Designs and Styles
Although many stoves are of a traditional design, ready to stand in an open fireplace, some are designed to be free-standing in a room or conservatory (but still need a chimney!) and some are designed to be inset into a wall. The detail finish of some stoves tends towards the ornate designs popular with the Victorians, and others have more smooth or contemporary styling.
Basically, it is a matter of individual preference: choose the design that suits your decor and style.
Materials and finishes
Most stoves are made of cast iron and steel. Most have ceramic glass doors. This allows a good view of the fire, without losing the efficiency gains from a closed combustion space. Most stoves can be operated with the doors open, but the fuel consumption is higher and the heat output is lower when they are used like this.
Traditionally, stoves are finished in matt or satin finish black, often stove enamelled. However, some models are available in bright shiny colours, or in stainless steel or other bright finishes.
Flue requirements
Most gas, oil, wood, solid fuel and multi fuel stoves require a four, five or six inch diameter flue.
If there is no existing chimney, one can be built from an insulated stainless steel rigid flue liner inside the house or up an outside wall. Older, damaged stone or brick chimneys may need lining with an insulated flexible stainless steel liner, which is dropped into place from top to bottom.
It is wise to have the chimney swept twice a year, although an insulated liner is not likely to be choked by soot or tar, unless very "green" wood is burned.
Some gas and oil stoves are available in versions that use a balanced flue, which can run through an outside wall.
Installation
Stoves Direct specialise in supplying stoves at commonsense prices, but we do not install them. We have contacts with recommended local installers, and for customers further afield, we can help you find an installer.
Size and heat output
Stoves are available in a range of sizes. Big stoves tend to use more fuel and give more heat. Many models of stove can be supplied with boilers that provide hot water or even power central heating radiators. The rated heat output of multi fuel stoves is usually quoted for solid fuel: burning wood will normally give a lower heat output.
What power is needed?
Assume that 1kw will heat about 14m3, so a small 4.5 or 5kw stove will heat a room of about 14 feet square and eight feet six inches high. Larger stoves have heating capacity of up to 30kw, suitable for very large rooms, and can have boiler outputs of up to 100,000btu.
When choosing a multi fuel stove that you will burn wood on, remember that the rated output may be lower for wood burning, and small stoves can only take small logs. You can decrease the output of a larger stove, but you can't increase the output of a smaller one.
