According to existing records, the invention of the fireplace dates back to the 1st century AD. Prior to that, there is no documentation or archaeological evidence that such a structure existed. However, even though the fireplace as an element had not yet appeared, fire was already used for heating as soon as it was discovered, and of course, for cooking as well.

History of the Fireplace

In the early stages of Western civilization, “fireplaces” were simply holes in the ground used to build fires for warmth. Later on, primitive heating systems emerged using ovens that distributed heat throughout living spaces—and even heated water.

As multi-story buildings began to appear, chimneys were built along the walls, allowing smoke to escape horizontally, which contrasts with how chimneys are constructed today.

Around the 17th century, a grate system was developed that allowed the fire to “breathe” better, helping the heat last longer.

In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin invented the cast iron stove that bears his name. Even after the flames were out, it retained heat for hours. Installed at the center of the home, it distributed warmth throughout the space while also solving the problem of smoke indoors. However, its intense heat output also increased the risk of fire.

The 19th century saw the development of safer fireplaces with improved smoke evacuation systems.

But the evolution of the fireplace didn’t stop there. Today’s fireplaces are closed combustion systems that isolate the fire, enhancing safety and allowing homeowners to choose from a wide variety of cassette fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and other high-performance models.

The Modern Evolution of the Fireplace

In recent years, fireplaces have evolved into increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly systems. Innovations such as self-cleaning interiors, advanced combustion chambers, and high thermal inertia designs have significantly improved energy performance while reducing emissions.

Moreover, new European regulations and certifications now require appliances to meet stricter standards in both safety and efficiency, aligning with a more sustainable and responsible way of heating our homes.

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Christmas is that moment of the year when we are looking for warmth, quality time together, and cozy corners that invite us to stay. And if there is one element in the home that represents all of that, it is the fireplace.

We suggest five Christmas plans designed to enjoy the fire, the home, and the little moments that make this holiday season so special.

Reading session with blankets and soft lighting

For those days when you feel like slowing down and staying at home, there’s nothing like taking refuge in the warmth of the fireplace with a good book. Set up a corner with soft blankets, cushions, and warm lighting. The soft crackling of the wood and the light from your Carbel fireplace will create the perfect atmosphere for immersing yourself in a Christmas novel or rediscovering your favorite classics.

An afternoon of Christmas movies in front of the fire

Turn your living room into a cozy home theater. Choose your favorite Christmas movies, settle down with your family or friends in front of the fireplace, and let yourself be carried away by an afternoon of laughter, emotions, and nostalgia. A bowl of popcorn, soft lighting, and the enveloping warmth of a Carbel fireplace will do the rest.

Hot drinks and conversations around the fire

During the holidays, the fireplace naturally becomes the gathering place. Serve hot chocolate, mulled wine, or herbal teas and gather your loved ones around the fire. Sharing stories, anecdotes, or simply enjoying the silence and calm that the flames convey can become one of your most cherished Christmas memories.

Board game corner by the light of the fireplace

Board games are a Christmas tradition that never fails. Place a small table near the fireplace, add candles or soft lights, and choose games for all ages. The warmth of the fire will create a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, perfect for spending hours laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

Family photos with the fireplace as a backdrop

Take advantage of the special atmosphere created by your Carbel fireplace to capture unique memories. Decorate the space with Christmas details and organize a small photo shoot at home. The images by the fire will become unforgettable memories, ideal for sharing or keeping as part of your family traditions.

We encourage you to share them on social media and tag us.

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What to Do with Fireplace Ash?

Daily use of the fireplace during cold periods produces a large amount of ash, and we often don’t know what to do with it. The first dilemma is, without a doubt, where to dispose of this ash. Although it is considered an organic element, we must ensure it is completely cool to avoid any problems. To do this, we should remove it with a metal shovel and place it in a metal container so any remaining embers can extinguish.

However, if we consider the alternative uses of ash after its primary purpose, we won’t need to think about which bin to throw it in.

What Can We Do with Fireplace Ash?

The ash left behind after burning wood in the fireplace offers several benefits for everyday use around the home.

1. Making Homemade Soap

Homemade soaps made in the past used to last much longer and were especially effective at removing stains from fabrics. This is the result of mixing ash with water and animal fat, boiling the mixture, and then adding salt to solidify it.

2. Fertilizer for Crops

Ash improves the nutrient quality of soil used for cultivation, though it should be used in minimal amounts, as excessive use can have negative effects. Additionally, it helps accelerate the growth of vegetables.

3. Neutralizing Pet Odors

Fireplace ash can also help eliminate unpleasant pet odors inside the home. Simply rub a bit of ash into your pet’s fur to prevent the smell from spreading throughout the house.

4. Natural Pest Control in the Garden

Slugs and insect infestations in garden areas are inevitable, especially if you grow plants. If you identify where these insects appear, you can block their exit by applying ash to that area of the soil.

5. Silver Polishing Paste

Mixing ash with a bit of water forms a paste that can restore shine to silver items that have lost their original luster. How do you do it? Rub the item thoroughly with a cloth and the ash paste.

6. Cleaning the Fireplace Itself

Fireplace ash can also be used to clean the fireplace itself, especially for removing soot from the doors. Simply rub with moistened ash to eliminate residue.

