Choosing the right wood stove: where to begin

Buying a wood stove is a long-term decision. Whether you're heating a home, glamping cabin, holiday let or just a single room, it’s important to choose a stove that fits your space, meets regulations, and performs efficiently with the right fuel.

Here’s what to consider — from size and style to compliance and combustion.

1. Work out what size stove you need

Wood stoves are rated by their output in kilowatts (kW). This determines how much heat they produce — and what size room they’re suitable for.

As a general rule:

• Small rooms (up to 90m³) → 4–5kW stove

• Medium rooms (90–150m³) → 5–8kW stove

• Large open-plan areas (150m³+) → 8–12kW+ stove

For most UK living rooms, a 5kW stove is sufficient. Over-sizing a stove can lead to inefficient burning and overheating — under-sizing won’t keep you warm.

2. Choose an EcoDesign-compliant stove

Since January 2022, all new stoves must meet EcoDesign standards, which limit emissions and increase efficiency. These stoves burn cleaner, use less fuel and are better for air quality.

If you’re in a Smoke Control Area, you must also choose a DEFRA-approved appliance. These are tested to ensure they emit minimal smoke when used with approved Ready to Burn fuels — like our ultra kiln dried logs and briquettes.

3. Decide what you’ll be using it for

Is your stove for everyday heating, occasional ambience, or cooking?

• Daily heating: Go for a high-efficiency, well-insulated cast iron or steel stove

• Occasional use: A mid-range stove will do fine, especially with kiln dried wood

• Multi-use (e.g. hotplate or oven): Look for wood cookstoves or dual-fuel models

• Holiday lets or rentals: Prioritise easy-to-use, easy-to-clean models with clear instructions

4. Think about fuel

All Logsmith logs — including birch, oak, ash and briquettes — are ultra kiln dried to under 15% moisture and fully Ready to Burn. This means they’re compatible with all modern stoves, including EcoDesign and DEFRA-approved models.

Some stoves are designed specifically for logs, while others can take wood or solid fuel briquettes. Be sure to match your fuel choice to the stove design.

5. Style and stove placement

Freestanding? Inset? Contemporary or classic? Consider:

• How the stove will look in the room

• Where the flue will exit (through wall or ceiling)

• Safety clearances from walls and furniture

• Access for loading and cleaning

Glass doors are standard — so you can enjoy the flame — but some stoves also offer side-loading, drawers for ash, or top-mounted hotplates.

6. Installation, ventilation & chimney needs

You’ll need to factor in:

• A suitable flue or chimney liner

• A hearth or base (usually made of non-combustible stone or concrete)

• Adequate ventilation — required by building regulations for most stoves over 5kW

• Professional installation by a HETAS-registered installer for safety and compliance

It’s worth booking a site survey before buying your stove to confirm what’s possible — especially in older buildings or unusual spaces.

7. Budget & long-term value

Stoves can range from £500 to over £3,000. As with firewood, you get what you pay for. Cheap stoves often have thinner metal, lower efficiency, and poor seals — meaning more fuel, more mess and shorter lifespans.

Quality stoves from trusted brands will last for years and save you money in the long run — especially when paired with efficient fuel like our kiln dried logs and briquettes.

Bonus tip: plan your wood storage early

Once your stove is in, you’ll want a clean, dry and safe place to store logs nearby. Our stackable cardboard boxes of firewood make it easy — no damp sheds or dirty piles, just neatly packed fuel that’s ready to burn.