Clearview Stoves

Clearview Stoves were the first company to have a multi-fuel stove approved to burn wood in smoke control areas. They are known for their simplicity and reliability along with classic designs and excellent manufacturing standards.

They offer high fuel efficiency along with a wonderful view of the flames behind crystal clear glass. They are also easy to light and can burn for long periods unattended. A great choice in stylish and efficient log burners / wood burning stoves.

• Heavy steel construction
• Precision welded inside and out, for airtight construction, durability and long life.
• All wear and tear parts are easily replaceable.
• Cast iron doors, that are adjustable to maintain air tightness.
• Firebox is refractory lined promoting clean combustion.
• Solid brass knobs and door handles.
• Adjustable leveling bolts for easy adjustment on uneven hearths.
• Stainless steel ash pan for long life and easy ash removal.
• Independent up draft and down draft air distribution system for maximum response and control.
• Exceptionally large windows. All Clearview Stoves have large double glazed windows that give an excellent view of the fire.
• Clean burning. The Clearview stove hot air-wash system results in highly efficient heating and really clean burning with no sooting or tarring of the stove windows. They are so efficient that they are fully approved for Smoke control areas.
• A 3 years manufacturer’s guarantee.
• 7 different colours to choose from on many models.
• Optional smoke control kit (apart from the Vision Inset).
• Optional top or rear flue outlet (apart from Vision inset).
• Optional satin chrome fittings and door handles (rather than brass).

Clearview Stoves Thermometer

We recommend using a thermometer for your stove as they help you understand how well your Clearview stove is operating by indicating how efficiently the fuel is being burnt.
You can check our Stove Thermometers here.

Clearview Stoves Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What stove output do I need?

The output required depends on a number of factors. Room size is important, generally measured in cubic feet or meters, however, it is not enough to simply work out the size of the room and allocate a particular output of stove.

You should consider the age of the house and insulation level, whether windows are double glazed, the proximity of stairs and any basement, what other forms of heat are in the house, how regularly you are likely to use the stove, and what you want the stove to achieve for you.

Contact Topstak for more information and guidance.

What is a Clearview stove made from?

Clearview stoves are made from high-quality British steel. This has the advantage over cast iron in that it can be welded, providing a very strong and air-tight construction.

Clearview Stoves have long air pre-heating passageways that can only be incorporated into a steel structure which provides a strong and more air-tight body, essential for clean-burning controllability.

A heavy and well-made steel stove is likely to hold and give as much heat as a cast-iron one of similar weight.

Are Clearview stoves multi-fuel?

All Clearview stoves have a multi-fuel capacity. The Clearview patented combustion system offers two independent air supplies to provide ideal control for both wood or solid fuel of various qualities and moisture contents.

However, should you want a stove that is a joy to watch, very clean burning and environmentally sound then wood should be your fuel of choice.

In terms of performance, the stove will perform equally well with both solid fuel and wood, however solid fuel is likely to leave more residue in the firebox and this may affect the glass and your flue.

Where storage space is an issue use natural solid fuel such as anthracite and always use a stove thermometer.

What hearth do I need?

Almost all of the 5kW and 8kW stoves in the Clearview range require only a minimum hearth of 12mm thick and are passed for use on such a hearth.

To reduce the risk of damage however, we recommend all hearths were 1″/25mm deep. The larger 650 and 750 stoves, require a constructional hearth of at least 5″/125mm.

Document J in the building regulations should be consulted for a detailed look at the hearth requirements.

Clearview stoves are classed as closed appliances and so require an absolute minimum of 9″/225mm of hearth in front of the stove body and 6″/150mm on either side.

However, the arc of the door will reach beyond this and we would encourage all our customers to build sufficient hearth to cover this.

Larger hearths are preferable and ideally should extend beneath the stove door when open.

Good hearth materials would be slate or stone.

What is the combustion air requirement for a Clearview wood stove?

The Pioneer, Solution 400, and Inset stoves are all classed as 5kW stoves, and as such do not have a specific requirement for the provision of external air.

According to Building Regulations Document J, these stoves can therefore be fitted without the need for an air brick or external air connection. All the other stoves in the range are classed as over 5kW and so provision does need to be made for there to be a permanent feed of external air into the room where there is insufficient air through natural infiltration.

