Choosing the Right Stove
for Your Home

Getting the Output Right

The most common mistake people make when choosing a stove is selecting one that is too powerful for the room. A stove that is oversized for the space will need to be run at low output to avoid overheating, which leads to incomplete combustion, a sooty glass, and rapid creosote build-up. Conversely, a stove that is too small will struggle to heat the room and will be run flat out, shortening its lifespan.

The standard calculation for estimating the heat output you need is straightforward: measure the room in metres (length × width × height) to get the volume in cubic metres, then divide by 14. The result is the approximate output in kilowatts (kW) that the room requires.

For example, a living room measuring 5m × 4m × 2.4m has a volume of 48m³. Divided by 14, this gives approximately 3.4kW. A 4–5kW stove would be ideal for this room.

This calculation assumes a reasonably well-insulated modern property. Older stone cottages in villages like Thurlby, Edenham, or Witham on the Hill — where walls are thick but often uninsulated — may require slightly higher output. Conversely, a modern, highly insulated new build may need less. This is one of the reasons why a site survey is so valuable before purchasing.

Wood Burner vs Multi-Fuel

Wood Burners

A dedicated wood burner is designed to burn wood only. It typically has a flat base (no grate) which allows a bed of ash to accumulate beneath the fire. This ash bed insulates the base of the fire and helps radiate heat back into the combustion zone. Wood burns best on a bed of its own ash. If you have access to good-quality, seasoned or kiln-dried wood and are happy burning exclusively wood, this is the purest and simplest option.

Multi-Fuel Stoves

A multi-fuel stove has a raised grate with an ash pan underneath. The grate allows air to enter from below — which is essential for burning smokeless coal and other mineral fuels — and lets ash fall through into the pan for easy removal. Multi-fuel stoves can also burn wood, though a flat-bed wood burner is technically more efficient for wood alone. If you want the flexibility to burn smokeless coal, peat briquettes, or other approved solid fuels alongside wood, a multi-fuel stove is the practical choice.

Style and Aesthetics

Modern stoves are available in a remarkably wide range of styles, from the traditional cast-iron look to minimalist contemporary designs with panoramic glass panels. The choice should complement both your room and the character of your property.

For period properties in South Lincolnshire — the Georgian townhouses of Stamford, the honey-coloured cottages of Haconby, the farmhouses around Morton — a traditional design often sits most comfortably. Arada’s Farringdon and Ecoburn ranges, particularly in the Earth Collection finishes (Pebble, Pine, Straw), blend beautifully with natural stone and traditional interiors.

For more contemporary settings or open-plan spaces, look at widescreen models like the Hamlet Solution 5 Widescreen, which offers a panoramic flame picture behind a large glass panel. These stoves make a strong visual statement and are increasingly popular in barn conversions and modern extensions across the region.

Ecodesign 2022 and Emissions

Since January 2022, all new stoves sold in the UK must meet the Ecodesign standard, which sets strict limits on particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and organic gaseous compounds. This is a significant step forward for air quality. When choosing a stove, look for the Ecodesign Ready or SIA Ecodesign Ready label, which confirms the appliance meets these requirements.

All stoves in the Bourne Fireplaces collection — including the Arada Farringdon Eco and the Hamlet Solution series — are fully Ecodesign compliant.

The right stove enhances your room — both aesthetically and in terms of comfort.

What to Consider Before Buying

• Room size and output: Use the volume ÷ 14 formula as a starting point, then get a professional survey for a precise recommendation.
• Chimney condition: Do you have an existing chimney? Is it lined? Does it need structural work? These factors affect both the stove choice and the installation cost.
• Ventilation requirements: Stoves above 5kW in modern, well-sealed homes will likely need additional ventilation. A direct air kit can often avoid the need for a permanent wall vent.
• Fuel availability: Consider your local supply chain. In South Lincolnshire, kiln-dried hardwood is readily available from several regional suppliers we work with.
• Budget: Account for the full installation cost, not just the stove price. A typical installation including the stove, liner, hearth, and HETAS certification ranges from moderate to premium depending on the complexity of the work involved.

The Value of a Site Survey

We offer free site surveys across our 20-mile service area. During a survey, we measure the room, inspect the chimney (including a visual check from the roofline if accessible), assess ventilation requirements, discuss your aesthetic preferences and budget, and provide a written quotation that covers everything from structural work to final certification. There is no obligation and no pressure — we give you all the information you need to make the right decision for your home.

For hard-to-reach chimney stacks, we also offer drone chimney and roof surveys — high-resolution aerial inspection without scaffolding, so you know exactly what condition your chimney is in before committing to a stove.