The primary function of stove is to provide heat, therefore, the most important consideration when purchasing a stove is the heat requirements of the room/area it will be placed in.
As a rough guide:-
- Measure the room in metres - multiply length x width x height.
- Divide the total by 14 = the average heating requirements for the room/area in kilowatts.
This formula is assuming that the required room temperature is 20C with an outside temperature of 0C. Please bear in mind that this is for an average room/area. Factors such as the number of doors and windows, quality of insulation, geographical location etc. may increase or decrease the heating requirement.
Note: A stove that is too large may release too much heat, causing you to reduce the air supply into the stove - a practice that reduces the stove's efficiency, wastes fuel, and can cause safety and air pollution problems. Over sizing is therefore not recommended.