Cast Iron or Steel Logburner ? Which type of wood stove will suit my needs?

Steel and cast-iron log burners differ mainly in how they heat, retain warmth, and respond to use.

Steel log burners

These are typically made from plate steel. They heat up quickly, meaning you feel warmth in the room soon after lighting the fire. This makes them ideal for spaces where fast heat is needed or for intermittent use.

Steel is also more flexible than cast iron, so it is less prone to cracking under rapid temperature changes. They are often lighter, more modern in design, and usually more affordable. The downside is that they cool down faster once the fire dies, so they provide less residual heat.

Cast iron log burners

Cast Iron log burners are heavier and denser. They take longer to heat up, but once hot, they retain and radiate heat for much longer, even after the fire has gone out. This makes them excellent for maintaining a steady, consistent warmth over time.

Cast iron also offers a more traditional, classic appearance. However, it can be more brittle than steel, meaning it may crack if exposed to sudden temperature shocks. And it is usually more expensive.

In summary, steel suits quick, responsive heating, while cast iron excels in long-lasting heat retention.

Pointers to look out for when selecting your new stove

If a stove is too small for a room, it may struggle to keep the space warm enough. On the other hand, an oversized stove often needs frequent adjustments to avoid overheating. And which can result in incomplete combustion and cause soot to build up on the glass and inside the chimney.

When choosing the right stove output, it’s recommended to opt for a capacity just slightly above your needs (no more than 1.5kW extra) to ensure adequate heating during colder periods.

Like to discuss your options?

Please do get in touch and one of our expert engineers (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist you.

Are Log Burning Stoves Environmentally Friendly? Ever more popular year on year.

In total, over 250,000 woodstoves were installed in 2025 according to the Stove Industry Alliance. This is up from 238,000 in 2024.

Are wood stoves environmentally friendly?

If you compare using fossil fuels for heat, natural gas, propane, coal, etc. wood is eco-friendlier. It’s considered “carbon-neutral,” which means when it burns, it doesn’t add additional carbon dioxide to the environment.

This is because in its natural state as a tree, wood absorbs carbon dioxide that’s in the atmosphere. During combustion, a balance is maintained.

Keep those heating costs under control

Fuel prices, including electricity, oil, and gas, are rising quickly. Installing a wood burner can help manage these costs.

If you are thinking of installing a wood stove it is recommended to use a registered fitter.

The installation of a wood burner must comply with building regulations and the easiest way to do this is to use a qualified fitter.

HETAS installers handle wood, solid-fuel, and biomass heating appliances, and can self-certify compliance with building regulations for safety and legality.

Benefits of using a registered fitter are numerous.

• Safety for family
• Certified and easier to insure your property.
• Peace of mind
• Total burner efficiency

Can we help?

For your protection and safety, you should always have a fully qualified HETAS registered professional install your wood/pellet burning appliance. At Kent Stoves, we will evaluate everything for you to ensure your safety and maximise efficiency.

 

Annual Stove Service. Along with maintaining both the interior and exterior cleanliness of your stove, it is advisable to arrange an annual inspection by a certified professional (HETAS) to ensure optimal functionality.

It is vital to have your chimney cleaned and checked by a chimney sweep at least once a year or more often if you use your wood burning stove on a regular basis.

Poorly maintained or blocked chimneys pose a serious safety risk because they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and chimney fires.

Heat efficiency and cost effectiveness are key elements to save money

If you follow these guidelines, it will help you reduce your energy bills. Seasoned wood burns better than green wood, because it produces more heat and less creosote build-up in the fireplace and chimney. Green or unseasoned wood, on the other hand, is hard to light and difficult to keep burning. If your wood smoulders and burns poorly with little heat, it’s probably green wood.

You can tell if wood is seasoned by looking at it. On the outside, seasoned wood probably looks grey and dusty from sitting around for a while. But on the inside, it’s often dry and white, usually lighter than on the outside. New wood, on the other hand, looks like it came fresh from the timber mill with the same colour throughout the wood.

Hardwoods are denser woods that burn hotter and longer than softwoods, but you will need to let them season for up to 2 years.  (Ash is an exception and can be burnt a bit earlier although the wood burns best when seasoned.)

Can we help?

If you require any assistance with your wood burner, please make contact.  One of our qualified fitters (HETAS) registered will be happy to assist.

How Do I Fit A Log Burning Stove ? Thinking of installing a new wood stove, a few things to look out for!

Just a few important facts to help you select your stove

When considering a wood-burning stove, it’s helpful to understand the primary variations available. Here’s a breakdown of key distinctions.

Fuel types

Wood-only stoves, these are designed specifically for burning wood. They typically feature a flat fire bed

Multi-fuel stoves are versatile appliances capable of burning wood as well as other solid fuels, such as coal. Typically, they feature a grate and an ash pan.

Positioning

Freestanding stoves, these are the most common type, placed independently in a room.

Inset stoves are installed within a wall or fireplace for a seamless appearance.

Method of heat output 

Radiant stoves, these primarily emit heat directly outward, warming objects and people nearby.

Convection stoves, these circulate warm air throughout the room, providing more even heating.

Use the correct wood for maximum heat output

Use softwood like pine for kindling and starting fires, then switch to hardwood for longer burn and more heat. Always use dry wood; damp wood lowers stove efficiency.

Essential

Quality installation is fundamental to your wood burner’s performance and safety. We recommend that you have your wood burner installed by a certified fitter (HETAS) registered.

Can we assist?

If you would like to know more about heating with a wood stove, please make contact and one of our fully qualified fitters (HETAS) registered will be happy to help.

 

How Do I Fit A Stove ? Do you have an open fireplace that you want to upgrade?

Is the chimney in good order?

Installing a new woodstove in the fireplace wil enhance your heating efficiency and lower your energy costs.

However, it is essential to remember, above all else, the following considerations:

Seasoning your logs is vital for heat efficiency

To dry wood effectively, stack it in open, covered spaces where sun and wind can reach it. Storing wood in a shed, garage, or shaded area slows seasoning. However, pre-seasoned wood from a supplier can be stored anywhere dry.

Nothing will cause your stove to function less efficiently than to fill it with green wood!!

Wood burning stoves offer homeowners superior radiant heat, warming spaces more quickly and efficiently than vent systems that circulate warm air.

A wood stove radiates heat from all sides and the top, warming your home in every direction. Placed centrally, it can quickly make the entire house feel much warmer.

Alternative heat and money saving into the bargain!

Wood burning stoves can be used as an excellent alternative to the main central heating system in your home. Instead of turning up the thermostat try lighting the burner and you will be able to reduce the thermostat in a cold spell.

If your home is well insulated and draught free you could even leave doors open, and the log burner will heat assist all-round the house.

A HETAS registered fitter is fully trained in fitting and able to give advice as to the most suitable wood burning stove for the area to be heated.

Help required?

If you would like assistance selecting your new stove or require help with your existing one, please do make contact and one of our qualified (HETAS registered) fitters will be happy to assist.