Buying a stove at an online stove sale might seem simple. Click, add to basket, and wait for delivery. But if you get it wrong, you could end up with a stove that’s too big, too small, or even illegal for your area.
You don’t want that.
A stove is an investment. Get it right, and you’ll have years of warmth, lower heating bills, and a cosy home. Get it wrong, and you’ll waste money on something that doesn’t work for you.
This guide walks you through the process, step by step.
Step 1: Check Your Heating Needs
Before you even look at stoves, think about what you need.
Is it for heating one room or the whole house? A small stove in a large room will struggle, while an oversized one will turn your living room into a sauna.
Do you have a chimney? If not, you’ll need a flue system, which adds to the cost.
Do you want wood-burning, multi-fuel, or gas? Wood gives that classic crackling fire. Multi-fuel stoves burn wood and smokeless coal. Gas stoves offer real flames without the mess.
Know this before you start browsing.
Step 2: Understand Stove Regulations
In the UK, you can’t just install any stove anywhere. You need to check:
DEFRA approval. If you live in a smoke control area, you need a stove approved by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). These stoves burn cleaner, making them legal in restricted zones.
Ecodesign 2022 compliance. This ensures the stove meets modern efficiency and emission standards. Any reputable retailer should list this in the product description.
HETAS approval. HETAS-certified stoves meet high safety and performance standards. It’s a good sign you’re buying quality.
Buying online? Double-check these details before you commit.
Step 3: Measure Your Space
Stoves aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Measure your room size. Stoves are rated in kilowatts (kW). A rough guide is 1kW for every 14 cubic metres. So, a 5kW stove suits a medium-sized living room.
Check hearth and clearance requirements. Your stove needs space around it. Different models have different clearance rules to prevent overheating nearby walls or furniture.
If you’re replacing an old stove, don’t assume the new one will fit. Always check measurements.
Step 4: Look for Quality Brands
There’s a reason some stoves cost more than others. Cheap models might look the part, but they won’t last. Poorly made stoves crack, warp, or fail to burn efficiently.
Stick to trusted brands. Look for names like Charnwood, Stovax, Clearview, and AGA. If you’re unsure, check online reviews.
A good stove will last decades. A bad one won’t even make it through its first winter.
Step 5: Read the Fine Print
Before you click ‘buy’, read the details.
What’s included? Some stoves come with a flue pipe, others don’t. Some include a free installation kit, others charge extra.
Delivery costs. A stove isn’t a small package. Some retailers offer free delivery, while others charge a hefty fee. Check before you buy.
Returns policy. If it arrives damaged, can you return it easily?
A good retailer will be upfront about these things. If they’re vague or unclear, shop elsewhere.
Step 6: Get Professional Installation
Even the best stove won’t work properly if it’s badly installed.
A poorly fitted stove is a fire hazard. It could also leak dangerous gases into your home. In the UK, stove installations must meet Building Regulations. That means:
Using a HETAS-registered installer, or
Getting it inspected by your local authority’s Building Control team.
Some retailers offer installation services. If not, check the HETAS website for a registered professional near you.
Step 7: Plan for Maintenance
Your stove will need regular upkeep.
- Chimney sweeping. If you burn wood, get your chimney swept at least once a year to prevent blockages and chimney fires.
- Check the rope seals. These keep the door airtight. If they’re worn, heat escapes, and efficiency drops.
- Clean the glass. Use a specialist stove glass cleaner or wood ash for a streak-free finish.
A well-maintained stove lasts longer and runs more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Buying a stove online saves time and money, but only if you do it properly.
- Work out what you need.
- Check the legal requirements.
- Choose a quality brand.
- Read the fine print.
- Get it fitted by a professional.
Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a stove that keeps your home warm for years.
Now, time to find the perfect one.
