Geoff.D
Honorary Master
In CT at the moment, so yes please. I am looking for a good SS braai, and have tpt available to get it back to pta.
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Fireplace advice
- Thread starter Snyper564
- Start date
In CT at the moment, so yes please. I am looking for a good SS braai, and have tpt available to get it back to pta.
Cool. Will pm you tomorrow.
Geoff.D
Honorary Master
Pm received thank you very much.
No probs. Let me know if you do business with them.
shadow_man
Executive Member
I just missed out on this clearance stock at my local Buco... 
shadow_man
Executive Member
So I finally got around to installing a fireplace.
I bought a 2nd hand Charnwood Country 8 and had it refurbed (looks like new now).
I then decided to build a platform for it and have it tiled.
Installation of the fireplace happened today - and now I've got a 36 hour wait (for the waterproofing to dry) before I can take it for a spin!
All in all I'm very happy with the end product - and the dog approves!
I bought a 2nd hand Charnwood Country 8 and had it refurbed (looks like new now).
I then decided to build a platform for it and have it tiled.
Installation of the fireplace happened today - and now I've got a 36 hour wait (for the waterproofing to dry) before I can take it for a spin!
All in all I'm very happy with the end product - and the dog approves!
Looks good! What did everything cost from fireplace to installation?
shadow_man
Executive Member
Various costs - but a rough breakdown would be:
Bought fireplace 2nd hand @ R5000
Refurbed @ +- R8000
Installation Parts @ +- R12000
Installation fee @ +- R3000
So all in all about R28 000 give or take - but the fireplace alone new is about R25000.
For the platform + tiles + tiling it's probably about R4000 give or take.
---
It's going to probably outlive me or any kids I may have - so I figure its worth it. The cheap Chinese / Bulgarian brands don't last and you'd have to spend +-R15 000 to install one - only to replace it in 5-10 years.
So I figured I'd just do it right from the first time.
Thanks. Where exactly did you find the fireplace?
shadow_man
Executive Member
Facebook marketplace - rich guy residing in a Paarl golf estate decided he had a need to renovate, and cash to burn.
I looked around for quite a while though.
I also contacted several installers - most didn't even get back to me or come out to quote.
The one that did was gcfires.co.za and their service is great. I'd highly recommend.
Perfect. Thanks. If I do end up going this route will definitely have a look.
Nice thread... Have been threatening to get one for the last 2 years. MIght do it next year after the alterations are done this year so stocking up on some knowledge in the meantime.
That KRATKI K7 looks nice.
That KRATKI K7 looks nice.
I put this on hold as I almost rushed into it. Its a long term investment I believe and I need to make sure I understand all the costs involved
shadow_man
Executive Member
I found the quotes to be a guideline - but then when it came time to install they had to change X or Y as my house couldn't accommodate for a straight up flue - so the price changed slightly. I also opted for a storm cowl (better than the default) as I live in a high wind area. So you need to keep things like that in mind.
I don't think I would have spent what I did had I had to do it in one go. Buying piecemeal allowed me to stretch the process over 6 or so months and as such it didn't hurt the pocket as much as a once off purchase would have.
Thanks man! Your input has been invaluable. That's exactly my concern nothing is standard when it comes to this installation need to be prepared
Napalm2880
Expert Member
I'm shopping for a fireplace for my home in Johannesburg. I've had 3 installers around to have a look and all of them recommended 10kW and above for my needs. I've narrowed it down to:
Dovre 760 - R47,520 11kW nominal (max 13kW)
- Large front window but the wood burning version looks like a real pain to clean as the ash must be vacuumed out. The multi-fuel is apparently easier to clean but I haven't found any demo models that I can look at. Vermiculite panels inside would also need to be replaced every few years.
Godin Fonteval R28,995 10kW nominal (max ?)
- Very simple and solid design. Looks built to last. Largest ash tray of all the models I compared.
