What types of stoves are there?

When choosing a stove or fire its output is a determining factor. Many people are unaware that an average living room space only requires 3 to 4 kilowatts (kW) to heat it. This is especially true in today's well-insulated homes and given the fact that many homes already have central heating; the fire is often just used for additional heating.

Yet consumers often go for a too high an output, with the risk that they subsequently use the fire sparingly or can only burn at a low temperature, otherwise it would become too hot in the room. With wood stoves and fires this results in poor combustion, blackened glass and high emissions.

Calculating the output needed to heat the space you have in mind is very easy. The graph shows the outputs indicated in kWs. The space to be heated is indicated in cubic metres (m3). The number of cubic metres is determined by multiplying the length, width and height of the space. You can then read the output you require at the intersection of one of the three lines. Which of these three lines you select depends on the degree to which your home is insulated.

Your home:

Klik op afbeelding voor een vergroting

Well insulated
Has double-glazing
Has floor and wall insulation

Is reasonably insulated
Has minimal double-glazing
Has minimal floor and wall insulation

Is poorly insulated
Has no double-glazing
Has no floor or wall insulation

This graph helps you to select a wood stove or fire. In any case, it helps you to make a choice from the huge range on offer in terms of the output that best matches your specific requirements.

What types of stoves are there?

Wood stoves and fires always have an open combustion system. It is important to know when choosing your wood stove or fire that good ventilation in the home is a prerequisite. If a home is well-ventilated you can , in principle, always install a wood stove or fire. In exceptional circumstances, such as homes with a so-called 'Balance Ventilation System' there are stoves and fires with exterior air feeds. An increasing number of stoves and fires are equipped with such an exterior air feed, or offer this as extra. With this system the combustion air is extracted from outdoors. Please take into account that with a wood stove or fire the flue must always go upwards, through the roof and outdoors, and must even reach above roof ridge height.

Having read the above you will no doubt, as we did, conclude that in making your final choice of stove, you will need personal, expert advice. And of course you will want to see the range of models you are keen on in person, and maybe even see them in action.

Expert dealers

As such we recommend you consult with an official dealer. Dealers usually have a fantastic showroom in which a range of stoves and fires are displayed. Their expertise will enable them to provide you with personalised, bespoke advice. In addition to which, many dealers can draw a situation sketch for you, helping you to visualise the fire or stove in your home. You will also be able to discuss your wishes concerning the decor surrounding your stove, as the dealer can provide this service too.

Looking for inspiration?

Request your brochure here.

Design stoves

CH stoves

Insert & Built-in stoves

What types of stoves are there?

Looking for inspiration?