StoveAreUs Blog

For the latest trends and products or for tips and tricks on managing your new fireplace, check out our blog

Blog Menu

Search the blog

Recent posts

Cracked or damaged stove glass should not be ignored. Replacing it is often a straightforward maintenance job, but the exact method varies between stove models. This guide explains how to identify the correct replacement glass, remove the old pane and seal, fit the new glass safely, and avoid the mistakes that can cause another crack.

Glamping & Small Stoves: A Guide to Wood Burners for Compact Spaces

A small wood burning stove can transform a glamping pod, shepherd’s hut or cabin into a warm and inviting retreat. But compact spaces need careful planning. From heat output and clearances to ventilation, hearths and flue systems, our guide explains what to consider before choosing a glamping stove.

Bioethanol Stoves & Fires FAQs

Bioethanol stoves and fires offer real flames without the need for a chimney or flue, but how much heat do they produce, how long does the fuel last and what do you need to know about using one safely? We answer the most common bioethanol fire questions in this practical guide.

How to Light a Fire in a Stove

Struggling to get your log burner going, or simply want a cleaner and more reliable way to light it? Our step-by-step guide explains how to light a wood burning stove, from choosing dry logs and kindling to setting the air controls, building the fire and refuelling once it is established.

How to Create a Media Wall with an Electric Fire

Planning a media wall with an electric fire? From choosing the right fire and getting your measurements right to building the stud wall, hiding cables and positioning your TV, our practical guide explains what to consider before creating your media wall.

Alternatives to Disposable BBQs

Disposable BBQs have long been the grab-and-go choice for summer. Heading to the campsite, spending a day at the beach or planning a picnic? Pick one up, light it, cook your burgers and you're sorted.

But convenient doesn't always mean best.

Small Living Room Fireplace Ideas

A fireplace has always been a natural gathering point in the home. It's the kind of feature that shapes how a room feels as much as how it looks. In a small living room, the challenge isn't whether you can have one, it's choosing the right type and making it work with the space you have. Get the combination of fireplace, layout, and styling right, and a compact room can feel warmer, more characterful, and more liveable than many larger ones.

The Ultimate Guide to Garden Storage Boxes

A well-designed outdoor space is an extension of your home, offering the perfect place to relax, entertain and enjoy the warmer months. But even the most beautifully furnished gardens can quickly become cluttered with cushions, blankets, BBQ accessories, gardening tools and children's toys. That's where a garden storage box comes into its own.

Media wall ideas for every space

A media wall isn't just a spot to mount the TV. It’s a chance to turn an ordinary living room wall into a striking, practical focal point that brings entertainment, warmth, and design together in one place. With the right combination of materials, lighting, and a well-chosen electric fire, a media wall can completely transform the feel of a room.

Room Output Heat Calculator

Use our free stove heat output calculator below to discover the recommended kW output for your room. Once calculated, we’ll show you suitable stoves that match your space and heating needs.
Our stove sizing recommendations are based on standard room volume calculations commonly used across the heating industry, combined with insulation adjustments for more accurate results.

How to light a BBQ: A complete guide

Knowing how to light a BBQ properly is the first step in creating a great outdoor cooking experience. Whether you’re using a charcoal, gas, or a more specialist grill type, getting the setup right will help your food cook evenly, improve flavour, and, most importantly, keep you safe.

The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens for UK Gardens

There’s something undeniably appealing about cooking outdoors. The smell of food on the grill, the ease of entertaining, and the simple pleasure of being in your garden all come together to create a completely different experience from cooking indoors.

Outdoor kitchens take that idea a step further. Instead of relying on a single BBQ tucked into the corner, you can create a dedicated space that brings together cooking, dining, and relaxing in one seamless setup. And with the growing range of modular systems and outdoor cooking appliances now available in the UK, it’s never been easier to build a space that suits your garden and your lifestyle.

Whether you’re planning a full garden transformation or just exploring ideas, this guide will walk you through how to create an outdoor kitchen you’ll actually use.

