Living Fires

The Ultimate Pizza Oven: More Uses, More Usage: Morsø Forno!

The Danish company Morsø have been making stoves and ovens since 1853 and have used their expertise to develop the award winning Morsø Forno outdoor oven. Let’s just say if ever there was an object that was the epitome of both form and function, this is it.

Crafted from iron and built to last this transportable table top oven is guaranteed to ‘wow’ and not just because of its ultra-modern rounded design. A multipurpose outdoor oven and grill that will help you take cooking outdoors to a new level.

WHO IS THIS PIZZA OVEN FOR?

Over the past few months we’ve all been paying more attention than ever to our homes and want our outdoor living spaces to be multi-purposeful. Seamlessly transforming from fun and entertaining to a tranquil oasis for relaxing nights under the stars. Forming a natural focal point in any outdoor living area, this oven allows you to sit out with friends and family, baking pizza, enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company. If you dream of alfresco dining under the Tuscan sun, then this pizza oven is a perfect choice to make the vision a reality.

Unlike many other outdoor ovens, the Morsø Forno doesn’t require any additional accessories to function. It is a standalone appliance and even adds a bit of extra flair to the patio area with its sleek, stylistic appearance.

READY, GET SET, BAKE!

Whether you’re a talented cook serious about learning how to make quality homemade pizzas or a baking novice, this oven is easy to use for everyone.

One of the excellent components of this oven is that all it needs to work is wood, giving you that authentic Italian pizza baking experience. Because it’s wood-fired it can reach extreme temperatures and cook thin-base pizzas in just 60-90 seconds.

However, it should be highlighted that the Morsø Forno can make so much more than just pizza. Due to its cast iron construction, creating the ideal baking environment, this oven has the versatile capabilities to roast, bake and grill.

Another bonus? The Morso Forno Oven is self-cleaning. With its high inside temperatures, it burns away and removes all oil and fat residue after food preparation, leaving the internal firebox sterile, clean and ready for use.

WHERE CAN I USE THIS OVEN?

While it is recommended for stationary outdoor use, it’s small size make it easily transported to bake pizzas at a neighbourhood cookout down the street, or even a friend’s house across town.

It’s 70cm x 60cm base makes it the perfect addition to the outdoor patio without being overwhelming or cumbersome.

The oven features a low firebox and lots of room for firewood. A Morso Forno barbecue oven cover can be a useful accessory to protect your appliance while outside without having to transport it in and out before and after every use.

WHAT MAKES THIS OVEN SPECIAL?

The Morso Forno Outdoor Oven opens up the authentic pizza making experience so that anyone can taste the delectable flavours of traditional Italian pizza, and it certainly costs less than plane tickets to Italy!

The versatility in uses means you can still eat out on nights where you want to enjoy the oven but are not in the mood for pizza. Plus, the Morsø Forno functions brilliantly as an outdoor fireplace when not being used to cook.

HOW CAN I BUY THIS OVEN?

If you want to try this gourmet pizza making experience for yourself, get in touch with one of our showrooms and get set to get to baking!

Why choose an electric stove or fire for your home?

There are many reasons why you may decide to choose an electric heating appliance for your home. A stove or fire powered with this fuel source can offer simple, mess free, installation, instant comfort and warmth on cold or dull days, as well as providing a relaxing ambiance year-round with realistic flame effect.

Easy to Install

Get the look and benefits of real fire in seconds with a flick of a switch. Really it’s that simple; unpack, position, plug in! This makes an electric fire or stove a great option if you don’t have a working chimney or flue and a good alternative if you don’t have a gas supply to your home. You won’t even need to create a vent through an outside wall.

Essentially an electric appliance is much more flexible than a gas or fuel burning fire, as you can place it anywhere that it can be plugged in. Do keep in mind that freestanding electric fires need to be placed against a flat wall.

Easy to Operate

Many modern electric fires and stoves have fantastic built in features such as remote controls to enable you to switch the device on and off from anywhere in the room, which can be particularly helpful if you have limited mobility. There are also fires with their very own Apps allowing you to control the adjust your fires display and ambience from your phone or tablet.

Energy Efficient

Many people assume that electric fires cost a lot to run. This is down to the fact that electricity usually has a higher unit cost than gas. While this is true, it is worth bearing in mind that modern electric fireplaces are 100% efficient, no heat is lost up a chimney and they have a very low, or no, installation cost.

