How do I measure for a pepper pot insert?

Measure the internal diameter of the chimney pot opening where the insert will sit and compare it with the external spigot diameter of the product. Check for tapering, distortion and damage before ordering.

Will a pepper pot insert stop all rain entering the chimney?

A pepper pot insert helps reduce direct rain entry but cannot necessarily prevent all wind-driven rain. Its perforated construction is intended to retain ventilation through the redundant flue.

Will a pepper pot insert stop birds nesting?

A pepper pot insert makes access through the top of the chimney pot more difficult. Where bird entry is the principal concern, a purpose-made bird guard may be more appropriate.

Does a redundant chimney need ventilation at the bottom?

Many redundant flues benefit from ventilation at both the top and lower end so that air can circulate through the flue. The appropriate arrangement depends on the chimney construction and condition.

The Reclaimed Company ® | Chimney Pot Accessories

Clay Pepper Pot Inserts

Q: What is a pepper pot insert used for?

A pepper pot insert is primarily used to terminate and ventilate a redundant chimney flue. Its ventilated clay top maintains airflow while helping to reduce direct rain entry and discourage bird access.

Q: Can I use a pepper pot insert on a wood-burning stove?

A standard pepper pot insert should not be used on a wood-burning stove unless it has been specifically confirmed as suitable for the appliance and flue system. Live appliance flues normally require a compatible chimney cowl or terminal.

Ventilate and protect redundant chimney flues with traditional clay pepper pot inserts in red and buff finishes.

Designed to sit inside an existing chimney pot, these ventilated inserts help reduce direct rain entry, discourage bird access and maintain essential airflow through an unused flue.

Shop pepper pot inserts Browse chimney cowls

Shop Clay Pepper Pot Inserts

Choose the required spigot size and colour below. The spigot diameter is the external diameter of the lower section that fits inside the chimney pot.

Chimney Cowls | Terminals

New Pepper Pot Insert Vent Red 185mm Spigot

£60.89 + Vat

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Chimney Cowls | Terminals

New Pepperpot Vent Insert Buff 185mm Spigot

£60.89 + Vat

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Pepper Pot Inserts

New Terracotta Pepper Pot Vent Insert 275mm Spigot

£100.83 + Vat

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Pepper Pot Inserts

New Buff Pepper Pot Vent Insert 275mm Spigot

£100.83 + Vat

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Pepper Pot Inserts

New Buff Pepper Pot Vent Insert 235mm Spigot

£88.65 + Vat

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Pepper Pot Inserts

New Buff Pepper Pot Vent Insert 205mm Spigot

£62.68 + Vat

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Chimney Cowls | Terminals

New Terracotta Pepper Pot Vent Insert 205mm Spigot.

£62.88 + Vat

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Pepper Pot Inserts

New Terracotta Pepper Pot Vent Insert 235mm Spigot

£88.65 + Vat

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NEW

Red Chimney Pot Roll Top 300mm the reclaimed company

Building Materials

300mm Red Chimney Pot Roll Top

£45.00 + Vat

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NEW

Cannon Pots

300mm Buff Chimney Pot Roll Top

£36.00 + Vat

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NEW

Chimney Pots

450mm Buff Chimney Pot

£60.00 + Vat

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New

Chimney Pots

450mm Red Chimney Pot

£60.00 + Vat

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NEW

Chimney Pots

600mm Red Chimney Pot

£68.13 + Vat

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NEW

Chimney Pots

600mm Buff Chimney Pot

£68.13 + Vat

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Product Selection Guide

Choosing the Correct Pepper Pot Insert

A clay pepper pot insert provides a traditional and unobtrusive way to terminate an unused chimney pot while retaining background ventilation through the redundant flue.

Suitable for: Redundant or permanently unused chimney flues that still require ventilation.

Available finishes: Choose from red and buff clay to complement common terracotta and buff chimney pots.

Important safety notice: These inserts are intended principally for redundant flues. Do not install one on a chimney serving a wood-burning stove, open fire, gas appliance, oil appliance or other live combustion appliance unless its suitability has been confirmed by a competent professional.

Available spigot sizes

Measure the internal opening of the chimney pot and select an insert with a spigot that fits securely inside it. Allow for the actual shape, taper and condition of the pot.

Spigot diameter	Approximate overall top diameter
185mm	Approximately 300mm
205mm	Approximately 300mm
235mm	Approximately 320mm
275mm	Approximately 340mm

Unsure which size to order? Send us a clear photograph showing a tape measure across the internal diameter of the chimney pot. We can help identify the closest available size, although final suitability should be confirmed before installation.

Call for product advice Email a photograph

Technical and Buying Guide

What Is a Pepper Pot Insert?

A pepper pot insert is a ventilated clay chimney terminal designed to sit within the opening of an existing chimney pot. Its perforated upper section maintains airflow while helping to limit direct rainfall, debris and bird access.

Why redundant flues need ventilation

A chimney may no longer serve a fireplace or appliance but can still contain cold, moisture-laden air. Completely sealing the top without considering ventilation can contribute to condensation within the flue and surrounding masonry.

A ventilated pepper pot insert allows background air movement while providing more protection than leaving the chimney pot completely open.

