Find the Right Heat Output with Our Stove Calculator

Choosing the right wood burning stove for your home isn’t just about picking a design you love, it’s about finding a model that delivers the right level of heat for your space. Too small, and your stove will struggle to keep the room warm. Too large, and you’ll waste fuel, risk overheating, and spend more than you need to. That’s where our stove calculator comes in.

Our simple to use online tool takes the guesswork out of stove shopping. By entering a few details about your room, you’ll receive an instant recommendation for the heat output (measured in kilowatts) that suits your space perfectly. Here’s how it works, and why it matters.

Why Stove Size Matters

Wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves are measured in terms of heat output, expressed in kilowatts (kW). For example:

• A 3-5 kW stove is ideal for smaller, well-insulated rooms.

• A 6-9 kW stove can comfortably heat medium to large living rooms.

• A 10 kW+ stove is designed for large, open-plan areas or homes with high ceilings.

If your stove is too small, you’ll constantly run it at full capacity, burning more fuel and wearing it out quicker. On the other hand, a stove that’s too powerful will force you to keep the fire dampened down, leading to smoky glass, creosote buildup, and an inefficient burn. The key is balance, and that’s exactly what our calculator helps you achieve.

Factors to Consider Beyond Room Size

While our calculator gives an excellent starting point, there are a few other factors that can influence the stove size you need:

1. Insulation & Windows – Older homes with poor insulation, draughts, or single-glazed windows may need a slightly higher output. New-builds or well-insulated properties might require less.

2. Room Layout – Open-plan rooms or spaces with staircases that allow heat to rise may benefit from a more powerful stove.

3. Primary vs. Secondary Heating – If the stove is your main heat source, it’s better to size slightly higher. If it’s just for ambience alongside central heating, you may want something smaller.

4. Fuel Type – Wood burns differently to smokeless coal or briquettes, so the type of fuel you plan to use can affect overall performance.

Our calculator is designed as a guide, and we always recommend speaking to one of our stove experts before making a final decision.