Godin Fontemont R33,995 12kW nominal (max 13kW)
- Similar features to the Fonteval model but much much taller and a larger front window. Wife said this one was too tall.
Kratki Koza K9 R26,200 10kW nominal (max 13.5kW)
- No model on display. Looks like a smaller front glass window. Really great value. Really want to look at one in person.
DRU 78 CB R46,995 11kW nominal (max 13kw)
- No model on display. Reviews look good and I really wish I could see one in person. Weighs in at a whopping 245kg.
Worthy mentions that didn't make the cut:
Nordica Isetta R36,450 7.3kw (max 9kW)
- Very solid build. Wife didn't like the look of this because it had handles sticking out everywhere. Handles also covered in plastic.
Morso 1630 R46,700 10kW nominal (max ??kW)
- Not too sure about the plastic on the front handle. Front handle also not removable (not safe with kids around).
Dovre 760 - R47,520 11kW nominal (max 13kW)
- Large front window but the wood burning version looks like a real pain to clean as the ash must be vacuumed out. The multi-fuel is apparently easier to clean but I haven't found any demo models that I can look at. Vermiculite panels inside would also need to be replaced every few years.
Godin Fonteval R28,995 10kW nominal (max ?)
- Very simple and solid design. Looks built to last. Largest ash tray of all the models I compared.
Godin Fontemont R33,995 12kW nominal (max 13kW)
- Similar features to the Fonteval model but much much taller and a larger front window. Wife said this one was too tall.
Kratki Koza K9 R26,200 10kW nominal (max 13.5kW)
- No model on display. Looks like a smaller front glass window. Really great value. Really want to look at one in person.
DRU 78 CB R46,995 11kW nominal (max 13kw)
- No model on display. Reviews look good and I really wish I could see one in person. Weighs in at a whopping 245kg.
Worthy mentions that didn't make the cut:
Nordica Isetta R36,450 7.3kw (max 9kW)
- Very solid build. Wife didn't like the look of this because it had handles sticking out everywhere. Handles also covered in plastic.
Morso 1630 R46,700 10kW nominal (max ??kW)
- Not too sure about the plastic on the front handle. Front handle also not removable (not safe with kids around).
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Other Pineapple Smurf
Honorary Master
@Napalm2880 "Front handle also not removable (not safe with kids around)." - the fireplace handle will get too hot for kids to try and open it.
Never had a problem in 8 years with kids opening the fireplace, my daughter was 2 when we got it.
That Godin Fonteval is really nice and I recall seeing it at GC Fires in Somerset West as it has a very clean design you only see on more expensive units.
I've only got an 8kW (ironically called the Helderberg, where I live) and that is R13K now. An 11kW is around R15K. Then around R8K for a quality stainless steel flue kit and installation is R2-3K.
The placement and fuel used will dictate the size.
Have you thought about the fuel you will be burning? I know up-country anthracite is popular even though you guys don't struggle with wet wood as we do in winter here in the Cape. I use eco-logs as it's always dry, manufactured in my town and burns to a clean fine ash making it easy to clean. Heat is also better than anthracite (or the crap quality we get by us).
As I use my fireplace every night from end April till September, I've got a quick cleaning routine I do each night before starting the fire. It's never 100% clean, but clean enough. We only do a big cleaning in October each year. Then I treat the fireplace and stainless steel flue with a special black polish - don't put too much on, it stinks when you do the first burn of winter.
Edit: If you are looking to heat up your entire home with a single fireplace, also look at aircons. Last year we used the inverter aircon to keep the main bedroom warm (which is the furthest from the fireplace) and spent less on electricity than on fuel for the fireplace.
Never had a problem in 8 years with kids opening the fireplace, my daughter was 2 when we got it.
That Godin Fonteval is really nice and I recall seeing it at GC Fires in Somerset West as it has a very clean design you only see on more expensive units.
