CARBEL and the SEGUIN Group: growing without losing our identity

CARBEL and the SEGUIN Group: growing without losing our identity

CARBEL is part of the SEGUIN Group, one of Europe’s leading players in the wood-burning heating sector. This partnership allows us to share expertise, industrial capabilities and international experience, while keeping our manufacturing operations in Valencia and preserving our own identity.

Being part of an industrial group does not mean leaving our history behind. For us, it means adding new capabilities to a journey that began in 1957.

From Valencia, we continue to design and manufacture CARBEL wood-burning stoves, fireplace inserts and fireplaces. At the same time, being part of the SEGUIN Group connects us with specialist teams across Europe.

What is the SEGUIN Group?

The SEGUIN Group is a European industrial group specialising in heating solutions using wood, pellets and other fuels.

SEGUIN was founded in France in 1976. Since then, it has developed a wide range of stoves, fireplaces and inserts. Its growth combines in-house development, acquisitions and partnerships with European manufacturers.

Today, the group has five manufacturing sites located in France, Denmark and Spain. It also operates two in-house testing laboratories to assess the performance and reliability of its products.

Which brands are part of the SEGUIN Group?

The SEGUIN Group brings together brands with different backgrounds, designs and areas of expertise within the fireplace and heating sector.

These include SEGUIN, CARBEL, HWAM, WIKING, JC Bordelet and VULX. The group also includes other industrial companies and maintains partnerships with specialist European manufacturers.

Each brand brings its own expertise. SEGUIN develops cast iron and steel appliances rooted in French tradition. HWAM and WIKING combine Danish design and technology. VULX, meanwhile, specialises in outdoor fire solutions.

At CARBEL, we contribute our expertise in steel wood-burning stoves, fireplace inserts and fireplaces manufactured in Valencia.

What does being part of the SEGUIN Group bring to CARBEL?

Being part of the SEGUIN Group expands our ability to share technology, industrial expertise and international experience.

The group brings together several production facilities and testing laboratories. This encourages the exchange of knowledge between teams specialising in combustion, materials, design and performance.

Its European reach also gives us greater insight into different markets and customer needs. CARBEL already distributes its products in more than 35 countries, reflecting our strong international outlook.

This collaboration can also be seen at industry events. In 2025, we organised a series of commercial meetings in Valencia to present the group’s different brands to distributors and industry professionals.

At Progetto Fuoco 2026, we also shared exhibition space with SEGUIN, HWAM, WIKING and JC Bordelet. Our joint presence showcased the range of solutions and expertise available across the group.

Does CARBEL still manufacture its products in Valencia?

Yes. CARBEL continues to design and manufacture its own products in Valencia, home to one of the SEGUIN Group’s European production facilities.

Our factory combines industrial machinery, specialised processes and experienced professionals. We oversee every stage, from the arrival of raw materials through to the finished product leaving the factory.

Being part of the SEGUIN Group therefore does not replace the way we work. It strengthens it through additional resources, shared expertise and an international industrial structure.

Our own identity within a shared project

CARBEL brings more than six decades of experience, Spanish manufacturing and specialist expertise in steel heating appliances to the SEGUIN Group.

We continue to work from Valencia with the same focus on design, efficiency and reliability. Today, however, we do so as part of a group that brings together different industrial cultures and different ways of understanding fire.

For us, growth means moving forward without forgetting where we come from. We are CARBEL, and we are part of the SEGUIN Group.

Why summer is the best time to check your stove

Why summer is the best time to check your stove

Checking your stove in summer allows you to clean it, identify signs of wear and inspect the flue before colder weather arrives. It also leaves enough time for any repairs without disrupting your home heating.

During the warmer months, the stove remains unused for longer periods. Summer is therefore the most practical time to check its condition and prepare it for the next heating season.

At CARBEL, we recommend that you do not wait until the first fire of the season. Preventive maintenance helps protect the appliance and provides greater peace of mind when you start using it again.

Why should you check your stove in summer?

Summer allows maintenance work to be completed while the appliance is cold. There is no rush, and the comfort of your home remains unaffected.

After several months of use, ash, soot and other residues may remain inside the stove. Signs of wear can also appear on the door seals, internal panels or closing mechanism.

Waiting until the cold weather arrives makes any fault more inconvenient. Stove and chimney professionals are also usually busier at the start of the heating season.

Checking your stove in summer helps you stay ahead of potential problems. It also leaves enough time to replace parts or complete any necessary repairs.

Which parts of the stove should you check?

The inspection should cover the combustion chamber, glass, door seals, internal panels and air inlets.

First, remove the ash once it is completely cold. You can then clean the glass and examine the inside of the appliance.

Check that the internal panels and baffle plate are not cracked or distorted. The door seals and closing mechanism should also be inspected.

A damaged seal can alter the airflow into the stove. This may make combustion less stable and increase the amount of residue produced.

Each model has its own specifications. Always consult the manual for your CARBEL stove before removing any components.

Why is it important to inspect the flue?

The flue must remain clean and free from obstructions so that combustion gases can escape safely.

Soot and creosote can build up with use. These deposits restrict the flow of smoke and may increase the risk of a chimney fire.

Leaves, dirt or nests may also enter the flue while the stove is not being used.

For this reason, chimney sweeping should be carried out by a qualified professional. A basic surface clean cannot replace a full inspection.

Which tasks can you carry out at home?

You can remove the ash, clean the glass and carry out a visual inspection. The stove must be completely cold before you begin.

You can also check for loose parts or visible damage. However, always use suitable cleaning products for each surface.

Do not use a standard household vacuum cleaner to remove ash. Ash can retain heat for a long time and may damage the appliance.

You should not remove technical components without first consulting the manual. When in doubt, contact a qualified professional.

How does maintenance affect stove performance?

A clean and well-maintained stove can use firewood more effectively and produce less smoke.

Deposits inside the appliance or flue can restrict the safe removal of combustion gases. Incorrect airflow may also affect how the stove is designed to operate.

A clean appliance provides greater control over combustion. This helps the stove deliver more stable and reliable performance.

Identifying a damaged seal or cracked internal panel early can also prevent more serious problems during winter.

Why should you prepare your firewood too?

The quality of the firewood directly affects ignition, heat output and the amount of smoke produced.

Wet firewood creates more smoke and encourages residue to build up. Dry wood, by contrast, supports cleaner and more stable combustion.

As a general reference, the EPA recommends using firewood with a moisture content below 20%. Wood should also be stored off the ground, protected from rain and ventilated at the sides.

Summer is a good time to organise your firewood supply and check its condition before colder weather arrives.

Common mistakes when checking a stove

The most common mistake is waiting until the first cold day. Another is cleaning only the glass and forgetting about the flue.

Some people also use chemical products as a substitute for professional chimney sweeping. These products cannot identify cracks, blockages or structural problems.

Never burn painted, treated or glued wood. Household waste must not be used as fuel either.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a wood-burning stove be checked?

As a general rule, a professional inspection should be carried out at least once a year. More frequent checks may be required depending on usage, fuel and the installation.

When is the best time to arrange an inspection?

The period between the end of the heating season and the beginning of autumn is especially convenient.

What should you do if you smell smoke?

Switch off the stove, ventilate the room and arrange an inspection before using the appliance again.

Prepare now for next winter

Checking your stove in summer helps you prepare for colder weather and keep the appliance in good condition. It also allows you to inspect the flue and prepare your firewood correctly.

At CARBEL, we have designed and manufactured wood-burning stoves since 1957. To care for each model, we recommend following its manual and entrusting technical inspections to qualified professionals.