The amount of air depends on the output of the stove and is worked out as 550 sq mm for every kilowatt over 5kW. For example, a Clearview 650 12kW stove would require the equivalent of 3850 sq mm of external air (550 x 7 = 3850).

The preferred method of providing external air is to fit the stove with an external air box. This can be fitted to all the stoves in the range with the exception of the inset and provides a three inch diameter direct air feed into the stove.

Ducting can then be used to prevent any drafts into the room that would be present with an air brick. It should be noted that the actual requirement is for the stove to have adequate air for combustion.

Logically therefore even a 5kW stove may require external air should there be the risk of reduced air in the room. Extremely high levels of insulation and a close proximity to extraction fans may be an example of such a situation where a 5kW stove would benefit from external air.

Can I have a boiler in the stove to heat water and central heating?

Almost all the Clearview stoves can be fitted and retrofitted with boilers. Where this is a possible option the following consideration should be taken into account:

• Boilers will reduce the combustion temperature in the firebox. Some extra sooting up of the glass, the firebox and the flue is to be expected.
• Boiler stoves may require twice the amount of wood, their reload time will be much more frequent and the quality of the wood more important. Boiler stoves are less forgiving of poor quality fuel. Are you organised to accommodate this?
• Boiler systems can quickly become complicated and will need servicing. You should carefully weigh up the cost of buying and fitting a boiler stove against the likely savings. You may find a dry stove will more effectively heat your house than a boiler stove, and it will be easier and cheaper to run.
  Does a boiler stove suit your lifestyle? Is somebody at home all day to stoke up the fire?

Can I use a wood stove in a smoke control area?

Most of the Clearview range has been passed for use in smoke control area.

This means that you can burn wood and maintain sufficient clean burn to pass legislation.

You cannot have a boiler in a smoke control stove.

I do not have a chimney, can I still have a wood burning stove?

Yes. The most widely used option is to erect an exposed flue system. These flue systems can be built both internally and externally, but the preference is to build internally.

The flue is better insulated against adverse weather conditions and the heat given off by the flue itself can be used to heat any rooms through which it is fitted. Another advantage is that in most cases the system will involve less bends if it is running directly through the house, which is cheaper and more efficient.

Understandably some people are reluctant to create too much disruption in the house but it is worth remembering that when installing a relatively costly flue onto the stove you would wish to get as much benefit from the stove as possible and an exposed flue could potentially add considerable heat to the house and reduce your heating bill proportionately.

It is vitally important that there is sufficient draw on the stove and for this, the chimney needs to be well positioned.

On the whole, the termination of the flue needs to be above ridge height, although in the case of single-story extensions or conservatories exceptions can be made.

My chimney is sound or has a class 1 clay liner, is it necessary for me to reline and insulate?

To get the best performance from your stove and to maintain a clean and efficient flue it is very important to have a narrow, warm and smooth environment for the flue gases.

The warmer the flue the quicker hot air will rise through it and the less air will be required to maintain efficient combustion.

A warm liner will provide flue gases with good momentum, it will make the installation safe and considerably reduce the risk of a chimney fire and condensation, providing a more consistent draft.

A liner should be safer and easier to clean. With wood between 20-25% moisture content, and with an average use of 4-5 tonnes of wood a year, over a tonne of moisture could be sent up your chimney in the form of steam.

In an ideal scenario, smoke would exit the top of the flue over 100°C, taking with it the moisture in the flue gases.

A poor flue will more than likely allow the flue gases to drop below 100°C, at which stage water will condense on the inside of the chimney.

This mixes with soot-causing tar, which can be both corrosive and invasive. Clay pot liners are not usually ideal as they are often cold, uninsulated and built incorrectly, and as such is likely to increase the chance of condensation in your flue.

I am building a new house, what should I use to build my chimney?

In this situation, we would strongly recommend that a Pumice system be used.

There are two options, either the liner system, which involves 600mm lengths of flue around which leca insulation is backfilled or the double modular system which incorporates both the stack and the liner.

Both allow you to match the external chimney with your existing walls whether it be brick, stone, or render.

Its insulating qualities make it the ideal choice for external chimney systems, although it can be used to reline existing old stacks.

It is also very cost-effective and is easy to assemble. It can be erected anywhere on the house but for obvious reasons is better suited to a gable end.

