houses that are ventilated mechanically, because no air is extracted from the house.

Open combustion system

Gas fireplaces with an open combustions system take the oxygen from the room in which the appliance is installed. Therefore, they have an open connection with your room. The flue gases are exuded to the outside via a separate flue duct. The Unica-2 series of Bellfires has an open combustion system. By the way, an open system does not mean that there is no glass plate at the front side of the stove. The combustion chamber is actually totally closed off. The term ‘open’ is only related to the way the air reaches the fire. What is the biggest advantage of our fireplaces with an open combustion system? The diameter of the flue tube is only 10 centimetres. That’s why the appliance can be placed in nearly every open fireplace without any significant reconstruction work.