How to choose the right stove: A first time buyers guide
How to Choose the Right Stove: A First-Time Buyer’s Guide Welcome to Modern Stoves! We know buying your first stove can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you make the right choice for your home, budget, and lifestyle.
1. How Much Heat Do You Need?
Getting the right stove size is essential for comfort and efficiency.
- Measure your room (Length × Width × Height in metres) to get the cubic metres.
- For modern homes, multiply the room size by 0.05kW.
- For older homes, multiply by 0.07kW.
Example:
A room 5m × 4m × 2.5m = 50m³
Modern home: 50 × 0.05 = 2.5kW
Older home: 50 × 0.07 = 3.5kW
Tip: Open-plan rooms, high ceilings, or draughty spaces may need a little more power.
2. Wood-Burning vs Multifuel Stoves
Wood-Burning Stoves:
- Burn seasoned logs only
- High efficiency and classic fire experience
- Require storage space for logs
Multifuel Stoves:
- Can burn wood, coal, or smokeless fuels
- Flexible for different fuel types and local regulations
- Produce more ash and require a bit more maintenance
Choose wood-burning if you love tradition and have space for logs. Choose multifuel for flexibility or if you live in a smoke control area.
3. Installation & Regulations
All stove installations must meet UK building regulations.
- We recommend using a HETAS-certified installer for safety and compliance.
- If you don’t have a chimney, a twin-wall flue system can be installed.
- Hearths must be non-combustible and sized according to regulations.
Modern Stoves offers a free flue design service and full quotations—just ask us for help!
4. Budget & Maintenance
Typical Initial Costs:
- Stove: £300–£3,000+
- Installation: £500–£2,000+
- Certification: £150–£300
Running Costs:
- Logs: £80–£120 per cubic metre (expect 3–5m³ per year)
- Chimney sweep: £50–£80 per year
- Maintenance: £100–£200 per year (gaskets, fire bricks, inspections)
Investing in quality pays off with better efficiency and fewer headaches.
5. Style & Design
- Traditional stoves: Classic cast iron, perfect for period homes.
- Modern stoves: Sleek, minimalist, great for contemporary spaces.
- Choose a model that fits your room size and matches your taste.
6. Why Choose Modern Stoves?
- Huge range of traditional and modern stoves in stock
- Free, expert flue design service and full quotations
- Next-day delivery across most of the UK
- Friendly, knowledgeable advice—no jargon, just help!
7. Need More Help?
Our team is here for you!
Contact us via email, website chat, WhatsApp, or our customer ticket system for friendly, expert advice.
Ready to get started?
Measure your room, decide on your preferred fuel, think about your style, and reach out to Modern Stoves for a free flue design and quotation.
This article is intended as a quick reference for first-time stove buyers. For more detailed advice or a personalised recommendation, please contact our support team.