5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Woodburning Stove
When buying a wood burner for the first time or upgrading an existing appliance, keep an eye out for these common mistakes below.
At Arada Stoves, we want every customer to enjoy the warmth and comfort of their perfect woodburning stove. Whether you’re buying your first stove or upgrading to a better model, avoiding a few common oversights can save you time, money and frustration
A woodburning stove is more than just a stylish centrepiece, it’s an efficient, sustainable way to heat your home. But if you're not careful, a few common errors can turn that dream stove into an inefficient mistake.
1. Choosing A Stove With The Wrong Heat Output For Your Room
One of the most common mistakes is buying a stove that’s either too powerful or too weak for the room. An oversized stove can overheat your space, causing discomfort and even potential fire hazards which we don’t want!
Be sure to measure your room's dimensions and consider the insulation level, such as if you have carpet and double-glazed windows. Use our handy stove heat output guide here to find the ideal output in kilowatts (kW) for your home.
2. Choosing the Wrong Fuel Type
Many buyers overlook the importance of choosing the correct fuel type, it’s not just about what you want to burn, it affects efficiency, maintenance and legal compliance.
In many UK regions, Smoke Control Areas restrict emissions, allowing only authorised 'smokeless' fuels. To check if you live in one, contact your local council’s Environmental Health Department.
3. Overlooking Installation Requirements
A stove is only as good as its installation, from chimney requirements to hearth regulations, all the details matter. Skipping professional help or attempting DIY installation yourself can lead to safety risks or even invalidate your home insurance.
Always work with a registered installer, Arada has a list of recommended retailers and installers, along with detailed technical specifications and a support team to guide you along the way.
4. Not Installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations. A blocked flue, poor ventilation, or incorrect installation can cause CO to build up without warning.
Always install a carbon monoxide alarm near your stove, and make sure the room is well-ventilated. This simple step helps prevent CO build-up and keeps your home safe.
Hamlet Solution 5 Bioethanol stove shown without top flue and in optional Peapod green colourway. Bioethanol stoves don't require the same amount of maintenance that a multifuel stove does.5. Forgetting About Future Maintenance
Woodburning stoves are built to last, but they still need regular care to keep them in pristine condition. Some designs are easier to clean and maintain than others, so it’s worth considering maintenance during your purchase.
We recommend having your stove professionally serviced and the flue swept at least once a year. This will ensure efficient, safe operation and help to prevent soot build-up, which can lead to fires if not properly maintained, so remember to plan each year.
Buying a woodburning stove should be a joy, not a hassle. Avoiding these five mistakes will help ensure you get a stove that fits your lifestyle, home and heating needs. At Arada Stoves, we combine craftsmanship and innovation to deliver stoves that will keep you warm for years to come.
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Posted by Lucy Sanders
29th May, 2025.
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