There’s something deeply comforting about the glow of a real fire on a crisp autumn evening. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your current stove or installing your first log burner, late summer is the ideal time to start. By getting ahead of the seasonal rush, you can have your new fire ready to use the moment the temperature dips — without battling installation backlogs.

When’s the best time to install?

While it may seem strange to think about heating in August, this is the ideal time for new fire and stove installations. Demand starts to pick up in early autumn, and leaving it too late can mean longer waits for engineers and supply shortages of popular models. Installing before the colder months ensures everything is ready, safe, and tested before you need it most.

Choosing the right stove

The right stove for you will depend on a mix of practical and personal factors, like what type of fuel you’d prefer. For example, are you looking for a stove, or a wood burner? A wood burner uses logs exclusively, while a multi-fuel stove can also burn approved solid fuels, offering more flexibility. There are electric stoves and fires to consider too — these can simply plug in to a wall socket without the need for complicated installations, making them a portable and renter-friendly option too.

Consider the size of your space. Too small a stove and you’ll be chilly; too large and you may find it uncomfortably warm. As a rule of thumb, you’ll need around 1kW of heat output for every 14 cubic metres of space.

Many modern stoves are highly efficient, delivering more heat with less fuel. If eco-credentials are important to you, look for high-efficiency ratings and for DEFRA-approved or EcoDesign models to meet the latest environmental standards.

And, of course, aesthetics are important. From sleek contemporary designs to more traditional, cast-iron styles, your stove can double as a statement piece. So, it’s worth shopping around until you find a stove you love.

2025 stove trends

Your choice of stove might be influenced by your interior design scheme. Recently, there’s been a rise in Art Deco-inspired interiors, which has sparked interest in more decorative fireplaces and heritage-style stoves with intricate detailing. These can work beautifully in period properties or to add character to a modern home.

Meanwhile, minimal, matt-black log burners remain a favourite for contemporary spaces, especially when paired with a neutral, Scandi-inspired palette.

Safety and installation advice

Installing a stove isn’t simply a matter of placing it in the room — it must meet strict safety requirements. Wood-burning stoves should always be installed by a professional, ideally a HETAS-registered engineer, who will ensure the work complies with building regulations, including ventilation and chimney safety.

According to Fire and Rescue guidelines, poor installation can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks or chimney fires. A professional will also advise on flue type, hearth size, and the best position for heat circulation.

Can you install a stove yourself?

While it’s technically possible for a competent DIYer to install a stove, it’s rarely advisable unless you have professional experience. Any installation will need to be signed off by your local authority’s building control department, and mistakes can be costly — not just financially, but in terms of safety. Using a HETAS engineer means you avoid this paperwork and can be confident the work is compliant.

How much does installation cost?

The cost of installing a new fire or stove depends on several factors, including:

The type of stove you choose (wood burner or multi-fuel).
Whether you already have a chimney or need a twin-wall flue system.
Any extra work required, such as adding a hearth or reinforcing a fireplace opening.

As a guide, basic installations can start from around £800–£1,500, but more complex projects can exceed £3,000 (StovesAreUs). The average installation cost for a log burner in the UK sits around £2,000.

“Installing a new fire, stove, or log burner is a worthwhile investment for both comfort and style, but timing and planning are crucial. By making your choice in late summer, considering the right size, fuel type, and design for your space, you’ll enjoy cosy evenings all through autumn and winter. Make sure to hire a qualified professional for worry-free installation.

“Whether you’re drawn to the timeless charm of a cast-iron multi-fuel stove or the clean lines of a modern log burner, the perfect fire can transform your home — and there’s no better time than now to get started. Brands to look out for include Woodpecker Stoves, Portway Stoves, Parkray Stoves, Firefox Stoves, and Go Eco Stoves — each offering a range of styles and features to suit different homes.”- Adam Oldfield, Director of home heating specialists StovesAreUs

Read more from Crave, the lifestyle magazine UK audiences turn to for inspiration and trends.

Heating Experts Share When & How to Install a New Heat Source Ready for A/W 2025