And because they work independently of the heating, you can enjoy the relaxing effect of the ‘flames’ all year round, adding ambience without overheating the room on mild evenings or when the central heating is on.

Many of our fires use LED bulbs and the cost of running a fire in ‘flames’ only setting can be as little as just £2 per year. The predicted life of an average LED bulb is 50,000 hours.

Safe and Reliable

Because electric fires do not burn fuel internally to generate heat there are none of the associated safety risks, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

They are ideal for use in smoke control areas and a great alternative if you want a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option than a wood-burning stove.

One of the benefits of electric appliances is that they don’t need annual servicing by Gas Safe engineers, and you don’t need to get any chimneys cleaned either. One less worry saving you time and money.

Browse our wide range of electric fires and stoves here to find the ideal appliance for your home.

Pizza ovens, a novelty purchase never used or worth the investment?

If you’re dreaming of eating alfresco dinners but not a fan of BBQ food then a pizza oven really could be for you and your family. Pizza ovens have the ability to turn any meal into an occasion. Fun, authentic delicious pizzas with unbeatable flavour and a great entertainer for kids and guests with everyone wanting a slice of the action!

But with so many options on the market how do you choose the right one for you. Read our top tips for selecting a pizza oven below.

Time. Before setting out to purchase a pizza oven consider how much time you want to spend cooking. Some traditional types of pizza oven can take over 3 hours to heat up to the optimum cooking temperature so consider a gas one if you’re not the patient type.

Fuel. There are two types of fueled outdoor ovens. Wood burning ovens are the traditional choice and until recently the most popular option, however, while gas fired ovens are relatively new to the UK they are becoming increasingly popular. Wood fires ovens involve burning timber – while this is pretty straight forward it is important to know there are certain types of wood you can’t use when cooking. Gas fired ovens are perhaps easier to light and control. You don’t have to worry about lighting wood and making sure you have enough fuel in the oven throughout the cooking process.

Where. Think about the where you intend to put your oven. Ask yourself ‘what space do I have and is it large enough for the finished installed oven?’ This is particularly relevant if you are choosing amodular oven, requiring assembly on site, as you may want to design and build your own bespoke base or outdoor kitchen area for your oven. Always check the finished sizes of ovens with suppliers and the recommended base dimensions. Remember to add up to 60mm or more all around for final finishes like renders or tiles or a shelf at the front depending on how you chose to customise your oven. Alternatively, an assembled pizza oven can be set in place on nearly any sturdy outdoor surface. It does need to be table height though so you can get your pizzas in and out! You might like to consider a pizza oven table or stand to accompany your product. It’s important to check the weight of your chosen oven if pre-assembled, high mass concrete or brick ovens are very heavy. Ready-made ovens of these types are especially difficult to lift and manoeuvre without professional equipment such as a fork lift truck and/or several helpers. A portable gas fired pizza oven is considerably lighter. If you’re looking at outdoor ovens for family home use, you may want to consider a more lightweight model with wheels so you can move in to the garage or shed when not in use.

Installation. An important factor in any fire purchase is installation costs. A portable gas fired pizza oven requires relatively little set up, in fact most are simply position, connect up and go! An assembled pizza oven will require a small team to lift it into position. A modular oven requires construction and if you aren’t confident in doing this yourself then you will need someone to complete the work. Additionally, there are the associated costs of creating a base or outdoor kitchen area should you require these.

Uses. Another feature to think about when shopping for a pizza oven is additional uses. Some ovens can double up as a fire pit but not all makes. Many ovens have a door and are equally as efficient at chargrilling, roasting and baking as they are at cooking pizza.

No matter which pizza oven you choose, there’s no doubt that pizza brings people together and we guarantee the right oven will deliver you hours of entertainment and great food.

Making the Most of Your Fireplace in Summer.

In winter, your fire is in constant use, but in summer, it can feel a bit redundant. If you have a fireplace it’s probably the focal point of the room, with your furniture arranged to face it. And while a roaring fire in the colder months provides curl-up comfort and welcome ambiance, what do you do when the weather warms?

Once you’ve spring cleaned your fireplace it’s set to be decorated to suit your home. Below are a wide range of ideas from simple fixes to elaborate designs that will help you transform your empty fireplace easily, quickly and without much hassle. With a little time and attention it can make a huge difference to the way the room looks, and add much needed character.

