Buy Dustless Technologies MU405R Cougar Ash Vacuum, Red

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List Price: $259.00
Sale Price: $249.95
Today's Bonus: 3% Off

With a fat Amazon gift certificate burning a hole in my jammies, visions of a clean coal stove danced in my head. I had been lusting after one of these ash-vacs for years, and now finally, it would be mine...

Boy do I wish I had read a review like this one prior to purchasing this vacuum (which I will return tomorrow). Didn't even have to dirty it, reading the instructions was all it took. Unfortunately, it required getting in to my livingroom to figure this out, since in none of the online descriptions at various sites, including Amazon, did it mention that this unit is for FINE ASH ONLY. In other words, the steel nozzle opening, approximately the diameter of a nickel, is designed to admit fine powder ONLY, and even that in small bits with the nozzle pressed against the firebrick in a "small circular pattern", allowing the ash to "sift" into the hose incrementally. (The instructions went on to detail all the various ways the thing could get itself plugged up...)

HELLO! Has anyone out there ever heated with solid fuel full time? It would take all day to suck up ash in that manner, not to mention that burning wood/coal does not produce exclusively fine ash. For coal especially, clinkers the molten residue of trace minerals found in anthracite coal, are part of the bargain, and are produced in such abundance that it would render this tool effectively useless for coal burners.

In addition, though the hose is metal, intimating that the odd live coal is no biggie, the filter system in this thing is CLOTH ie. you can burn holes in it with live material. Then it leaks. Right.

I'll have my 200+ bucks back and suck my ash chamber out with my shop vac, thanks especially since the stuff would have to be cool anyway. (You can buy fine particle filters and bags at Home Depot). So much for my simplified stove cleaning fantasies...Oh well.

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You know I read and yes, re-read those other reviews prior to going out and purchasing mine. I on one hand was using my own personal vacuum (wind tunnel hoover) to pick up the ash that my fireplace insert pellet stove was producing and I clean mine everyday. Using a ordinary vacuum is insane to say the least and messy so I finally went out and looked at the vacuums and came to this one online at Amazon but I went to my local fireplace center and purchased it there to avoid shipping cost and they wanted nearly $270.00 for it but I got it at the same price as Amazon just no shipping Well I LOVE IT no mess not too loud (the dog barks at my regular vacuum) no dog barking at this one. The flexible tube I have no issue with as of yet it moves with ease and no cracking no problems, no mess I must tell you that it does not come with tools and I use and need the tools so I purchased them separetly well dont use your own vacuum tools they fit and why spend the $15.00 as you have no where to store them on the vacuum anyways. This vacuum is intended to pick up ash not the hard stuff that looks like volcanic stuff that sits in the pan just the ash and for us, no problem it does the job that my vacuum was dying over.

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I purchased this ash vacuum less than one month ago for use with a pellet stove. In that time, and with only light use, the "flexible" hose has cracked, the motor is making a funny noise as it winds down, and the suction is significantly decreased long before the canister needs emptying. I would never buy this again, and would recommend to anyone needing an ash vac to look elswhere.

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If you have a pellet stove, this vacuum is an absolute must. I don't really see the benefit of using it for a fireplace, though; we have a wood-burning furnace and continue to use a shovel to clean it out. The crimped nozzle design and the idea of vacuuming with the nozzle against the firebrick to only pick up ash and leave solids behind sounds good, in THEORY. The problem is that the solids quickly build up around the nozzle from the suction and any particles too large to fit inside the nozzle get stuck there the second you lift the nozzle to position it elsewhere. This design would work if there was perhaps a screen fitted over the nozzle to prevent this from happening.

To clean a pellet stove, though, it is absolutely ideal. Pellets are small enough to get picked up by the nozzle without any problems. Also, as anyone with a pellet stove knows, these stoves are a real nightmare to clean by hand because of the many parts involved that need to be cleaned on a regular basis not only do you have an ashpan to empty, you have to clean a burnpot, air inlet chambers, heat exchanger tubes, etc. It used to take me over an hour to try and clean this with a brush and small shovel, and it always made a huge mesh. This vacuum has really simplified this chore and made it a breeze!

