Last updated on January 27th, 2022
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We look at some of the most essential wood burning stove accessories to consider to get the most out of your log burning stove and keep it in full working order and most importantly, safe to use.
Do you own a wood-burning stove? Then you’re probably looking for a list of essential accessories that ensure you have a safe environment for your stove and elevate things to the next level in terms of getting the most out of your stove. Many people think that once you have fitted a log burning stove, then the job is done. In fact, improper maintenance can not only damage expensive stoves but also increases the risk of chimney fires, trust us when we say that a chimney fire can be very serious and is a frightening experience but is one that could be avoided by proper maintenance and use of simple affordable products.
Below we go through some of the most important accessories, such as chimney sweepers for keeping your chimney clean, they help prevent chimney fires and don’t cost a fortune. Many people choose to have a professional do this, however, one product that does help prevent the build-up of soot in chimneys is the Flue & Chimney Cleaner, it comes as a powder and is very simple to use, simply burn 2 measures on the fire each time you light your stove for the initial 7 lightings. Burn 2 measures every 4 lightings thereafter. This simple and affordable product makes a big difference and is highly recommended and will help prevent the build-up of soot in your chimney and to us is a must-have accessory for safety reasons.
Look for a firewood storage rack? – check out our top recommended log storage racks for next to your fireplace
We look at everything from a simple stove thermometer (to ensure the right temperature for efficiency and to avoid it being too hot and damaging the stove) to ash vacuum cleaners which are not essential but are very useful, we highly recommend one of these. Dirtbuster is another product for keeping your stove super clean, a stove fan for improving room temperature, again, a very good product to have, ash transporter is anyone we review, and more we cover further down.
You can only see how crucial they are by going through each of them below, we do review each in detail and recommend the best product too.
Below is a quick overview of one of our favourite accessories, the ash vacuum cleaner. There are many models available but the one below is our top choice, we looked at around 10 ash vacuums but this model seems to be the best and it handles hot ash which most other models didn’t. Carry on reading to see what we consider the most essential log burning stove accessories.
OUR TOP STOVE ACCESSORY
Our Top 10 Wood Stove Accessories Worth Considering
We have put together a list of ten of the best wood burning stove accessories, most are very popular on Amazon which only further confirms our own views and have excellent reviews from customers and can make very interesting reading.
There are obviously many different models available of each of our top recommended products, with this in mind we did hours of intensive research to try and recommend the best of each type of product, for example, there are many types of ash vacuums available at a range of prices with different features, so we only recommend that one product we would actually use ourselves.
1. Zennox Fireplace Ash Vacuum Cleaner
OUR TOP RECOMMENDED STOVE ACCESSORY
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There is nothing better than sitting in front of a real fire, but if there is one job every real wood burner stove owner really could do without, it is cleaning out the leftover ash the following day, however, it is simply a job that needs doing and can get very messy.
You can simply brush and sweep the ashes out but this can sometimes be a little messy, not to mention awkward to do and get right into the corners of the stove, especially with modern designs.
For anyone looking for a cleaner, more efficient way to clean the leftover ash from your stove, (which is probably everyone) then the ash vacuum cleaner is the solution and is one of the products you wonder how you got by before you had one.
We looked at a few ash vacuums, which you can see here in a previous post we did, however, most had problems with the ash constantly blocking the pipe but then we came across the Zennox Fireplace Ash Vacuum. What makes this model different is that it is designed to be used with both hot and cold ash, it comes with a large 15-litre box and is powered by a powerful 800w motor that seems to solve the blocking issue associated with a lot of other models.
This vacuum also comes with a 2-year guarantee for full peace of mind. We don’t recommend using your normal house vac either, these ash vacuums are specially designed with extra filters and components that can deal with the heat. If you don’t have an ash vacuum, we highly recommend you get yourself one, it will save you lots of time and is a much easier way to clean out the ash.
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Read next – Best wood and coal burning stoves
2. Valiant FIR116 Magnetic Thermometer
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What is the best way to know if your log burner is burning cleanly and efficiently? A Stove thermometer. It is really important to keep the fire burning within a safe temperature range in order to avoid creosote buildup and flue damage. A very hot blaze can damage the stove or even cause a fire, whilst a very low burning fire can create a serious amount of harmful byproducts, a stove which is too hot can also damage a stove fan (which we review next).
That said, anyone using a wood-burning stove can greatly benefit from fitting a thermometer onto their stove and they only cost a few quid so there really is no excuse not to have one. One quality thermometer that you can rely on is the Valiant FIR116 Magnetic Thermometer. First off, this little device easily installs on any steel or iron wood stove on its strong magnetic base so it is very easy to fit. In fact, its function also extends to BBQs, patio heaters, flue pipes, ranges, and chimneys. It then displays the current temperature, enabling you to maintain a safe operating temperature and optimise fuel consumption.
