As a holiday let owner or manager, you are ultimately responsible for the guests that you contract with to provide the accommodation. 

Their safety should be your primary concern and wood burners can pose a rick if not correctly managed. 

This page is not designed to scare, but educate owners on how best to manage their property with a wood burner as part of the inventory. 

Wood burner installation 

The beginning of the journey for anyone looking to fit a wood burner or those buying an investment property with a wood burner already installed. 

There is already a wood burner

If you have purchased a property that already has a wood burner fitted, you should follow this steps to ensure it is safe, compliant and fit for purpose. 

1. Inform your insurance company that there is a wood burner present. Provide the HETAS certificate of compliance for when it was installed, if not present, it is best to get it checked. 
2. Arrange a service and inspection by a HETAS registered installer such as Hot Box ®. Alternatively, if you are outs our areas, you can find qualified service providers on The Stove Guys. 
3. Based upon the advice, carry out repairs, maintenance or worst case, have it removed and re fitted if it is considered suitable.
4. The wood burner should be tested and commissioned and a certificate provided detailing any work undertaken, or a new HETAS certificate provided if the appliance has been reinstalled. 

Fitting  wood burning fire in a holiday let

If you would like to install a wood burner, these steps should be followed: 

1. Arrange a survey by a qualified HETAS registered engineer. Make sure they visit, make sure you are there, and get a full written quotation detailing the work that they will undertake and the stove that they recommend. 
2. Take the advice, make sure it includes certification and that the stove specified is of suitable quality and the parts used are from a recognised manufacturer. 
3. Consider the costs, fitting a wood burner properly is seldom cheap, but it is an investment, especially in a holiday let. 
4. Once installed, make sure the appliance is commissioned and tested, and ensure the supplying company have provided suitable information on use. 
5. Find out when the appliance should be serviced, arrange a date in advance and ensure it is kept by the installation company. Alternatively, you could find a local chimney sweep to help. 

Maintaining your wood burner in a holiday let

At Hot Box ®, we would recommend that wood burners used for commercial purposes are serviced at least twice per annum. 

You can book a log burner service through us in Dundee or York, find one of our chimney sweep franchisees, or use platforms like The Stove Guys to find a suitable professional to carry out a log burner service near you. 

Fuel for your log burner 

The type of fuel used in a log burner is critical to its efficiency and longevity. 

Holiday let owners should offer fuel packages from a carefully sourced and controlled Wood Sure approved supplier to ensure the wood used is dry and oven ready. 

Our guide to which wood burns best is a useful place to start. 

Lighting practices 

Consistent lighting methods will also help prolong the life of your wood burner investment. 

By providing your guests with Hot Box ® Firestarter, you can ensure that they will light the stove in the same fashion every single time. 

Our patented fire starter creates the perfect fire every time without fail and serves to create a more efficient fire, thus reducing emissions and deposits of ash, creosote and tar in the flue. 

By allowing the user to create high flue gas temperatures in a matter of minutes, our handy little box means that you don’t have to worry how your guests are lighting the stove in your holiday let. 

Choosing the best wood burner for a holiday let requires careful consideration of practicality, safety, efficiency, and aesthetics. Since holiday lets often cater to guests unfamiliar with wood burners, it’s crucial to select a model that is easy to use and maintain while still offering the charm and warmth that attract bookings. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the right choice.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Ease of Use
   Guests may not have experience operating a wood burner, so a straightforward model is essential. Look for features like:

• Simple controls for airflow and temperature.
• Clear instructions on how to operate the stove safely.

1. Size and Heat Output

• Choose a wood burner with the correct kW rating for the size of the room. Too powerful, and the room may become uncomfortably hot; too weak, and it won’t heat effectively.
• For average-sized holiday lets, a 5-8 kW wood burner is typically ideal.

1. Clean Burn Technology
   Opt for a Defra-approved stove, especially if the holiday let is in a smoke-controlled area. These stoves burn fuel more efficiently and produce fewer emissions, which is better for the environment and complies with UK clean air regulations.

2. Durability and Safety Features

• Look for stoves with durable cast iron or steel construction that can handle frequent use.
• Choose models with features like heat-resistant handles, automatic shut-off, and sturdy glass doors to enhance safety.
• Consider adding a fireguard or protective screen to prevent accidents, particularly if families with children will be staying.

1. Aesthetics and Style
   The wood burner should complement the decor of your holiday let. A sleek contemporary stove may suit a modern cabin, while a classic cast-iron model could enhance a rustic cottage.

2. Maintenance Requirements
   Select a stove that is easy to clean and maintain. Models with accessible ash pans and self-cleaning glass are ideal for minimizing upkeep between guests.

3. Cost of Installation and Running
   Factor in the cost of the wood burner, installation (including flue and hearth if needed), and fuel. Efficient stoves can save on running costs by maximizing heat output while burning less wood.

Recommended Wood Burners for Holiday Lets

1. Charnwood C-Four

• Heat Output: 4.9 kW
• Features: Compact, simple to use, and Defra-approved, making it suitable for smoke-controlled zones. It has an efficient clean burn system and comes in a variety of colors to suit any decor.
• Ideal For: Small to medium-sized holiday lets.

2. Morso 3112 Classic

• Heat Output: 5 kW
• Features: Iconic cast-iron design with a focus on durability and efficiency. It has a timeless look that works well in both traditional and modern spaces.
• Ideal For: Holiday lets aiming for a cozy, rustic aesthetic.

3. Clearview Pioneer 400

• Heat Output: 5 kW
• Features: Known for its ease of use and reliability, this stove has a powerful airwash system to keep the glass clean, making it low-maintenance for holiday let owners.
• Ideal For: Small cottages or cabins with frequent guest turnover.

4. Stovax Stockton 5 Eco

• Heat Output: 5 kW
• Features: Contemporary design with excellent efficiency and Defra approval. Its wide viewing window adds to the ambiance, and it’s easy to operate, even for first-time users.
• Ideal For: Modern holiday lets looking to combine style and practicality.

5. Esse 525 SE

• Heat Output: 5 kW
• Features: Sleek and modern with a high-efficiency rating and low emissions. Its minimalist design suits stylish, upmarket holiday rentals.
• Ideal For: High-end holiday lets or urban locations.

Enhancing Guest Experience with a Wood Burner

Provide Clear Instructions

• Include a step-by-step guide on how to light and use the stove safely.
• Label tools such as pokers and provide fire-starting kits.

Stock Up on Fuel

• Offer dry, seasoned logs or smokeless fuel for guests. Include Hot Box ® Firestarter. 

Add Accessories

• Provide a fireguard for safety, especially if children or pets may be staying.

Include a basket for logs and an ash bucket to keep the area tidy.

Decorate Around the Stove

• Create a cozy space with comfortable seating, blankets, and ambient lighting to highlight the wood burner as a central feature.