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Dustless Technologies MU405R Cougar Ash Vacuum, Red

Solidly built and well constructed. My main criticism is that it does not come with any tools. Although I ordered the tools at the same time as I ordered the vacuum, they were shipped separately and I was billed for two shipments.

The manual is also a bit limited and it left me with some questions. For example, how long can I expect a filter set (expensive) to last. How can I tell when I need to empty the vacuum (very dirty job you want to do this as seldom as possible).

Reviews of 10-Candle Metal Candelabra

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List Price: $89.99
Sale Price: $48.72
Today's Bonus: 46% Off

I stopped building fires in the fireplace many years ago for a number of reasons. However, I truly missed the ambience of a real fire in the fireplace. Candles were an option, but a fire several years ago made me hesitant to light them anywhere around the house.

Solution? Place a multi-candle candelabra in the fireplace where it is relatively safe! It works perfectly!

This particular candelabra is extremely attractive, well constructed and sturdy and fits perfectly in my fireplace.

The candles on Amazon are a bit pricey, so I ordered them from elsewhere on the internet. I bought the 3 x 3 pillars in an assortment of colors.

Overall, very pleased with this purchase!

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Only dislike about this product is that the spikes in the center of each base prevent easy use of battery operated candles with flat bottoms. I had to make a ring of modeling clay and set the candles on this to prevent them sitting lopsided due to the center spike in the base.

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Last Christmas, I purchased a fireplace candelabra for my daughter's apartment. Turns outshe loves it! She prefers the candles to wood in the fireplace. She lit the candles to show me how pretty it was. It was beautiful.[Looks like it did in the picture.] Not only was Amazon the cheapest place I could find for the candelabrabut shipping was free!

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You can't beat the price of this candelabra! It looks beautiful in our fireplace. It also seems pretty sturdy. It was exactly what we were looking for. I highly recommend.

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I love it!!!!!

It was EXACTLY what I wanted!!!!

The service was VERY GOOD!!!!!

It fits fits perfectly in my fireplace!

I get the look and don't have to mess with wood!!!

Review of Lovan Matrix 44" AV Rack, 3-Tier Light Cherry MDF Boards w/Metallic

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List Price: $449.99
Sale Price: $299.99
Today's Bonus: 33% Off

I don't own this particular product,but I had to write a reveiw about this company. I order another glass tv stand wich I love. The price that was offered at $349.99 but I found it at competitors for $190. So I emailed the company and much to my amazement they gave it to me for $185. Just like their policy was stated. Then the stand arrived damaged and again they stood by thier policy. They sent me out a replacement part. During this whole process the company was in constant contact with me. Very prompt emails and extremely helpful.

Dynamic Home Decor is a marvelous company to do business with!! Linda

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Review of Jadren Home Environment Bionaire Electric FireplaceBlk Heaters

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List Price: $249.67
Sale Price: $139.99
Today's Bonus: 44% Off

Absolutely Beautiful! Has glass front (which was not communicated in description) is bright and shiny and perfect for the contempary look that I am seeking. Will be stunning when installed.

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Standard Fireplace Hearth Ash Coal Bucket Carrier - BLACK Review

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List Price: $73.95
Sale Price: $35.00
Today's Bonus: 53% Off

larger than i thought it would be. it will be nice when cleaning out the ash won't take as many trips

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Works great would recommend highly to anyone with a fireplace. Holds more ash than I expected. Have already let several friends know about this great product.

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What a good last minute Christmas gift for my husband. He said his bucket had sprung a hole in it just a few days before Christmas and you delivered.

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My husband and I have a fire going any day its cold, and this allows us to clean out the ash quickly, even when it is still warm --have to make room for more wood, as we have our fire going for 8-10 hours at a time. Classic design.

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It works. As long as it works it is OK with me. Holds a lot more ash than what we had been using.

Hutch Mfg. C88 Cleanout Door Review

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Hunk of junk, made in China....Door dose not close tight...door hangs crooked and leaves 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap between door and frame....Will never keep the rain & bugs out...My old door closed nice and rain tight.

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This is the product I expected to receive. It wasn't exactly the right size for application but preparation for use was not a problem, just a little extra mortar around the perimeter. It looks nice.