Important to mention is that the integrated magnet can hold onto a hot surface up to temperatures of around 425°C. For optimum readings, install this thermometer on the flue collar or as close to the collar as possible so that it monitors both the burner and flue gas temperature. We highly recommend that you get this thermometer and furthermore, it’s very affordable.
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3. Valiant Premium IV 4-Blade Heat Stove Fan
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It may not look like much but this little amazing device is actually a small electric fan that will help disperse the heat from the stove outwards and into the room. They are ideal for open rooms where you want to make your stove more efficient. What makes it so amazing is that it creates its own electricity from the heat from the stove, how it works is a little more complicated (we have described in simple terms below how it works).
Our favourite model by Valiant, a well known and trusted brand stands 19.9cm tall by 18cm wide including the blade and has a depth of only 11cm so will fit nicely on top of most stoves and is able to work on most wood or coal stoves and is perfect for all models with a flat top and for convector type twin skinned and topped stoves that are operating at a normal surface temperature of 80°C and 250°C (175 – 480°F).
It starts automatically when the surface template of the stove gets to around 50°C and begins to disperse the heat into the room. It works with the temperature of the stove so the hotter the stove, the faster it turns. One feature we really like is the Inbuilt protection system which stops the fan overheating by lifting itself slightly above the stove, (it is hard to describe but is excellent to see), that being said, you should be monitoring your stove with a thermometer to make sure it does not get too hot in the first place, but if it does, the fan with register this and protect itself.
You can also read our in-depth reviews where we compared 7 of the best stove fans – See which stove fans we recommend (will open in a new window)
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4. Stovax Protector, Flue & Chimney Cleaner
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As we have already mentioned, dirty or creosote filled chimneys can cause chimney fires and this can lead to severe injuries and in worst-case scenarios, destroy homes. This is why we feel this product is well worth using and we would go as far as to say it really should be used regardless. Creosote is a combustible compound and when it builds in high quantities and then is subjected to high temperatures, it easily results in a fire. However, this risk can be mitigated with the right measures or products such as the Stovax Protector, Flue & Chimney Cleaner.
This product reduces creosote buildup in chimneys, significantly reducing the risk of chimney fires. In addition, it dries out wet and sticky tar, eventually loosening and falling down to the bottom of the flue pipe where it can be removed. The Stovax Protector comes in a 1kg tub and is applied on an open fire or in a stove as part of the care and maintenance routine.
Better still, the product is very easy to use. For a start, burn 2 measures on the fire each time you light your stove for the initial 7 lightings. Burn 2 measures every 4 lightings thereafter. Be sure to read the instructions regarding the application. This product is such a lifesaver and the reviews on Amazon are very positive and most stove retailers and chimney sweepers recommend using it.
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5. Stovax Heat Resistant Gloves
ESSENTIAL STOVE ACCESSORY
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They may not be technical but never the less these gloves are essential if you want to avoid burning your hands (which will happen eventually) no matter how careful you are.
These are worth every penny at the price (you can get a good pair for £16 including delivery from most retailers). They are made from real quality leather and have a long long gauntlet for extra protection. These thick gloves will protect your hands at the hottest of temperatures and are fantastic for using when putting logs into your wood burner.
What we really like about this particular pair of gloves is the high-quality fabric and longer cuff to protect your arms as well as your hands. Some gloves have very short cuffs which is not the best design, though are a great pair of gloves for using with a hot stove.
Read the reviews to learn why over 500 stove owners have purchased these from Amazon.co.uk – Click here to read reviews and buy on Amazon
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6. Chimney Typhoon Power Sweeping Set
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We have already mentioned previously, that over time the smoke coming from your wood burner leads to the build-up of creosote and soot. This process can be even faster if you regularly run your stove too slow, use insufficiently seasoned wood, or both.
Enter the Chimney Typhoon Power Sweeping Set S4U. This wood burning accessory is designed to remove creosote and other deposits from chimneys and flues. It comes with a cleaning powerhead, drill adapter, allen key and a plastic dust sheet. Simply attach the powerhead to the drill, insert it into the flue, and start scrubbing bottom-up. The strong bristles on the head will remove any deposits like they were never there!
Let’s make it clear that the so-called ‘drill’ is made up of 8 flexible rods, which can easily navigate all flues including those with 90-degree bends or multiple 45-degree bends. You simply need one rod to start cleaning at the lower section of the flue and then you can attach more as continue cleaning higher up. The brush itself can clean flues from 4 inches up to 14 inches in diameter. In addition, the brush is specially designed not to scratch or damage the flue but only deal with soot and creosote deposits.