What fuel can I use?

Wood is the best fuel. It’s cleaner burning and kinder to your stove and your chimney liner. We also recommend naturally dried fuel, seasoned outside and under cover.

This provides a more even seasoning and will not unduly stress the wood during the drying process. Clearview stoves have only been tested with this kind of fuel.

You can mix kiln-dried wood with air-dried wood, and using a thermometer at all times to monitor the temperature the stove is burning at to avoid overheating.

Clearview Stove Efficiency Comparison Table

The efficiency of a wood-burning stove is important to consider. Many Clearview stoves have efficiency ratings between 70% and 80% which means you will be using less fuel and creating fewer emissions, while still keeping your house warm.

You should not confuse the heat output figure, which is quoted in kilowatts with the efficiency rating which is quoted as a percentage.

Clearview Pioneer stoves

This range of Clearview wood burner / multifuel stoves consists of the Clearview Pioneer 400 and the Clearview Pioneer 400P. As Clearview multifuel stoves, both stoves are incredibly fuel efficient and have the ability to burn as little as one kilo of wood per hour. Considered to be the highest specification of small stove ever built, the Clearview Pioneer 400 is unrivalled in its heat capabilities, and has since become one of Topstak’s bestselling stoves. Where the Clearview Pioneer 400P is equally as impressive, it also comes with the addition of an integral plinth. A great multifuel / wood burning stove.

Clearview Pioneer 400 [ Shop here ]

• 5kW heat output
• One double-glazed door that gives an uninterrupted view of the flames.
• Clearview hot airwash system for really clean burning without fuss or pampering.
• Independent up draft and down draft air distribution system for maximum response and control.
• Refractory lining, promoting super clean combustion.
• Multi-fuel grate, for easy lighting and rapid response.
• Heavy steel construction – welded inside and out for durability and long life.
• Solid brass knobs and door handles.
• All “wear and tear” stove parts are easily replaceable making maintenance comparatively effortless.
• Stainless steel ash pan for long life and easy ash removal.
• Rotary grate for easy riddling
• Adjustable levelling bolts, for easy adjustments on uneven hearths.
• Adjustable hinges and door catch to maintain air tightness throughout the life of the door seals.
• Hotplate surface for coffee pot or kettle.
• Takes up to 10 inch logs.

Clearview Pioneer 400P [ Shop here ]

This is the same high performance stove as the Pioneer 400 but with an integral plinth.

Clearview Vision stoves

The Clearview Vision range is made up of two stoves: the Clearview Vision 500 and the Clearview Vision Inset. Revolutionary in design and function, the Clearview Vision 500 was the first multifuel stove to be approved for use in UK smoke control areas. Both with a large glass window and easy access door, each Clearview stove in the Vision range has been designed to heat your home as efficiently as possible. A great multifuel / wood burning stove.

Clearview Vision 500 [ Shop here ]

• 8kW heat output
• One double-glazed door that gives an uninterrupted view of the flames.
• Clearview hot airwash system for really clean burning without fuss or pampering.
• Independent up draft and down draft air distribution system for maximum response and control.
• Heavy steel construction – welded inside and out for durability and long life.
• All “wear and tear” stove parts are easily replaceable making maintenance comparatively effortless.
• Refractory lining, promoting super clean combustion.
• Multi-fuel grate, for easy lighting and rapid response.
• Solid brass knobs and door handles.
• Stainless steel ash pan for long life and easy ash removal.
• Rotary grate for easy riddling
• Adjustable hinges and door catch to maintain air tightness throughout the life of the door seals.
• Large hotplate surface for coffee pot, kettle and cooking – Flat top version only.
• Takes up to 15 inch logs.

The Vision Inset incorporates all of the wonderful Clearview benefits found in our free-standing Vision stoves but it can be installed in a fireplace opening where the hearth depth is limited and the least structural disruption is required. [ Shop here ]

Clearview Solution stoves

Within the Clearview Solution range there is the smaller Clearview Solution 400 and the larger Clearview solution 500. Both of these stoves are convection stoves, meaning they are able to effectively and evenly distribute heat around a room. Each Solution stove is also available with stainless steel sides, taking these Clearview stoves from traditional to contemporary. A great multifuel / wood burning stove.

