1. A wood burning stove is a technical appliance and as such should be installed and commissioned by a competent person, such as a HETAS or OFTEC approved engineer, and in accordance with the legally binding Building Regulations. You need to consider if you already have such an installer or if you need your retailer to either arrange the installation or introduce you to an appropriately qualified installer.

2. When the correct stove is chosen and correctly installed, you will be given a certificate of installation. You will need this if you ever sell your house or have an insurance claim relating to the stove’s installation. This is another reason why having the appropriate installer is essential.

3. The sizing, specification and heat output of the correct stove for your particular installation and requirements is very important and it is best to get advice from a professional stove retailer on this before purchasing. Heat output is particularly important as it is a common error to size an appliance purely on physical size and this might result in a room being uncomfortably warm or not warm enough when the appliance is burnt correctly.  It is not advisable to oversize an appliance in terms of heat output and then burn at a very low rate as this can result in increased emissions.

4. The flue requirements and distance to combustible materials are other important considerations when choosing the appropriate stove for your home. Often this may need a site survey from the installer or retailer. Check that your chosen retailer or installer is able to provide the appropriate advice on these issues to ensure you end up with the right appliance being fitted in an approved installation. All SIA Retail Group members have made a declaration that they can offer this advice.

5. Some stove manufacturers offer different warranty terms depending on whether their appliances are purchased through approved retailers as opposed to other retailers. It is important to understand the manufacturer’s warranty when choosing where to buy your stove from. Sometimes a cheaper price may mean a shorter product warranty.

6. All stoves should be UKCA approved and have evidence to demonstrate this approval. An SIA Retail Group member will be able to assure you that all their stoves are UKCA approved. The SIA is aware that a small number of products offered online do not appear to have the appropriate approvals.

7. Will your online retailer offer you appropriate after sales support if there is a problem? Will they be able to source and supply you with spare parts, especially on consumable items, in the future when you may need them? All SIA Retail Group members have made a declaration that they can offer this important after-sales care and advice.

8. Lead times and delivery charges will also vary between retailers and it is always worth checking these.

9. Last but not least, only by visiting a retail showroom to make your stove purchase will you get the opportunity to see your chosen appliance, or one very similar, up close and personal. Many stove retailers have live displays which means you will be able to fully appreciate the flame picture and get professional, in person advice on operating and refuelling your stove.