Go Green

Placing shapely potted plants, such as ferns or philodendron, inside or in front of a fireplace is a no-fail solution. Full or broad-leafed plants fill out the empty space beautifully while adding a bright and airy look that’s especially refreshing in the summer heat. Choose whether to have one large and impressive specimen or a collection of smaller plants that can be arranged carefully. Be sure to use plant saucers and a mat to protect your fireplace from scratches and marks.

Romance

Candles are a popular fireplace filler, and for good reason. Whether lit or not, candles recreate that same cozy mood that comes from the glow of a real fire. Just be sure to vary the size and height of the candles to fill out the space. Remember to light them from time to time and let the wax drip down to avoid the overly staged look unused candles convey.

Reflect Style

Filling the interior of your fireplace with a mirror not only bounces natural light around the room; it also makes a small space feel larger. And if you have a colorful rug covering the floor, a mirror will reflect it back into the room—an artful bonus. Team a mirror with a selection large candles to give added depth when lit.

Below are a few more quick summer fireplace makeovers:

Stacked firewood in baskets, especially birch logs. Get creative and paint them in bright colours for a more unusual and stand out look.
A large basket full of seashells and coral gives a summer beach home vibe
Vases of varying sizes and heights. Try using a single colour theme for a dramatic effect to contrast with your rooms decor. For example, a collection of mustard vases can create a vibrant feature in a teal room.
Stacks of old hardcover books, pages facing out
Add a dramatic piece of framed or canvas artwork inside your fireplace.
For a simple solution you can use a screen divider to cover an empty fireplace, they have a pretty motif on the front and can be any color you like making them an ideal way to quickly decorate your fireplace for the summer.

Take advantage of this bare interior space and use it for decorating instead of fire-building during the warmer months. There are many ideas for giving your fireplace or stove a summer makeover and making it your own. Dress it up and make your fireplace a fantastic focal point for the warmer months too.

Fireplace Styling

Looking to refresh the styling around your fireplace and wondering what’s on trend this year? We’ll give you a hint, it’s all about you and anything goes!

2019 saw fireplaces getting the spotlight they deserve from interior designers, placing extra emphasis on integrating beautiful and functional fires as the center of the home. This theme continues into the new decade and we take a look at the styling trends set to make your fireplace a focal point.

Soft and Subtle.

Warm pastel hues are returning once again in the new decade. Soft peachy corals, golden yellow tones and terra cotta—colors that feel soft yet grounded in earth tones. Subtle texture, like a tiled backsplash around a hearth and knitted cushions keeps things interesting.

An over-sized mirror fakes an extra window by establishing a bright focal point reflecting light and warmth. Great for smaller rooms.

Modern Nature.

The combination of natural materials and man-made has been a long growing trend and it’s not going anywhere yet. Think concrete and leather, slate and steel, wood and chrome, marble and linen. Your hearth and it’s accessories.

Rediscover the beauty of exposed brick with its history rich feel and warmth, consider teaming this bright contrasting colours such classic blue to add a contemporary edge.

A solid wood beam mantle adds rustic character, keep your interior palette minimal with geometric prints for a modern vibe. Equally, abstract art and geometric print tiles, teamed with natural materials, bring this seasons popular Scandinavian look directly into your home.

Styled log storage, painted in an accent colour, can add a whole new dimension to your fireplace.

Off Trend is the New On Trend

2020 is set to see the trend of mixing old and new styles grow even further. Deck out your mantel using an eclectic mix of vintage and new finds in various materials, like wooden frames and an artsy ceramic jug. Go for high crafted pieces, created by small designers. It’s all about authenticity and investing in what you love.

Your fireplace can wear neutral and bright hues equally so go ahead and try something new. Bright and bold colours lend themselves to being mirrored in the rooms accessories.

A monochrome interior showcases both architectural features and your fireplace. Decorate neutral walls with artwork in the same colour scheme to accentuate the contrast.

2020 is about showcasing your personality through your home and creating spaces that tell your story. Whatever your style, whichever your fire, have fun and make your interior your own. Whether you choose to jump on a trend or opt for a classic fireplace, you can’t go wrong with either. They add instant appeal and visual interest to any space and home.

