What are the benefits of an inset stove?

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What is an inset stove?

If you've landed onto this blog post, you're probably already considering purchasing or replacing a stove, be it wood burning or multi-fuel.

People know that they have a choice between wood burning and multi-fuel stoves. But there is also the choice between inset and free-standing stoves.

Some people may have heard of inset stoves but not actually researched their benefits; and they do have quite a few.

Therefore, we'll start by explaining what an inset stove actually is.  Well, an inset stove (or insert stove) is a stove that is built into the wall and is not free-standing, like the traditional stoves you see. That was simple!

Hwam Insert 30 45
telford 8 inset 320

Why should i consider buying an inset stove?

Inset stoves are a great space saver. If your room is not very big or you don't want a big hearth and the stove to impose your room, then an inset stove is for you. As they sit inside the wall, they take virtually no space in your room.

Are the flames less visible?

A lot of freestanding stoves have viewing windows not only at the front, but also the side; multiple viewing windows. But by having these, the stoves are larger in design and take up more space in your room. Inset stoves cannot have multiple viewing windows by virtue of their design. However, inset stoves don't have limited viewing windows, the main window is still large enough to enjoy the flames and there are so many different sizes. Also, there are some double-sided inset stoves also available if your room is able to accommodate this style.

Are inset stoves less efficient?

Firstly, when you choose a stove, you have to make sure you select the correct size output for your room. So this factor doesn't alter by selecting an inset stove. Secondly, all stoves have their own efficiency and rating, so choosing an inset stove doesn't mean it will be less efficient than a free standing stove. Modern inset stoves are extremely efficient and can provide excellent heat output, so the answer is no. 

Are there any other benefits?

When purchasing an inset stove, there is a design feature you should be aware of which is extremely useful. Inset stoves have a fan that distributes the hot air back into the room rather than heating the chimney breast or surrounding bricks. With modern stoves, there is the ability to pipe this heat into another room. Some people get their inset stove installed and don't consider this a useful feature. But it is! Don't miss out and use the heat to, for example, heat the bedroom above your lounge!

Are inset stoves cheaper?

Unfortunately, inset stoves tend to be slightly more expensive. However, to offset this, they tend to be cheaper to install. Therefore the cost generally works out to be the same.

Buying your inset stove

At Bowland Stoves, we have a great range of inset stoves. Some manufacturers also call them cassette stoves or insert stoves. Some of our range is shown in the slider below, or you can browse our inset stove range online.