This tool is quite multi-purpose in that it can also be used for cleaning liners, twin walled systems, masonry, and more. It is also available in 5m, 15m, and 20m variations (with 1m increments in between) to suit the needs of both short and very tall chimneys.
Cleaning your chimney with one of these is not for everyone and some people may prefer to call a professional chimney sweeper in but it does need doing and one way to save a few pounds is to do it yourself. It is worth noting though that it can be a messy job. It is only a once a year activity but keeps your flue healthy for longer and is one of those jobs that really does need doing. If you do sweep the chimney yourself, the Chimney Typhoon Power Sweeping Set is one of the better choices.
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7. De Vielle Hot and Cold Ash Pan Box
Essential for keeping your home clean when moving ash
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The De Vielle Hot and Cold Ash Pan Box is ideal for those who clean their wood-burning stove the traditional way with a brush and pan (we still think an ash vacuum is much easier and cleaner though). Simply fill with ash, (hot or cold) and store it until you are ready to empty it into the outside bin. A high-quality product with folded and welded seams and security clasps.
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8. Dirtbusters Black Stove and Grate Polish and Stove Cleaner
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After some time, wood-burning stoves get dirty and can suffer from patches of rust, whilst the dark painted surface can also fade. On the inside, the ashes build up and the glass becomes sooty. So to give your stove a good clean and give it a new lease of life, you need a cleaning formula, such as the Dirtbusters Black Stove and Grate Polish.
This comes in a 250ml bottle that is said to last four times longer than similar products but we don’t know this for sure so we will have to trust Dirtbusters on this. This formula is primarily intended for cleaning the exterior of a wood-burning stove. It removes soot, carbon, fingerprints and ash build up. The product is incredibly easy to use; simply spray on a cold stove or grate and wipe off to clean. The formula is non-smoking and contains a black pigment that leaves a dark black finish. Once heated, it forms a hard coating that will last for months before the next clean.
One last thing, this formula is a number one choice for professional wood burner installers and cleaners, so you can also buy with confidence. We can’t overemphasise the need to give your stove a maintenance check every year.
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9. Waterloo Bucket and 5 Piece Warwick Companion Set
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Everything you need for your fire stove in a classic design that would look great in a traditional setting. The bucket is ideal for storing a large amount of coal or wood and the set includes a poker, brush, tongs and brush.
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10. Stihl Wood Moisture Meter
Essential for ensuring that your logs have a low moisture content of less than 20% and are ready to burn
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If you regularly burn logs (especially if you cut your own up) then having a wood moisture metre can really come in handy. As you probably know, you should only really use seasoned wood that has a low moisture content of no more than 20%.
Wood that is not seasoned can reduce the life and damage your fire stove as well as cause problems such as tarring up the glass window and chimney which also increases the risk of a chimney fire. Simply push the spikes into the wood to get a reading. Even if you buy seasoned wood it is a handy little gadget to make sure your wood really is seasoned. The moisture meter is probably one of the most important bits of kit you can have as ensuring that the wood is seasoned is important. We did review some other models recently which you can read here but this model was our favourite as it was very easy to use and read.
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Wood Burning Stove Tips
- Heat control – It is often better to have the draft control fully open and the flames intense, you can then control the heat by the amount of wood on the fire not with the draft control.
- Hardwoods produce more heat than softwoods, and softwoods are better in early winter and late winter when it is not as cold.
- If you prepare your own wood it should be prepared in early spring for use in late Autumn, sometimes hardwoods such as oak can take longer.
- Stack wood so it is exposed to the sun and wind over summer, you only need to cover the top of the wood stack.
You can also check out my guide on how to clean the glass on your wood burning stove here, how to light an upside-down fire which is my favourite method and how to season firewood and know what moisture content it should be.
Conclusion
We hope you have found our post useful on choosing some of those essential wood burning stove accessories.
As you have probably realised by now, some of the items listed are accessories you really should be investing in such as Stovax Protector, Flue & Chimney Cleaner for keeping your stove in good working order.
We also highly recommend investing in Valiant FIR116 Magnetic Thermomet to make sure your stove is at the correct temperature as well as a moisture meter to check that the wood you are burning has the correct level of moisture (which is under 20%).
Don’t forget to consider a stove fan such as the one we reviewed, especially if you have a larger room and want to help disperse the heat more evenly around the room.
If you have any questions or think we might have missed a product you think other stove owners should know about feel free to comment below and share your thoughts.
OUR TOP RECOMMENDED STOVE ACCESSORY
Last update on 2024-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