I've only got an 8kW (ironically called the Helderberg, where I live) and that is R13K now. An 11kW is around R15K. Then around R8K for a quality stainless steel flue kit and installation is R2-3K.
The placement and fuel used will dictate the size.
Have you thought about the fuel you will be burning? I know up-country anthracite is popular even though you guys don't struggle with wet wood as we do in winter here in the Cape. I use eco-logs as it's always dry, manufactured in my town and burns to a clean fine ash making it easy to clean. Heat is also better than anthracite (or the crap quality we get by us).
As I use my fireplace every night from end April till September, I've got a quick cleaning routine I do each night before starting the fire. It's never 100% clean, but clean enough. We only do a big cleaning in October each year. Then I treat the fireplace and stainless steel flue with a special black polish - don't put too much on, it stinks when you do the first burn of winter.
Edit: If you are looking to heat up your entire home with a single fireplace, also look at aircons. Last year we used the inverter aircon to keep the main bedroom warm (which is the furthest from the fireplace) and spent less on electricity than on fuel for the fireplace.
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Napalm2880
Expert Member
I'm only going to be burning wood. Speaking with both Home Fires and Fireplace Warehouse, the guys tell me that our anthracite is so dirty it's actually damaging the fireplaces and that going forwards they're not importing the multifuel models when there's a wood version available.
How often do you clean out the ash from your fireplace? I ask because the Dovre wood burning model has this weird grid design that looks like an ice-tray - basically you need an ash vac to clean it out properly. The multi fuel model apparently has a more traditional grid design with a normal grid and a little lever on the side to agitate the grid (a much better design imo).
Other Pineapple Smurf
Honorary Master
I scope out the ash before each fire as I've an ashtray that catches most of the ash.
I will only do a proper clean once a see a big build up. I use a paint brush for the corners.
I considered an ash vac but hearing mixed reviews and found the paint brush works just as well.
I do have a Karcher shop vac with multi filters so it works great but only if I've not used the fireplace for a week. I'm afraid of embers in the ash.
4 YEARS later and we are back here again 
Took some detours installed solar etc. But we return to the fireplace on the first really cold weekend in Gauteng.
So two years after my OP we stayed in some beautiful accommodation in Stellies just before hard lock down with one of these
on-fire.co.za
It worked beautifully easy to clean, started pretty instantly, I have never had a fireplace heat an area as quick as this.
Now just before we continue with the post I do realise that there are other ways to heat the house, aircon, gas etc.
But there is just something that cant beat a fireplace IMO esp when ascetics come into play.
I have some questions now that this is becoming a bit more serious consideration.
1. What is the best source of fuel for the fireplace? wood/anthracite?
2. How much fuel can I expect to use? Any wood better, black wattle/bluegum etc
3. Current floor is tile and wall is brick, plaster and paint. Do I need to do anything to protect these?
4. Any reason I should just stop and do nothing- essentially did you get a fireplace and now regret it?
Took some detours installed solar etc. But we return to the fireplace on the first really cold weekend in Gauteng.
So two years after my OP we stayed in some beautiful accommodation in Stellies just before hard lock down with one of these
On Fire | Fireplaces & Braais | Western Cape
Premium fireplaces, braais, pizza ovens and fire pits.
on-fire.co.za
It worked beautifully easy to clean, started pretty instantly, I have never had a fireplace heat an area as quick as this.
Now just before we continue with the post I do realise that there are other ways to heat the house, aircon, gas etc.
But there is just something that cant beat a fireplace IMO esp when ascetics come into play.
I have some questions now that this is becoming a bit more serious consideration.
1. What is the best source of fuel for the fireplace? wood/anthracite?
2. How much fuel can I expect to use? Any wood better, black wattle/bluegum etc
3. Current floor is tile and wall is brick, plaster and paint. Do I need to do anything to protect these?
4. Any reason I should just stop and do nothing- essentially did you get a fireplace and now regret it?