Typical applications

Fireplaces that have been permanently taken out of use.
Redundant chimney breasts or flues retained within a building.
Unused chimney pots forming part of a traditional roofscape.
Chimney refurbishment projects where ventilation must be maintained.

Principal benefits

Background ventilation: helps moisture within an unused flue disperse.
Reduced rain entry: limits direct rainfall entering through the open pot.
Bird deterrence: makes access more difficult than an uncovered chimney pot.
Traditional appearance: clay construction complements period chimney stacks.
Durable finish: suitable for long-term external exposure when correctly installed.

When a pepper pot insert should not be used

A standard pepper pot insert should not be treated as a universal chimney cowl. It may be unsuitable where the flue serves:

A wood-burning or multifuel stove.
An open solid-fuel fire.
A gas or oil appliance.
A biomass appliance.
A system requiring a tested anti-downdraught terminal.
A flue requiring a specific rain cap, bird guard or spark arrestor.

Live flues require a terminal selected for the appliance, fuel, flue system and installation conditions. Manufacturer instructions and the advice of a competent installer should take priority.

Find a suitable chimney cowl

Does an unused flue also need ventilation below?

In many situations, effective flue ventilation requires provision for airflow at both the top and lower end of the redundant flue. Simply ventilating the chimney pot may not resolve an existing damp or condensation problem if air cannot circulate through the full flue.

A chimney sweep, experienced roofer, builder or fireplace installer can inspect the arrangement and advise whether additional ventilation is required.

Find a chimney professional

Installation Guidance

How Are Pepper Pot Inserts Fitted?

The spigot is positioned inside the chimney pot and secured using a fixing method appropriate to the pot, insert and exposure of the chimney. Depending on the product and circumstances, this may involve a suitable exterior-grade mortar, sealant or proprietary adhesive.

Before installation, the chimney pot should be checked for:

Cracks, spalling or loose sections.
Movement at the pot and flaunching.
Defective mortar or open joints.
Unstable masonry around the chimney stack.
Nesting material or blockages within the flue.

Working at height: Chimney terminals should only be installed using safe access equipment and an appropriate working-at-height system. Do not attempt installation from an unsecured roof ladder or by leaning from a window.

Where the chimney stack or flaunching is defective, repairs should normally be completed before fitting the new insert.

Read about chimney stack repairs

Redundant Chimney Flues

Maintain ventilation through an unused flue while reducing direct exposure to rain, debris and bird access.

Alternative Chimney Cowls

Flues serving live appliances require a compatible terminal. Browse appliance cowls, anti-downdraught cowls and bird guards.

Browse chimney cowls

Chimney Refurbishment

Pepper pot inserts are frequently installed when repairing chimney pots, flaunching, masonry and weathered chimney stacks.

Chimney pot guide

Other Chimney Terminals

Alternatives to Pepper Pot Inserts

The correct terminal depends on whether the flue is redundant, ventilated, connected to an appliance or experiencing a specific performance problem.

Chimney Caps

Used to close or protect unused chimney pots. Some designs retain ventilation, while others seal the opening more completely.

View chimney caps

Bird Guard Cowls

Designed to deter birds and nesting material while allowing the flue to discharge or ventilate, subject to appliance compatibility.

View bird guards

Anti-Downdraught Cowls

Specialist terminals intended to help address wind-related downdraught or unstable chimney performance on suitable live flues.

Browse all cowls

Frequently Asked Questions

Clay Pepper Pot Insert FAQs

What is a pepper pot insert used for?

It is primarily used to terminate and ventilate a redundant chimney flue. The ventilated clay top helps maintain airflow while reducing direct rain entry and making bird access more difficult.

Can I use one on a wood-burning stove?

Not unless the terminal has been specifically confirmed as suitable for the appliance and flue system. A live stove flue normally requires a compatible cowl or terminal selected in accordance with the appliance and flue manufacturer’s instructions.

How do I measure my chimney pot?

Measure the internal diameter of the opening where the insert will sit. Compare this measurement with the external spigot diameter shown for the product. Also check for tapering, distortion or damage within the pot.

Will it stop all rain entering the chimney?

No exposed chimney terminal can necessarily guarantee that no wind-driven rain will enter. A pepper pot insert substantially reduces the open area and helps limit direct rainfall while retaining ventilation.

Will it stop birds nesting?

It helps deter access through the top of the chimney pot, but suitability depends on the dimensions of the openings and the condition of the chimney. A purpose-made bird guard may be more appropriate in some situations.

Should the fireplace opening also be ventilated?

Often, yes. A redundant flue commonly benefits from ventilation at both high and low level so that air can circulate. The correct arrangement depends on the construction and condition of the chimney.

The Reclaimed Company ®

Traditional Clay Inserts for Redundant Chimney Pots

Our red and buff clay pepper pot inserts provide a durable, traditional-looking finish for redundant chimney flues. Select the required spigot diameter online or contact us with a photograph and measurements for product guidance.

Shop pepper pot inserts Contact our team

The Reclaimed Company ®
Sutton Road, Wigginton, York
North Yorkshire, YO32 2RB

sales@thereclaimedcompany.co.uk 01904 289846

The Reclaimed Company ® | Chimney Pot Accessories

Clay Pepper Pot Inserts

Shop Clay Pepper Pot Inserts

Product Selection Guide