Clearview Solution 400 [ Shop here ]

• 5kW heat output
• A Clearview double-glazed door that give an impressive, uninterrupted view of the flames.
• Clearview hot airwash system for really clean burning without fuss or pampering.
• Independent up draft and down draft air distribution system for maximum response and control.
• Refractory lining, and tertiary air supply, promoting super clean combustion.
• Multi-fuel grate, for easy lighting and rapid response.
• Heavy steel construction – welded inside and out for durability and long life.
• Solid brass knobs and door handles.
• Convection casing ensures a lower surface temperature, allowing closer installation to vulnerable surfaces.
• All “wear and tear” stove parts are easily replaceable.
• Stainless steel ash pan for long life and easy ash removal.
• Rotary grate for easy riddling.
• Adjustable hinges and door catch to maintain air tightness throughout the life of the door seals
• Base plate to provide additional floor protection.
• Hotplate surface for coffee pot or kettle.
• Built in fuel store for logs or kindling.
• Takes up to 10 inch logs.

Clearview Solution 500 [ Shop here ]

This is a highly efficient clean burning convection stove that brings elegance and comfort to any home. The hot air-wash system gives fascinating flame patterns and crystal clear glass, and its convection casing reduces the required clearance from combustibles to 300mm each side. The casing is available in a stainless steel option to give a contemporary look. The 500SB has the extra benefit of a combined boiler.

• Solution 500 8kW heat output
• Solution 500SB 6kW heat output to room plus 10,000Btu (3kW) to boiler
• Built in fuel store for logs or kindling.
• Takes up to 15 inch logs.
• Other features as the Solution 400

Clearview 650 and 750

As the two largest stoves in the Clearview collection, the Clearview 650 and Clearview 750 have been designed to provide more heat for larger rooms. With their two front windows, these Clearview stoves allow for an impressive view of the flames inside as they work to produce maximal amounts of heat in open plan areas. A great multifuel / wood burning stove.

Clearview Solution 650 [ Shop here ]

• 12kW heat output.
• Two large Clearview double glazed doors that give an impressive view of the flames.
• Clearview stove hot airwash system for really clean burning without fuss or pampering.
• Independent up draft and down draft air distribution system for maximum response and control.
• Refractory lining, promoting clean combustion.
• Multi-fuel grate, for easy lighting and rapid response.
• Heavy steel construction – welded inside and out for durability and long life.
• Solid brass knobs and door handles.
• All “wear and tear” stove parts are easily replaceable making maintenance comparatively effortless.
• Stainless steel ash pan for long life and easy ash removal.
• Adjustable levelling bolts, for easy adjustments on uneven hearths.
• Adjustable hinges and door catch to maintain air tightness throughout the life of the door seals.
• Large hotplate surface for coffee pot or kettle on the Flat Top and Low Canopy version.
• Takes up to 18 inch logs (one of our best log burners).

Clearview 750 [ Shop here ]

This is the largest stove in the range. A Clearview wood burner with classic proportions and a high heat output which make it an ideal stove for larger rooms, halls and open plan areas that.

• 14kW heat output.
• Takes up to 18 inch logs (one of our best log burners).
• Other features as the Solution 650

Clearview Stove User Manuals, Instructions, and Guides

Ecodesign Ready

The Stove Industry Alliance has been working diligently to ensure that its members (including Clearview Stoves) have the knowledge and resources necessary for meeting Ecodesign regulations before they go into effect in 2022.

The SIA, which is a group of stove manufacturers committed to cleaner air standards, introduced its own certification scheme called “Ecodesign Ready” in response to Defra’s Clean Air Strategy – an initiative aimed at achieving low emission levels by the early 2020s without compromising on efficiency.

The SIA mark is awarded to wood burning appliances that meet the five fundamental requirements of the Regulation (EU) 2015/1185 24/5/2015 for efficiency and emissions, known as “Ecodesign..

Ecodesign provides much tighter restrictions on a range of different emission types compared to the  EN13240 and EN13229 testing standards and will also now include testing for NOx (nitrogen oxide), OGC (organic gaseous compound), and PM (particulate matter or soot).

Ecodesign should also reduce carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by around 88% and also raise the minimum energy efficiency of stoves from 60% to 75%.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1185 of 24 April 2015 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for solid fuel local space heaters.

PDF document: EU Ecodesign Regulation 2015/1185.