Wood Burning Stoves: Everything You Need to Know [including log burner rules]

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Is it worth getting a wood burning stove?

Now, we might be somewhat biased, but there is a common perception that having a wood burning stove in your home increases your property’s market value. Installing a log burner is ultimately an investment, and prospective homeowners are often attracted by the idea that their new dream house already has a wood stove fitted.

Ultimately though, it is worth getting a wood burning stove for the ability to heat the room you are using, rather than the whole house, and enjoy the ambience from having a fireplace.

Do you need a chimney for a log burner?

All wood burning stoves need a chimney. You might not have an existing chimney in your property, but there are options to make it possible to have a wood stove. A pre-fabricated system works just like a conventional chimney, but can be installed either internally or externally to your property.

Are log burners being banned?

You might be wondering if wood burning stoves are being phased out. No – they are not being banned. But you will find that wood stoves need to adhere to stricter rules than ever before. We have delved into everything you need to know on the latest log burner rules, including answering your questions on can you be fined for using a log burner, what to do if you live in a Clean Air Zone, or what type of firewood you should be burning.

Are log burners a good idea?

We think log burners are a great idea. They provide a cosy and inviting atmosphere in your home, perfect for those chilly winter nights, and they let you heat the room you are occupying without putting the central heating on.

Burning wood can be considered a more eco-conscious option when the wood is sourced sustainably, and when burnt responsibly. Wood should always be of the correct moisture content, whether you have purchased from a wood supplier, or are gathering your own wood. Always measure the moisture content between 14-20%, as this is the optimum region for burning. Wet wood results in harmful gases and a less efficient burn – both of which can have a negative impact on air quality.

It’s important we all do our part by choosing a quality product, an approved installer for an appropriate installation that satisfies all building regulations, maintaining our wood stove correctly – and burning the right fuel. Never burn pallet wood or furniture in your wood burner!

What is the best wood burning stove?

It’s a big decision when choosing a wood stove. That’s why we strongly believe the best wood burning stoves are made by the Stovax Heating Group. Here are our top choices:

Stovax Riva2 wood burning fires – won the 2022 Build It Awards
Stovax Futura wood burning and multi-fuel stove range – shortlisted for the Heating & Ventilation Awards for 2023
Nordpeis ME wood burner – won the 2019 Build It Awards
Stovax Studio Air wood stoves – won the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards in 2021

All of these wood burners are Ecodesign compliant, meaning they feature the latest heating technology that reduces emissions to a minimum.

What are the best small wood burning stoves?

If space is at a premium, or you simply don’t need as great a heat output, here are some of our examples of the best small wood stoves for a more modest home need.

Futura 4 log burner from Stovax – a charming wood stove with a modern look
Stockton 3 multi-fuel stove from Stovax – a timeless design with a heat output range of 2kW to 5kW
Vogue Small wood burner from Stovax – contemporary style that is at home in either an ultra-modern room or a rustic home
Orion log burner from Nordpeis – Nordic design for the British home, plus a functional hot plate for boiling water or heating food

Read our in-depth review of each of the best small wood burning stoves for more information on what makes each of these log burners unique, and the best choice for your investment.

Are wood inserts as good as wood stoves?

Yes! An inset wood burner from Stovax is designed with the same attention to detail and performance as the rest of our freestanding ranges. The Stovax Riva2 is a great example of a wood burning and multi-fuel fire range that brings both performance and style – in an insert format.

If you are wondering which is better – an insert or a freestanding stove – neither is better than the other. It will all come down to your home design ideas, and then the performance stats of each individual model.

Insert fireplaces are also often known as cassette wood burners, or inset fires. Stovax has a vast range of inset wood burners, from the hole in the wall style to models that have bold frames to make a statement. Take a look at the Stovax Studio Air range for inspiration on modern inset wood stoves.

How much does it cost to install a wood burning stove?

We’re the expert on the products, but our network of independent retailers are the best people to ask when it comes to costs and installation. They can advise on all of your bespoke needs for your property, whether that’s seeing if an inset wood stove is viable, to assessing if a small wood burning stove will heat the room you are interested in.

Where to buy a wood stove

Our network of retailers will help with the entire purchasing experience. Simply use our Find a Retailer tool to find your nearest wood burning showrooms, where you can be shown around all the features of the appliance and talk through your options before you place your order.