To discuss your options with one of our experts, contact Living Fires today!

Spring Cleaning Your Stove

Everyone loves to curl up next to a roaring fire on a chilly night, but the fire isn’t warm and cozy if you haven’t regularly cleaned your stove. Fact: a safe and clean stove is a warm and cozy stove. So, how do you spring clean your stove and keep it maintained? Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to help make sure you keep your wood-burning or multi-fuel stove and chimney liner or flue in good shape so that when there’s a cold snap, you’re all set to throw in some fresh firewood and light it up.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Wood-Burning or Multi-Fuel Stove

Before starting, make sure that you have given your stove time to cool down completely. It is important for your safety that your appliance is cold to the touch as you may need to remove several internal parts of your stove. Always consult your stove’s instruction manual for guidance. If you regularly clean your fireplace after you allow a fire to burn, make sure you wait at least three days because that’s how long the coals stay warm for – warm enough to ignite another fire in fact.

Begin with the firebox. Start with removing all the excess ash using a dustpan and brush, then disposing safely. Once removed, use a vacuum cleaner to really get the last of all the ash and debris out. Using a brush head attachment can be particularly useful to get into all the nooks and crannies inside and to also clean in and around the grate.

Wipe down the inside of the stove with a brush or scraper. Vacuum the inside of the stove again to collect any debris you have loosened.

Use a wire brush to clean the grate and any related parts. This is a good time to check the grate to ensure it is in a good condition.

Now turn your attention to the firebricks and clean these with a soft brush, this will leave your firebricks looking clean and ready to go. Get inside again with your vacuum to hoover up any leftover debris that you’ve removed. Again, take this opportunity to check your stove’s firebricks for any damage. While everyday wear and tear is common, check for any chips or cracks that may have occurred. While small chips or cracks can be repaired using some Fire Cement, firebricks that are broken or have large cracks will need replacing.

You can now return each of the internal parts of your stove.

The inside of your stove has been cleaned and checked over, now you can start to look at the door. Check the door glass for signs of damage by removing it from the door and cleaning thoroughly with some specialist glass cleaner or warm soapy water. This will remove any soot and tar build up that has occurred and leave it looking sparkling clean (some elbow grease may be required here!) Please note that there are two types of stove glass cleaner: one for printed stove glass and one for plain door glass. Please ensure you use the correct option for your stove. If your door glass has cracked, it will need replacing, but if your glass is still in good order, once clean and dry, it can be put back into the door.

This is a good opportunity to check the rope seal in the door of your stove; rope seals can become worn and/or loose over time. If this happens, then smoke can seep through and out into your room. If it is old or worn, you should replace it. A good way to test your rope seal is to take a piece of paper and shut it in the stove door. The seal between the door and stove body should be tight enough that the paper will not move when pulled and the door is closed. If there is any movement and the paper can be moved or slid out completely, then you should either re-glue the rope seal using a rope sealant or replace the rope seal altogether.

Check the door catch and hinge pins. If they are stiff, lubricate them with a little oil.

Finally show some love to the exterior of your stove: Finish with a sparkle! Use a colloidal black cleaner or a dampened soft cloth (for enamel surfaces) to clean and smarten the exterior of your stove.

Extra Spring Cleaning Tips

Sweeping Your Chimney: If you are burning wood, ensure your chimney is swept at least twice a year; this can be reduced to once if you are only using multi-fuel in your stove. We recommend late Spring and early Autumn. You should book your chimney sweep to attend just before you want to begin using your stove on a regular basis again; this is particularly important if you haven’t used your stove for a while. Whilst visiting your chimney sweep will thoroughly inspect your chimney stack and flue before undertaking a good clean with rods and brushes. They will also identify any potential hazards or repair requirements in your chimney or flue. Any recommendations made will be put in writing for you to act on.

Once the sweep has finished, you’ll receive an Industry Standard Certificate of Chimney Sweeping that should be kept for your records.

If you need to find a local approved chimney sweep please visit the NACS website.

Check Your Alarms: If you have any kind of wood burning or multi-fuel appliance in your home, you must fit a carbon monoxide alarm in addition to your smoke alarm. These should be checked and tested regularly to ensure they are working correctly. We highly advise installing a carbon monoxide alarm as this will detect any odourless, and potentially lethal, gasses that may be leaking into your home.