Buy Imperial Mfg Group LT0162 Ash Shovel

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List Price: $102.79
Sale Price: $7.64
Today's Bonus: 93% Off

Don't think you're getting a cast iron antique showpiece. It's a sheet metal shovel, but cheaper than the local store and no ride necesary to get it. Paint was well applied and seems durable. Shovels ashes perfectly from my small kitchen cookstove and (in season) from our maple sugar evaporator.

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This ash shovel is not several lbs and has and never will be worth $109. It is the same as the other shovel for the same price.

Buy Decorative ceramic tile outdoor fireplace with stainless bowl

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List Price: $299.95
Sale Price: $188.16
Today's Bonus: 37% Off

This could be a really great piece, but the construction quality is incredibly shoddy. The welds are messy, the tile looks cheaply put together. Also, the tile panels don't line up, the pan in the middle is out of round, and it generally looks cheap for a $300 piece of hardware. The one good part, as usual, is Amazon. Quick shipping and great customer service.

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I have owned this fire pit for three years. It has performed well, but its looks have deteriorated. I have to paint the firescreen cover every year with heat resistant paint. the ceramic pieces are starting to chip. Nice size firepit though. Puts out great heat even underneath when you put your feet near it.

Review of Mt. Vernon Combustion/exhaust Blower

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My exhaust blower on my Mt Vernon pellet stove went gunnybags at the 8-year mark (started screeching punctuated by other raspy sounds). I purchased this replacement exhaust blower as it was slightly cheaper than I could get elsewhere. When the box arrived the flange of the fan-cage was sticking out the side of the box and was slightly bent. This did not pose a big problem as I simply took a pair of pliers and bent the thin sheet metal flange back straight. Unfortunately the white felt "gasket" that came with it had been torn in two in several spots as it had been sandwiched between the bottom of the heavy fan housing and the packaging box. The only packaging that had been put in the box was packing-paper and the weight of the fan was too much for the paper to have any dampening effect. Thus, the heavier fan jostled all about in the box during shipment protruded through the side of the box and tore the gasket up. After straightening the fan housing I was able to also patch the gasket back up. After assembly (see below) I was somewhat disappointed to hear than the fan had a harmonic "rumble." The rumble lasts for about 1 second and then is replaced by a second of relative quiet at which time the rumble resonates on again and so forth. Thus, while my stove is on I can hear a huuuuuuuuum.................huuuuuuuuuuuum.......................huuuuuuuuuuum etc. It is only somewhat irritating, but adds to the overall noise the stove makes in the corner of my living room. The box from the seller contained one complete exhaust fan, one white felt gasket and an instruction sheet for "how to" go about changing out the old fan with the new. The instruction sheet was adequate except that it left out that you need some high temp gasket cement (or similar product) to properly seal the friction-fit between the fan housing and the exhaust port on the back of the stove. I was able to get a product at my local hardware store called Meeko's Red Devil Gasketing Cement & Stove Sealer that I used for the purpose.

I have only average mechanical capability and the whole disassembly/reassembly process took about 2 hours and fifteen minutes. You have to take apart most of the back half of the pellet stove in order to replace the exhaust fan. The instructions were adequate but I took additional notes to remind myself which colored wires go back onto which electrical component etc. It was at times a frustrating journey that required double-jointed wrists, midget hands and patience. The biggest hang up you will encounter is removing and replacing the screws that connect the exhaust blower to the stove. Not a lot of room for a ratchet inside the stove cavity. Accordingly, the top right screw was the biggest bugger. An open-ended 7/16th wrench was the only tool to use and you can only get about 1/10th of a turn of the screw per twist of the wrist. Patience grassshopper.....in ten minutes you will have the screw out. On reassembly I would suggest only slightly tightening the other exhaust fan screws first as getting the "big bugger" screw started is difficult (you have so little finger room between the auger chute and end of the screw) and you need all the play you can get to achieve getting the screw threaded back into its hole.

Good luck weekend warriors!

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The blower was hard to find for this model of pellet stove (5) five years old.

Went in OK and now I need to find a control box for the stove.

Isn't that life... But the fan is good...

