What Size Log Burner Do I Need?

If you're looking for a log burner, you're in the right place, but first, you might be wanting to find out which size log burner you need for your space. Making sure you have the right size log burner will mean that you're able to efficiently heat your room without wastage.

While you might think that log burner size is what matters here it's more about the output of a log burner. While the dimensions of a log burner are important and help to ensure you have the right one, the kilowatts (kW) output is what you should focus on.

Understanding Log Burner Power Output

Log burners come in all shapes and sizes and their heat output is usually measured in kilowatts (kW). The power output you need depends on the size of the room or space you want to heat. A general rule of thumb is that 1 kW of heat output will warm up around 16 cubic metres of space. However, this can vary based on factors like insulation, number of windows, and ceiling height.

Calculating Room Size

To figure out the size of your room in cubic metres, you'll need to measure the length, width, and height of the walls. Once you have this you'll need to multiply these three measurements together to get the room’s volume. The formula is as follows:

Length x Width x Height = Cubic Metreage

After that, you'll need to divide the cubic metres by 16 to get a rough guide to the kW output you'll need.

Cubic Metreage / 16 = kW Output Needed.

For example, if a room is 5 metres long, 4 metres wide, and 2.5 metres high, the volume would be:

5 m x 4 m x 2.5 m = 50 m3

Using the general rule, a 50 cubic metre room would need a minimum output of 3 kW:

50 / 16 = 3.125 kW

To make this easier for you, our team has created our own calculator that will help you find the best log burner for you. It's free to use and we don't require your personal details to help you. Head over to our Log Burner Calculator now.

Insulation and Heat Retention

Insulation is a big part of the size of the log burner that you will need. A well-insulated home or room will be much better at keeping the heat in. With better insulation, you might find that you'll need a lower kW output. On the other hand, if you have poor insulation you might find that you need a higher kW output log burner otherwise you won't be able to keep your room warm.

Log Burners for Different Spaces

Lounges and Living Rooms

A lounge is one of the most common places for a log burner. A lounge is where your friends and family gather and you entertain guests which means that you'll want to have a comfortable, warm space for everyone to enjoy.

For a standard living room measuring 25 square metres with a ceiling height of 2.5 metres, the volume would be:

25 m2 × 2.5 m = 62.5 m3

Based on this volume, a log burner with an output of around 4 kW would be suitable. If the room has good insulation and double glazing, you might be able to opt for the lower end of this range.

Conservatories

A log burner for a conservatory is a little harder to get right. Remembering that there is often a lot of glass and the ceiling/roof is often uninsulated they can lose a lot of heat very quickly. With that in mind, you would use the same calculation as before. However, you might consider choosing a higher-output log burner because of the lack of insulation.

If your conservatory is 3 metres by 4 metres and the ceiling is 3 metres high:

3m x 4m x 3m = 36 m3

36 m3 / 16 = 2.25 kW output needed.

Given the heat loss through the glass and the roof, a conservatory of this size would benefit from a 3 - 5 kW log burner.

Narrowboats

Log burners and stoves are a really popular choice for narrowboats. Due to the space limitations and not wanting to run a loud generator all the time, log burners for narrowboats help to keep the space warm.

The average narrowboat might have a volume of 30 to 40 cubic metres. For efficient heating, a log burner with an output of around 3 to 4 kW would be recommended. Narrowboats often have space constraints and aren't that thermally efficient so a compact and efficient log burner is the best option.

Open-Plan Spaces

Open-plan spaces combine multiple rooms, creating a larger volume of heat. For instance, an open-plan kitchen and living area with a volume of 70 cubic metres would require a more powerful log burner. In this case, a log burner with an output of around 5 to 6 kW would make sense.

Special Considerations

1. Multi-Fuel Stoves

Multi-fuel stoves create a more flexible option than just a log burner. Multi-fuel stoves allow for the burning of wood, coal and other solid fuels. They're a great option if you would prefer to switch fuel types over time. With multi-fuel stoves, you'll still need to use the same calculations to find the right size for you.

2. DEFRA Approved Stoves

DEFRA standards, set by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, mean that you should look for a DEFRA-approved log burner. These burners are designed to produce fewer emissions and are allowed to be used in smoke-controlled areas.

3. Installation and Safety

Proper installation is important for the safety of everyone. It's advised that you use a qualified installer so that you can be sure everything is up to scratch and falls within building regulations.

Tips for Choosing the Right Log Burner

1. Heating Needs: Calculate the volume of the space you need to heat and consider the insulation quality. Use this information to determine the required kW output. you can do this easily with our calculator here: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/stove-calculator/
2. Aesthetics: Log burners come in a number of designs and finishes. Choose one that complements your interior space and doesn't take up too much room.
3. Fuel Availability: If you have easy access to wood or other fuels, it might influence your choice of log burner or multi-fuel stove.
4. Check Regulations: Check with the local councils to find out if you live in a smoke-controlled area.

Conclusion

Selecting the right size log burner is essential for efficient and effective heating. By understanding the power output and how it relates to your space's volume, you can choose a log burner that meets your heating requirements. Whether you need a cosy atmosphere in your lounge, efficient heating for a conservatory, or a compact stove for a narrow boat, there is a log burner to suit your needs. Always consider insulation, installation requirements, and local regulations when making your decision.