The top 10 things to look out for when buying a new Wood Burning Stove
19th December 2019
In the following article we will give you a list of 10 important things to look out for when buying a new wood burning stove. They are not listed in order of importance.
Stove Efficiency
Stove efficiency is a good indicator of the overall design and build quality of the stove. Although efficiency is calculated under laboratory conditions and hard to replicate, Each stove is tested the same so its a good measure to compare products. You will notice that our range of wood burning stoves are around 83% efficient. This is a good result!
Number 1
Stove Size and Output
The output required to heat your space can be calculated by taking the cubic meter of space in the room and dividing by 15. We have made it easy for you by including a calculator below.
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When selecting the size of stove you require you need to take into account the size of the fireplace and the hearth. Most stoves require 300mm of hearth in front of the firebox, as well as some clearance behind the unit to the wall. On either side and above there will also be necessary distances. The benefit of Vesta is that we can make a stove to fit your fireplace and style.
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When selecting the size of stove you require you need to take into account the size of the fireplace and the hearth. Most stoves require 300mm of hearth in front of the firebox, as well as some clearance behind the unit to the wall. On either side and above there will also be necessary distances. The benefit of Vesta is that we can make a stove to fit your fireplace and style.
Number 2
Stove construction
This relates to the material the stove is made out of. Most stoves on the market these days are made from steel with cast iron doors. This is because steel is more durable under thermal stress than cast iron. However, Lots of imported stoves are made from cast iron so beware. Steel are normally a little more expensive but they last a lifetime,
Number 3
Stove construction
this relates to the material the stove is made out of. Most stoves on the market these days are made from steel with cast iron doors. This is because steel is more durable under thermal stress than cast iron. However, Lots of imported stoves are made from cast iron so beware. Steel are normally a little more expensive but they last a lifetime,
Number 3
Flue size and specification
Do you need a flue line? If so then what size liner can you fit? an important questions as some chimneys will only take a 5" liner and this isn't suitable for a lot of stoves. The position of the flue is also a factor to take into account. When the stove is sat in the fireplace with the correct spacing around it the flue needs to line up or unsightly elbows will be required to offset the flue.
Number 4
Price
Stove prices range from £150 to many thousands of pounds. It has to be said that in general you get what you pay for. The old adage that you buy cheap you buy twice is definitely applicable to the wood burning stove industry. In the UK it is standard practice for installers to take 40-50% mark up in commission when selling a stove. We sell direct from our factory outlet cutting out the middlemen and passing the savings onto you.
Number 5
Warranty
Take a look at the warranty that is given apart from the statutory 12 month period. Many stoves are imported into the UK and a warranty after the 12 month period would be difficult to claim on. All our stoves come with a 3 year warranty or a lifetime warranty if installed by a Vesta Approved Installer.
Number 6
Installation Costs
The installation of your brand new stove can cost between £200 to several thousands. Its a good idea to get a quote before buying a stove. To get a quick ballpark figure for the installation of your stove you can use our calculator https://vestastoves.co.uk/stove-installation-quick-quote/
Number 7
Aftersales
During the lifetime of your stove you will undoubtedly need to change parts such as the baffles, bricks, glass and rope seals. Ensure before you commit that a full range of spares is available and rapidly available. The last thing you need is your stove breaking down in winter and having to wait for the parts to come from abroad.
Number 8
Lead Time
Stove can have long delivery times especially if its an imported stove. If your in the market for a stove in august then you could wait 10 weeks for it to be delivered by some companies. Our stove all have a 3 week delivery period. However, we can normally accommodate if you need a stove quickly (in time for Christmas)
Number 9
Fuel
Decide on the fuel type before you buy a stove. Wood burning stoves burn logs very well but wont burn other solid fuels like coal. Multi fuel stoves do a great job at burning solid fuel but not too good at burning logs. Most of all please support your local British business. When you buy your fuel please make sure you buy local sustainable logs .
Number 10
We hope you found this article useful. Should you have any comments please start the discussion below.
