Its UK subsidiary is in Manchester and its huge portfolio of fireplaces are available from over 200 specialist fireplace dealers throughout Great Britain. DRU was founded in the Netherlands in 1754 as a foundry, producing pots, pans and other metal goods. It began making fireplaces in the early part of the 20th century and became a major producer of gas heating appliances in the 1950s. Today, DRU designs, manufactures and distributes contemporary gas fires, wood fires and stoves, electric fires and bioethanol fires that can be installed with or without a chimney. All models are glass-fronted with energy efficiency up to 90% and are distributed by fireplace retailers throughout Europe and the UK. DRU designer gas fires
DRU gas fires include hole-in-the-wall models, 2 and 3-sided models, gas stoves and tunnel fires. There is a choice of interior finishes and fire beds and some have tailor-made fire surrounds and frames in contemporary or classic designs. All DRU designer gas fires utilise the balanced flue system. This was originally developed by DRU in the 1930s and is the basis for millions of gas appliances worldwide. The system allows fires to be installed in almost any location around the home, with the flue exiting through an external wall. Air from outside the building is used for combustion, with waste gases expelled outside. The flue can be housed in a false chimneybreast to create the illusion of a traditional fireplace. For example, Eco Wave is a smartphone app that allows the user to control the flame pattern and gas consumption of the fire; PowerVent® is an extended, fan-assisted flue system that enables gas fires to be installed in previously inaccessible locations, such as high-rise apartments, basements, loft conversions, hotels and restaurants. Global by DRU gas fires
The Global by DRU range includes conventional flue and balanced flue gas fires. The conventional flue models can be installed directly into traditional UK Class 1 chimneys and combined with classic fire surrounds. The balanced flue models include ‘hole-in-the-wall’ gas fires that are similar in style to the designer fires, but at prices that are affordable for all households. DRU Virtuo electric fires
DRU has developed the Virtuo series of contemporary electric fires. Based on the same principles as DRU designer gas fires, Virtuo models are built into false chimneybreasts and hearths to create stunning contemporary fireplaces. A unique projection system generates high, realistic flames, underpinned by glowing embers and the exclusive Virtuo app enables the user to control the flame pattern and even change the flames to atmospheric light effects. Dik Geurts wood stoves and fires. Dik Geurts is the brand name for the wood stoves and fires that are designed and manufactured by DRU. They include freestanding and built-in models with classic and contemporary designs, easy-to-use controls and high energy efficiency. Most models have the option of external air connection for clean burning and efficient performance and they can be connected to existing chimneys or installed in multiple locations around the home. Spartherm wood stoves and fires
DRU is the UK distributor for the Spartherm range of wood stoves and fires from Germany. They include a huge selection of built-in and freestanding models with unique features, such as automatic vertically sliding glass doors for cleaning and routine maintenance of the fires, a special ‘soft-close’ door system and an electronic control app for smartphones and tablets. Ebios-Fire bioethanol fires and stoves
Bioethanol is an organic fuel derived from crops such as cereals and hay. The bioethanol fires, which are also manufactured in Germany by Spartherm, are almost 100% energy efficient with no harmful emissions. They are available in a wide range of designs and heat outputs and require no chimneys, flues or complex installation. DRU CPD courses. DRU conducts regular CPD courses for architects and builders entitled ‘A journey around specifying fires.’ The course deals with the differences between balanced flue and conventional flue gas appliances, open and closed combustion wood burning fires and stoves, and how new technology is contributing to flexibility of installation and higher energy efficiency. Most DRU, Global by DRU, Dik Geurts and Spartherm appliances are Ecodesign ready with A energy labels.
