Description
For homeowners who love a traditional stove, the Franco Belge Ardennes brings old-school character and plenty of warmth. It is a large cast iron slow combustion stove for wood, with a pair of doors at the front. Close them for an efficient, controlled burn, or fold them right back when you want the crackle and look of an open fire on a special evening.
Franco Belge Ardennes Wood Stove Features
Cast iron weight, steady warmth
The Ardennes weighs 140 kg, and that mass of cast iron is what makes it so comfortable to sit beside. It heats up gradually, then keeps radiating warmth long after the logs have burnt down to embers. You get an even room temperature rather than a blast of heat followed by a chill.
Slow combustion that saves wood
With the doors shut, the stove burns slowly and steadily, so a load of wood lasts much longer than in an open hearth. Running it with the doors open is possible, but Franco Belge notes this lowers efficiency and performance, so we suggest keeping that for short spells.
Easy ash removal
A large ash tray sits under the fire. Slide it out, empty it and slide it back. No shovelling ash out of the firebox on a cold morning.
Size and flue
The Ardennes measures 52.4 x 68.1 x 71.2 cm and connects to a 125 mm flue. Its classic shape works well in farmhouse style rooms, older homes and anywhere a cast iron stove feels at home.
Is the Ardennes fireplace right for your home?
As a rough guide, a wood burning stove rated 11kW+ suits a very large room, an open-plan living area or a space with a high ceiling. At 11.3kW, the Ardennes is too strong for a small lounge. Send us your room size and we will confirm the fit, or browse our other freestanding fireplaces and the full fireplace range to compare.
Installation in Cape Town
Our team supplies and installs the Ardennes with a 125 mm flue, a cowl that handles the Cape Doctor and roof flashing that keeps winter rain out. We also take care of the compliance certificate. Read more about our fireplace installation in Cape Town or see other models from Franco Belge.
Franco Belge Ardennes FAQs
Can I use the Ardennes as an open fire?
Yes. The double doors fold right back so you can enjoy it as an open fire. It burns less efficiently that way, so for everyday heating keep the doors closed and use the open setting for atmosphere.
What fuel does the Ardennes burn?
It is a wood burning stove. Use dry, seasoned hardwood for the cleanest burn and best heat. Wet wood smokes, coats the flue with soot and gives far less warmth.
Like the look of the Ardennes? Contact our team and we will arrange a site visit and a clear installation quote.