What to Look for in a Gas BBQ (This Years Buyer’s Guide)

Think about how many people you’ll typically cook for, how often you’ll use the BBQ, and
what type of food you’ll cook when weighing up features. Traditional gas BBQs range from
small two-burner models to large six-burner setups (or more), while planchas, built-in grills,
portable stoves, and hybrid dual-fuel options offer different cooking styles.
Location is also important. If you need portability, LPG models using propane or butane
bottles are ideal, whereas natural gas BBQs connect to the mains and require professional
installation.

How to Use a Pizza Oven

Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen or going al fresco, a pizza oven can take your mealtimes to the next level. There are plenty of benefits to cooking with a pizza oven, but the main one is being able to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza in a matter of minutes.

Not sure where to start? Pizza oven cooking is probably easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking with a pizza oven, with simple steps for how to use a wood-fired, gas, and electric pizza oven. Already confident with the basics? We’ve also got handy pizza oven tips to help you make the most of your appliance.

Induction vs Dual Fuel vs Ceramic Hobs: Which Is Best for Your Range Cooker?

Choosing a new range cooker is about more than just size or style, the type of hob you select will shape how you cook every day. In this guide, we’ll explore exactly how each hob type works, how they compare in real-world cooking, and which option delivers the best long-term value.

When comparing induction, ceramic and dual fuel range cookers, the differences go far beyond appearance. Heat control, responsiveness, safety, energy efficiency and installation requirements all vary, understanding those differences will help you choose the right cooker for your kitchen.

Gazco Logic HE vs Logic Convector Gas Fires: Which One Is Right for Your Home

If you're thinking about upgrading your living space with a stylish and efficient Gazco Logic gas fire, Gazco’s Logic range is one of the most popular and trusted choices on the market. Designed to fit standard 16-inch fireplace openings, these Gazco gas fires combine realistic flame visuals with reliable heat output and flexible installation options.

Two of the most sought-after models in the range are the Gazco Logic HE and the Gazco Logic Convector. While they share the same quality build and flame realism Gazco is known for, each gas fire offers distinct benefits depending on your home, lifestyle, and efficiency needs.

How To Clean A BBQ Guide

A clean BBQ is key to safe, efficient cooking and helps extend the life of your grill. Whether you have a pellet, charcoal, or gas BBQ, giving it a quick clean after every cook keeps grease and residue under control.

In addition to routine cleaning, a deep clean after periods of storage, such as over the winter, is just as important. Dust and cobwebs can build up, so giving your BBQ a thorough scrub before the season starts keeps it hygienic and ready to fire up.

How To Have a Log Burner Without a Chimney

Can you have a log burner without a chimney? Discover your options, from twin-wall flue systems to electric stoves, plus regulations & installation advice.

FireFX by Stovax Gazco: Redefining Home Heating with Style, Technology & Comfort

When it comes to creating a warm, inviting, and stylish home, few things compare to the atmosphere of a beautifully designed fire. Introducing FireFX by Stovax Gazco, a name that’s redefining the world of electric fires and soon, innovative wood burners and gas fires. With over 40 years of expertise in fire innovation, Stovax Gazco has once again raised the bar with the FireFX range, combining advanced technology, timeless design, and unmatched realism to create fires that are as captivating as they are comforting.

Whether you’re looking to transform your living room with a sleek media wall fire, add comfort with a classic 16" inset electric fire, or prepare for the exciting launch of FireFX wood burners, this brand has something to suit every home.

Optimyst vs Optiflame vs Opti-V: Which Dimplex Fire is Right for You?

Electric fires have come a long way. No longer just a flat orange glow, today’s technology makes flames look so realistic you’ll want to reach out and warm your hands. But with three main Dimplex flame effects, Optiflame, Optimyst, and Opti-V you may wonder which one suits your home best? In this guide, we’ll break down each technology, compare features, and help you choose the right Dimplex fire for your space.