Conclusion

If you have a fireplace, you’ll no longer have to worry about what to do with the leftover ash after each use.

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A corner fireplace not only brings warmth to your home, but also adds style and offers a wider view of the fire from different angles of the room. To keep the glass spotless and enjoy the beauty of the flames at all times, follow these tips:

1. Clean only when the fireplace is cold

Make sure the fireplace is completely cold before cleaning. This ensures safety and protects the glass.

2. Use the right products

You can use a glass cleaner specifically designed for fireplaces, or try a highly effective homemade method: a damp paper towel with a bit of fine ash. The ash works as a gentle abrasive and won’t damage the glass.

3. Use soft, lint-free cloths

Avoid metal scouring pads or harsh chemicals. Use a soft cloth to prevent scratching the surface.

4. Pay special attention to the corners

In corner fireplaces, the glass panels are joined by a metal profile. Carefully clean this area to remove any built-up soot.

5. Prevention: quality firewood and proper airflow

Use dry firewood with low resin content and ensure efficient combustion — this will significantly reduce glass dirt and soot.

Carbel Tip: 

Our models with Thermic interiors and a double combustion system help keep the glass cleaner for longer, thanks to a more efficient and cleaner burn.

Got questions about your fireplace maintenance? Contact us. website: carbel.net/en

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Who doesn’t love bread?

The combination of its aroma, flavor, and the sound of the crust when it crackles makes our mouths water. There’s nothing better than buying a good loaf to make sandwiches, toast, or tapas… except baking your own bread in your wood stove with an oven.

Stoves with ovens are one of the best options available for cooking. Depending on the model you have at home, your oven’s capacity can be quite large, allowing you to bake several batches of bread at once. But it’s not just the size that makes these stoves stand out. Typically, they feature an easy-to-clean system, so if you’re worried about making a mess in the oven, don’t worry—you can easily disassemble it for proper cleaning. Finally, it’s worth noting that the oven’s lining is made of stainless steel with a refractory base and a thermometer, which helps improve both performance and energy efficiency.

Given all that, if you want to get the most out of your stove with oven and learn how to bake homemade bread with the unique flavor of wood fire, keep reading. We’ve got the perfect recipe—and the result will surprise you!

Steps to Make Homemade Bread in Your Stove with Oven

Making homemade bread with your stove oven is very simple. Once you try it, you won’t be able to resist testing other oven-stove recipes! To start, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 600 grams of all-purpose wheat flour

• 400 grams of strong (bread) flour

• 450 milliliters of warm water

• 20 grams of yeast

• Half a teaspoon of salt

Now just follow these steps:

1. In a bowl, mix the two types of flour, sifting them to avoid lumps, and add the salt. Then add the yeast and mix again.
2. Create a well in the center of the mixture and slowly start adding the water while mixing with a whisk or mixer until the dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add more water; if too wet, add more flour.
3. Time to unleash your inner baker and knead the dough: sprinkle a bit of flour over the dough and knead by hand for about ten minutes. Shape it into a ball, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for one hour. Then repeat the process: knead for another ten minutes and let it rise for another hour.
4. Time to place the bread in the oven! Make sure it’s nice and hot, then simply put the dough inside and bake for thirty minutes.
5. Now comes the best part: take the bread out, let it cool, and decide how you want to enjoy it.

With this recipe, you’ll get a delicious result and make the most of your stove with oven. What are you waiting for? It’s a piece of cake—well, bread!

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How to Keep the Fire Burning

You’ve probably read or heard a lot about how to start a fire in a fireplace, but have you ever stopped to think about how to keep the perfect fire going?

How to Achieve the Ideal Fire in Your Fireplace with These Tips

Once you know how to successfully light a fire in your fireplace, the next step is learning how to maintain it.

The flame should remain steady—not too low, not too high—to maintain a comfortable temperature that brings warmth and coziness to the room. This may sound simple, but mastering fire control has its nuances. Should you add a lot more wood? How often? What do you do when the fire starts to die down? How do you revive it?

These are some of the most common questions when it comes to fire maintenance. Creating a good fire isn’t just about throwing in some wood and lighting it. To keep a strong, steady fire going, there are three key factors to consider:

1. The Firewood
Let’s start with the basics—the firewood you put in the fireplace. Ideally, use medium-density logs. Hardwoods or slow-growing trees burn more slowly and produce a less lively flame (e.g., olive, beech, holm oak). On the other hand, softwoods or fast-growing trees generate fewer kW and burn very quickly (e.g., ash, poplar, willow). If medium-density wood isn’t available, you can mix hardwoods and softwoods for a more balanced burn. And remember—dry wood is essential! The more moisture in the wood, the less heat it provides, and the more smoke and soot it generates.

2. Airflow Regulation in the Fireplace or Stove
Air intake is another important variable. When starting the fire, the air draft should be fully open to ignite the wood. Once the fire is established and producing heat, gradually reduce the primary air intake.

3. Chimney Flue Cleaning
Keep the chimney and flue clean—not only for safety but also for efficient combustion. Consult qualified professionals for cleaning and chimney sweeping services.

In any case, CARBEL manuals provide detailed instructions on how to use your stove or fireplace correctly.

With these three tips, along with proper fire starting, you’ll be able to keep your fire burning longer.

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