Warm Up In Winter With DRU Fires

Copyright (c) 2012 Fire Design Direct

From 1754 to the present day, DRU has been designing and producing a variety of products from bathtubs to pots, pans to heating, but never varying on the high standard it has become famous for. DRU fires are carefully designed to provide atmospheric heating: whether it is a gas-fired heater or a wood-burning or electric stove, each DRU product is carefully produced to ensure an environmentally friendly input and output. The company is very aware of the environment, and works to meet all inspections as well as support schemes such as a Ugandan project which is involved in planting trees.

Aside from its functionality, a stove or heater designed by DRU is just that - a designer-created object, which works as a conversation piece and simply exudes ambience.

DRU has three designers who, along with a team looking at customer needs and wants, map out the perfect stove. Designer Martyn Graat emphasises that what he looks for in a stove is the idea that an open fire creates an atmosphere like nothing else: "Where homes are becoming increasingly better insulated... a stove can contribute to the home's ambience." Designer Jeroen van Dijk has vast experience in interior design and consultation, often placing DRU stoves within his projects. Finally, designer Roy Bertholet - a member of the Eindhoven duo 2architecten - is also a contributor to stove design, and says that a stove "invites you to come and sit by it."

After 250 years in existence, DRU remains a dynamic company constantly changing to reflect new technologies and customer demands. Today, some of their latest innovations include the PowerVent, which allows gas fires to be placed throughout a house: the air supply can be accessed vertically, horizontally, or through a series of bends.

When deciding on DRU fires, it is important to keep in mind certain parameters:

First off, most living rooms require a low-wattage stove: 3 to 4 kilowatts of power are usually enough, and any more than this could result in an uncomfortably warm space. If this is the case, many will run their stove for only short periods - with a wood-burning stove, this means that there will be poor combustion and high emissions. Gas stoves will not have these issues, but running a gas stove at a low temperature means missing out on the atmospheric flames.

Next, decide what type of fuel will be needed. Gas fires are easy to use and cleaner, and can be controlled simply by the flick of a switch. They are also incredibly easy to install and can be placed almost anywhere - free standing or in a hole in the wall. On the other hand, there is a much greater atmosphere from a wood-burning stove: the smell of burning wood, the crackle of the flames. Wood combustion stoves have become far more efficient and sustainable in recent years. Finally, there is an electric alternative which is ideal for those not wanting gas or wood-burning stoves. DRU electric stoves use LED technology which uses a great deal less electricity than traditional electric stoves.

As DRU stoves are as much a design feature of the home as a practical heating element, thinking about the type of stove you are looking for is vital to the decision-making process. Should it be freestanding? Able to fit into that perfectly sized nook? Maybe a so-called 'tunnel' stove, separating two rooms?

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com