Guide to Finding Your Perfect Wood Burning Stove
Choosing the right wood burning stove for your home involves several important considerations, from practical installation requirements to aesthetic preferences. This guide will help you navigate the selection process to find a stove that perfectly matches your needs, space, and style.
Step 1: Determine the Perfect Location
This Contura Stove offers optimal view of the fire
The first and most crucial decision is where your stove will be positioned. This choice affects everything from installation requirements to how heat will circulate throughout your home.
Consider Your Existing Setup
Have an existing chimney? Utilizing it can simplify installation and reduce costs, but ensure it's in good condition and appropriate for a wood burning stove.
No chimney? Don't worry - a twin-wall flue system can be installed either internally (through rooms and the roof) or externally (along an outside wall).
Freestanding or inset? Decide whether you prefer a stove that stands independently in your room or one that fits into an existing fireplace opening.
Think About Heat Distribution
Position your stove in the room you use most frequently
Consider how heat will flow to other areas of your home
Account for any obstacles that might block heat circulation
Step 2: Explore Different Styles and Designs
Bordelet offer 360 degree views with their range of hanging fires
Once you've determined the practical aspects of positioning, it's time to consider the aesthetic appeal of your stove.
Traditional vs. Contemporary
Traditional stoves feature classic designs with ornate details, often in cast iron
Contemporary models offer clean lines, modern materials, and innovative viewing angles
Browse Our Gallery for Inspiration
Visit our showroom or online gallery to see various styles in context. This can help you visualize how different designs might complement your existing décor.
Charnwood offers simple control and the option of multi-fuel
Step 3: Consider Your Specific Needs
Who Will Be Using the Stove?
If multiple household members or guests will operate your stove, consider models with user-friendly features:
Charnwood and Contura stoves offer accessible, intuitive controls that are easy for anyone to master
Look for models with clear operating instructions and straightforward air control systems
What Kind of Flame Experience Do You Want?
European Designers such as Rais offer more extravagant designs from beautifully engineered freestanding stoves to complete fireplaces
Different stove designs create different visual experiences:
For spectacular flame views, consider European brands like Austroflamm, Rais, Stuv, Bordelet, and Contura that offer large glass panels and even side or corner viewing options
These models transform your stove from a simple heating appliance into a stunning focal point
Fuel Flexibility Requirements
Consider what types of fuel you plan to use:
For wood burning only, most quality stoves will meet your needs
If you want the option to burn smokeless fuel, look at Charnwood and Woodwarm models with multi-fuel capabilities
Remember that dedicated wood burners typically offer better efficiency when burning wood than multi-fuel models
Step 4: Design Considerations
Designer Appeal
If you're looking for something truly distinctive:
Our design team can create custom installations using statement pieces from top European designers
We can also adapt more basic models to suit unique spaces or specific design requirements
Budget-Friendly Options
Quality stoves are available across various price points:
Entry-level models still offer excellent efficiency and durability
Mid-range options typically provide additional features and design elements
Premium stoves combine exceptional engineering with distinctive aesthetics
Step 5: Narrowing Your Choices
Create a Mood Board
If you're feeling overwhelmed by options:
Collect images of stoves and installations that appeal to you
Include pictures of your existing space
Note specific features that catch your eye
Share this with our team to help guide recommendations
You could use our installations gallery to help you with this.
Consult With Our Experts
Our experienced team can simplify your decision by considering:
Your installation requirements
Heat output needs (we can calculate this based on your room dimensions)
Style preferences
Budget considerations
You can get advice with our online estimate service or drop into one of our showrooms here in Cornwall in Wadebridge or Redruth
Making Your Final Decision
The perfect stove is one that meets all your practical needs while delivering the aesthetic appeal you desire. By considering location, usage patterns, visual preferences, and technical requirements, you'll find a stove that becomes the heart of your home for years to come.
Our team is ready to guide you through every step of this process, from initial browsing to final installation, ensuring you select a stove that provides efficient heating, beautiful flames, and a lifetime of enjoyment.
