What size & type
of stove to buy?

For you to have the best possible experience, the stove’s heating capacity must match the actual heating requirement. If you select a stove which is too big for your heating needs the stove’s ability will be partly wasted and you will need to reduce the air supply which in turn, will result in poor combustion (i.e soot will accumulate in the stove and chimney).

It is important that the stove is neither too small, nor too big. Combustion will be more efficient (and therefore cleaner) if you fire more in a smaller stove than less in a large stove.

You need to consider the following aspects:

Calculate how many sq. m the stove needs to heat and select the appropriate stove. A quick a simple ‘calculator’ for this formula is:

• Measure your room in metres.
• Multiply the length x the width x the height
• Divide this figure by 14
• This sum is the kW output you’ll need to heat your room.

In most homes you can base your calculations on 1kW to heat 15 sq. m room space.

Primary

If the stove is to be used as the primary heating source, i.e. as the most important heating source in the house, you should select a stove which matches the size of your home and give serious consideration to a convector model stove which distributes the heat better.

Secondary

However, if the stove is to be used as a secondary heating source, e.g. only for heating a designated area consider a smaller output stove.

How a Convector stove works

Convection stoves have an extra side panel which forms a spacing channel between it and the main body of the stove. The combustion heat is led to the air via these channels. Cold air is drawn in at the base of the stove and drawn up between the side plates and finally out at the top as hot air. The hot air rises, and cold air is drawn in at floor level. This generates quicker air circulation in the room.

Benefits of a Convector stove

1. Convection stoves are safer for children because the outer side plates are cooled down preventing them from becoming very hot.
2. You can reduce the distance to furniture and the heat emitted is less harsh.
3. Heat distribution is quicker and better.
4. Convection stoves ensure an even and comfortable heating - even in adjoining rooms.

How a Radiant stove works

This type of stove is well-known and has been used for many stove generations and remains popular despite the prevalence of convection stoves. The reason for this is, among other things, that many people still associate stove heat with radiant heat and that this form produces heat more quickly from the stove.

Benefits of a Radiant stove?

The side plates on radiant stoves consist of a single layer. This means that the stove emits heat quickly. Radiant stoves are ideal in a room with a high ceiling or in buildings with plenty of draughts, or if you’re looking for rapid direct heat from your fireplace.

Benefits of a Cast Iron stove

1. It does not buckle (i.e keeps its shape) during use, so the doors remain airtight.
2. It retains the heat for longer and ensures an even and comfortable heat distribution.
3. If you want the stove to burn overnight, cast iron is your best choice.

Benefits of a Steel stove

1. Sheet iron stoves heat up quickly, but do not offer the same retention as cast iron.
2. Steel offers more design options.

Inner fireproof material

Remember the firebox (i.e. stove inner) should be lined with a fireproof material as its insulating effect increases the combustion temperature and therefore the output. Vermiculite slabs are ideal as they protect the cast iron, ensuring it lasts longer.