Choosing the right Villager stove

One of the most important aspects in choosing a stove is not only in selecting a model that appeals to you,but also in making sure it provides the right level of heat output in relation to the room size.To help you work out how much heat you are likely to require we have included a simple calculation formula.

Woodburning, multi-fuel or gas fired?

In helping to make your choice it is important to establish which type of fuel you intend burning. The reason for this is because woodburning and multi-fuel stoves require their own special environment in which to burn with maximum efficiency.

Wood burns best on it's own bed of ash with no draught from below. That way it burns more slowly and for much longer. A multi-fuel stove needs a grate to hold the fuel above the ash allowing air to circulate from below to keep the fire going. All our woodburning and multi-fuel stoves can easily be converted from one fuel type to another (except the 'C' Wood and Puffin models).

For convenience and ease of operation you may wish to consider one of our gas fired or electric stoves. With their naturally realistic flame effect and appearance of a traditional stove, they are becoming ever more popular.

Although we have tried to make this website as comprehensive as possible we appreciate that every installation will have it's own special requirements. We therefore suggest that before making a final decision you talk with your Villager dealer who will be happy to help.

Calculating the heat output you require

To produce a comfortable room temperature of around 21º/22º Celsius (70º Fahrenheit), when the outside temperature is 0º, you will need about 1kW of heat for every 14 cubic metres of space. 1kW is the equivalent of approximately 1 bar of an electric fire.

The following formula and example will give you a reasonable guide to the heat output you are likely to need. To establish the cubic capacity of the room, measure the length by the width by the height, for example a room that is in the region of 6.5 metres. (21ft. 6") x 4.5 metres. (15ft.) x 2.4 metres high (8ft.) will require a stove of about 5kW output to adequately heat its 70.2 cubic metres.

Heat output calculator Simply key in your room measurements, choose the correct units and click the "equals" button to find the heat output required to adequately heat your room. Room measurements in: Feet Metres Length:     Width:     Height:    kW of heat output needed.

A stove with a higher output can be used if it is to be run with a lower fuel level. With a little experimenting you will quickly find the fuel loading that is right for your comfort. A small increase in the heat output may be required depending on the number of windows and doors and the level of insulation there is in the room.