Wood stoves
For maximum efficiency, stoves should be run at or near capacity so get a stove that churns out the right level of heat. Don’t buy a large stove just in case you need the extra heat – get a smaller stove and run it efficiently. Stoves generally also warm surrounding rooms, particularly those above them.
Good stoves not only burn the wood but also burn the gases. Other countries in Europe have been designing and building efficient wood stoves for decades, but there are plenty of good British options too.
Consider whether you want the stove to heat a back boiler for water and/or central heating. This will reduce the efficiency of the stove and limit your options, but definitely worth considering if it could replace an alterative heating system. A stove with a flat top means that pans can be placed on the top to warm water, soups and casseroles - a useful way of maximising the use of heat output.
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Useful links
Stoves Online Help and advice on choosing stoves
Clearview Woodburning Stoves British stoves made in Shropshire with removable back boilers
Stovax UK stoves made in Devon with optional back boilers
What Stove Users are invited to review and comment on their experiences with different makes of wood stoves
We find the glass on our stove gets pretty sooted up and is very hard to clean. It has a back boiler so probably doesn't burn at high enough temperatures. Any suggestions?