Enviro-Log Inc 6Pk 5Lb Enviro Firelog 100562 Firelogs Holders Reviews

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These two fire logs Enviro-Log and Java Log, have a lot in common. Both are made from waste materials: coffee grounds in one case; waxed cardboard, like milk cartons, in the other. Both advertise more heat per unit weight and lower emissions than regular wood. Java-Log asserts carbon neutrality, because its waxy binder comes from plant sources I don't know the provenance of the wax in Enviro-Log. Both advertise a 3hr burn time for the 5lb log.

They're alike in how they burn, too, whether that's a good thing or not. I had a chance to test both. I burned them, one at a time, in an outdoor firepit a steep-sided ceramic bowl about 80cm across and 30 deep. Both times, I burned the log during daylight on a metal grate with plenty of air circulation underneath, and lit them according to the manufacturers' directions. For the Java-Log, that meant leaving the paper wrapper on and lighting the wrapper in three places. I found this somewhat less than satisfactory, since only one end of the log lit. Following the manufacturer's directions, I didn't poke at it until the whole length of it was lit, which took about a half hour. Even then, the surface didn't burn evenly until, against recommendation, I turned it over, grooved side down. That seemed to burn a bit better. I never got very big flames, but I'm sure it would have been more impressive at night. Burning had a slight waxy smell. That's a big point for me, compared to the aroma of woodsmoke, because my wife's asthma worked a lot better with the Java-Log's emissions than with regular smoke. (I missed the woodsy aroma, but you can't have everything.) It burned pretty much the advertised time, but went through phases of more and less smoke as it burned. It burned cleanly and completely, unlike wood which always leaves charred ends, leaving only a cup or two of uniform, sandy ash. I assume the ash comes only from the coffee grounds, so it should be compost-compatible.

The Enviro-Log was remarkably similar, in my test. Directions say to unwrap the log, wad the wrapping under the log, and use the wrapping as kindling. As with the Java-Log, this was less than satisfactory. It lit, but rolled off the wad once burning weakened it, so I had to move the log back onto the burning wrapper. As with the Java-Log, the manufacturer's procedure lit only one end of the log. It also took about a half hour and a little turning for it to catch completely. It burned much the way the Java-log did, but with a slightly more pronounced waxy smell and with a little papery ash flying away (but caught by the firepit's screen). The Enviro-Log had smoky phases as did the Java-Log, but a bit smokier. It also burned down cleanly, but the pile of papery ash at the end was a good bit bigger than the Java-Log's residue. Since it's just paper ash it should be as garden-friendly as wood ash, but I wouldn't swear to either log's ash suiting an organic farmer.

I found the two pretty much equivalent in this test. The waxy smell meant I wouldn't use either for cooking, and they don't produce coals the way wood fires do. Only one thing (which I didn't test) left me leaning toward the Enviro-Log. The Java-Log's instructions are quite insistent about burning only one at a time, not burning other wood or fuel with it, and leaving it alone while it burns. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that the waxy binder could soften if the log overheated, possibly causing it to crumble or flare up. Likewise, the "leave it alone" order could be due to softening with heat, so that poking at it would break it up rather than turning it. The Enviro-Log advertises that you can burn one with other fuel (e.g., regular wood) in the fire, burn two together, or add additional fuel before the first log burns out. That flexibility is a real selling point, especially if you plan to keep the fire going past one log's lifetime.

In summary: they're both attractive because of my wife's sensitivity to wood smoke, and both use materials that would otherwise have gone to landfill. When burned one at a time, they behave quite comparably not a big showy fire, more than enough to cast a bit of warmth. The Enviro-Log seems more versatile, though, and doesn't prohibit many of the things I normally do with regular wooden logs.

-wiredweird

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These logs are ok but do not heat as well as Duraflame or Presto Logs. They are a little bit cheaper to buy but you have to really burn 2 or more logs to generate adequate heat. This product also creates LOTS of ash. They do light easily and are an ideal log for nights that are not too cold.

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I was so thrown by the bad reviews here, that I had to double check that I am reviewing the same product! I am quite happy with these. After burning six logs, I find them quick to light, odorless, long lasting, and nicely heat-producing. On top of all that, the logs are 100% recycled cardboard boxes. For me, the only way they could be improved is if they were cheaper and they made a crackling sound.

This is definitely worth a try, especially if you are environmentally conscious.

