Suiting Any Need

Despite their relatively small market share of all gas fire sales, there are a remarkably large number of lpg fire and stove models available to purchasers in 2009. Peter Healy looks at the choices for customers, irrespective of what type of gas fire is required.

You would think that all factors were against model choice in lpg’s relatively small sector of the gas fire market, which probably only accounts for 0.2 to 0.4 per cent of all gas fire production. Few economies of scale, high CE-marking costs and low demand could have signalled the death knell of all but a few ranges - but this isn’t the case. Analysis of the offerings from twenty or so fire brands found lpg models from the vast majority, with designs in virtually every market sector.

The Baxi Group with its Valor brand has the lp gas largest range, as it also does in the mains gas sector. More than 12 of Valor’s popular fires are available in lpg, ranging from the 15-year-old Dream design to more contemporary, hole-in-the wall looks, such as the Liberty.

Robinson Willey, whose range is unashamedly targeted at an older, retired market, has six model designs powered by lpg gas, which caters for those living off the natural gas mains.

Burley Appliances, one of the major players in the flueless gas fire market, offers its entire range of flueless models - stoves, hearth mounted or hang on the wall - in lpg versions and points out how much CO2 (and money) is saved by these 100 per cent efficient fires – an example is the Environ Right.

Biggest lpg fire manufacturer

The biggest manufacturer in the lpg market is Focal Point Fires, with two brands of its own – Firecraft and Superior Fires – plus a role as supplier of flueless designs to at least four other companies. Six of Firecraft’s wall-mounted designs (FL1– FL6) come in lpg versions, as well as two floor standing models (XL01 and 02).

Staying on a flueless theme, the majority of the CVO fire range, now available from Newton Aycliffe based Spirit Fires, comes in lpg. These striking designs typically work without the catalytic converter and glass front of other flueless models. Other flueless manufacturers include Acquisitions, with its popular mirrored designs, Legend Fires, Be Modern, Esse, Faber and the Courts Pureglow ranges. If flueless fires leave you cold – no insult or pun intended! – have a look at the Paragon Fires Focus HE (chimney model) and Focus RS (balanced flue model), which combine glass-fronted high efficiency with lpg gas availability. The Focus RS boasts 85 per cent efficiency, which is achieved with an ultra safe, room-sealed burning process that requires no air vents in the room and creates condensation-free heat of up to 4.4kW/h – not bad for a flued fire! Other lp gas models from Paragon include the Paragon 2000 Plus and the Paragon Convector.

For those who are looking for something that hangs on the wall but looks off the wall, the Faber flueless Shine design is a contemporary wall hung, catalytic-converter model designed for homes without a chimney or flue that combines chic dancing flame with lpg and a maximum heat output of 2.6kW/h. Its unique, torch-like looks will add a stunning centrepiece to any apartment or loft lifting duplex.

In the same way that mains gas stoves are currently unpopular, there are only a limited number of lpg versions. Notable lp gas models include the Little Wenlock LG from Aga Stoves, Burley Esteem flueless, Morso Panther, Gallery Collection Tiger Gas, and Jøtul’s GF100 and GF3.

The truth is that, if your end user wants an lpg gas fire or stove and isn’t too fussy about the brand, there is a model around to suit any need. If gas is what your customer wants and there are no mains available, they could do a lot worse than a high efficiency lpg design.

< Back