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For starters, they are safer than burning traditional wood, which is a great start. If you have a fire in your fireplace all the time, these probably are not the best bang for your buck, but if you are like us and only have a fire in the fireplace from time to time (once or twice a week on Winter nights), these are perfect.

These things are terribly easy to use. You tear off the wrapper and throw them in the fireplace, using the wrapper as kindling, and they light right up. You could even just light the log itself if you want, for a slower start.

I recommend using two logs at a time to get a full-sized fire. These will last for 3-4 hours, and as they crumble apart the flames get larger (similar to when you stoke a natural wood fire). At times, the flames were huge from the two logs at other times, they were fairly subdued but in my experience this isn't much different than regular wood fires. These do leave more ashes behind than a Duraflame, but obviously much better for the environment and your health/safety.

The only negatives I can think of are price (more expensive than bulk purchased wood) and appearance. They have a waxier look than a duraflame, so for someone who really cares about the look of wood in a fire, it could be a drawback otherwise it's a great use of recycling.

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The box shows a log in full flame. You will not get this unless you start pulling it apart.

The paper wrapper does not catch fire very easily, thus is hard to create critical heat to get the log going. You will get either side of the log fitfully burning. It will continue to slow burn unless you help it along by pulling it apart... which defeats the long burning aspect.

I have actually had one of these logs go OUT and I had to get it going again. It also generates a lot of ash.

Nice idea, but it's not there yet.

Reviews of Royal Fire Tool Set

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List Price: $96.88
Sale Price: $85.36
Today's Bonus: 12% Off

This tool set is just what I was looking for, It has the old world look to it and is well made, looks wonderful next to my wood stove, I highly recomend it. Thanks amazon

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the only reason I gave this four stars is because the broom is not very fucntional. but other than that it is a very good product

Best Black Premium Spark Guard With Polished Brass Handles Deals

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List Price: $155.27
Sale Price: $96.00
Today's Bonus: 38% Off

Bought on Amazon, beautiful product! Looks great on our fireplace, replacing one that we had for many years. We prefer the screen that completely covers our fireplace, for safety purposes. Very fast delivery, good packaging.

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So often one wants just what one has or had. I looked in vain in stores for a fireplace screen just like my mother's. This new one is lovely and a good value. I found this model only on the web. It was shipped in a timely manner and delivered in great shape. It's just like my mother's.

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This is a very nice and well-constructed fireguard. It looks great on a period fireplace, and I recommend it as an alternative to vintage or antique examples of the style.

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So, why is it that when a sensible fireplace screen is made, it has to disappear from the stores? We had bought this screen from Lowe's in 1998 and when it finally gave up and the screening was tearing our skin off as we were working the fireplace, we went back to Lowe's only to find that the only screens available were fancy. We don't like fancy we like serviceable. We went to every store that sells fireplace things, and no good. Thank goodness in scouting on-line, I was able to find the exact same screen. I almost bought two in my panic that this one would wear out, too. But, then I realized that I would probably be dead or in a nursing home when it does give out and my children will have to be the ones to scour either the internet or whatever comes after it. This is a sane, sensible screen that does not take away anything from the beauty of the fire. And the price is right.

Lustro Italiano Stone Cleaner, 32-Ounce spray Reviews

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I have black granite kitchen counter tops. This product removes water spots and the cloudy film that accumulates easily. It keeps the counters shiny and clean.

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I love this for my dark granite countertops. It takes away streaks and makes them shine. I highly recommend it.

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So you thought you could clean your Granite with Windex? Guess again. It leaves a dull film....you tried spray wax yipes now you have shine but what about long term protection. Lustro Italiano Stone Cleaner is a great product...it cleans, protects, and shines your Granite just like glass try it just once you will be convinced.,

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It works better than any other product I have used that is all I have to say....It wont do a dance, rub your feet or make up the minimum number of words you need to post a review...lol

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The company that put my counters 2 years ago gave me this to keep my granite counters clean. I use it every night and follow the simple directions. If my counters are messy from food prepartion I wipe them with a sponge and then spray them with Lustro. I leave it on for about 30 seconds and then wipe again with the damp sponge. Most time I quickly dry them with a paper or cloth towel. Dish soap is very hard to get off the counters and isn't recommended for them. My first 32 ounce bottle is almost gone and I was so pleased with the product I ordered it on Amazon.