FAQ's
General Stove FAQs
What type of fuel is best for your stoves?
You can use both wood and coal in our stoves. Our best advice:
- Layer the base with a little coal
- Firelighters
- Kindling
- Small Log
Get it lit and the coals will heat up perfecty, add a few more coals once the wood has lit and going properly, you will be toasty all night long.
How much space around?
For our smaller Little Lenny, Lenny and Florence stoves, we always recommend atleast 300mm to combustibles. You can reduce this by about half if yo install a heat shield.
Do I need a chimney to install a stove?
No, a chimney isn’t strictly necessary. If you don’t have a chimney, a twin-wall flue system can be installed to safely vent the smoke outside.
What is the difference between a wood-burning stove and a multi-fuel stove?
A wood-burning stove is designed specifically for burning wood and features a flatbed for logs to burn efficiently. A multi-fuel stove, on the other hand, has a grate that allows air to circulate under the fuel, making it suitable for burning coal, smokeless fuel, or wood.
Can I burn coal in a wood-burning stove?
No, you shouldn’t burn coal in a wood-burning stove. Wood stoves lack the proper grate for coal to burn efficiently and safely. Burning coal can produce more soot and damage the stove over time. Use coal only in multi-fuel stoves.
What type of wood is best to use in a stove?
The best wood to use is dry, seasoned hardwood like oak, ash, or birch. Seasoned wood has a moisture content of less than 20%, burns more efficiently, and produces less creosote than wet or "green" wood. Avoid softwoods like pine, as they burn faster and produce more resin.
Why is my stove not burning efficiently?
Common reasons include:
- Using wet or unseasoned wood.
- Air vents being closed or blocked.
- Ash buildup restricting airflow.
- A poorly maintained chimney or flue.
Check these areas and ensure proper maintenance for better performance.
What are the benefits of using a stove over central heating?
Stoves provide a cosy, localised heat source, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and can lower heating bills if you have access to affordable wood or other fuels. They’re also a great aesthetic feature, adding charm and ambiance to a room.
Care and Maintenance FAQs
How often should I clean my stove?
You should clean your stove after every few uses to keep it running efficiently. Empty the ash pan regularly, clean the glass weekly, and sweep the firebox monthly. A deep clean and inspection should be done at least once a year.
How do I clean the glass?
To clean stove glass:
- Let the glass cool completely.
- Use a damp cloth dipped in wood ash (a natural abrasive) to scrub away soot.
- For stubborn stains, use a stove glass cleaner.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
How often do i need to clean or sweep my chimney?
Your chimney or flue should be swept at least once a year if you use your stove occasionally, and twice a year if you use it heavily. Sweeping removes soot and creosote, which can pose a fire risk.
What is creosote, and how do i prevent it?
Creosote is a flammable, tar-like substance that builds up in the chimney when wood burns inefficiently. To prevent it:
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood.
- Maintain proper airflow by keeping vents open as needed.
- Avoid burning at low temperatures for prolonged periods.
How do I maintain the seals on my stove?
Inspect the door and vent gaskets regularly. If they’re worn, cracked, or no longer create a tight seal, replace them using a gasket repair kit. A tight seal is essential for efficient burning and safety.
Can I repaint my stove?
Yes, you can repaint your stove if the surface becomes worn or rusted. Use a high-temperature stove paint designed for wood-burning or multi-fuel stoves. Be sure to clean and prepare the surface before painting.
What do I do if my stove starts rusting?
To address rust:
- Use a wire brush or fine sandpaper to remove rust.
- Wipe the surface clean.
- Apply a thin coat of high-temperature stove paint to protect it.
- Regularly clean and dry the stove to prevent future rust.
Fuel Specific FAQs
What is the best fuel for a multi-fuel stove?
The best fuel depends on your needs. Use well-seasoned hardwood for a clean burn and moderate heat. Smokeless fuels, such as anthracite or smokeless coal, are ideal for higher, longer-lasting heat and reduced emissions. Avoid using unsuitable fuels like damp wood or household coal if not approved.
Can I burn pellets or briquettes in my stove?
Yes! Pellets and briquettes are often efficient and produce less ash, but ensure they are untreated and free of chemicals.
Is smokeless coal better than regular coal?
Yes, smokeless coal is better for most stoves because it burns cleaner, produces less smoke and soot, and is more environmentally friendly. It’s also allowed in areas with smoke control regulations, unlike regular coal.
What are the signs of unseasoned wood, and why should I avoid it?
Signs of unseasoned wood include a heavy feel, wet or sticky bark, visible sap, and hissing or excessive smoke when burned. Avoid it because it burns inefficiently, produces more creosote, and can damage your stove and chimney.
Can I burn household waste or paper in my stove?
No, burning household waste, glossy paper, or treated materials releases toxic fumes and can damage your stove or flue. Stick to approved fuels like seasoned wood or smokeless coal.
Safety FAQs
What are the risks of not maintaining my stove?
Neglecting your stove can lead to:
- Increased risk of chimney fires from soot and creosote buildup.
- Reduced efficiency and higher fuel consumption.
- Smoke leakage into your home, posing health risks.
- Expensive repairs from avoidable wear or damage.
Do I need a carbon monoxide detector with my stove?
Yes, it’s essential to have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in the same room as your stove. Stoves can emit CO if they’re poorly ventilated, improperly maintained, or used incorrectly.
What is the proper way to extinguish a fire in my stove?
To safely extinguish a fire:
- Close the air vents to starve the fire of oxygen.
- Let the fire burn out naturally—don’t add water, as it can damage the stove and create steam hazards.
- Once cool, remove ashes safely.
How can I prevent my stove from overheating?
- Use a stove thermometer to monitor temperatures.
- Avoid overloading the stove with fuel.
What should I do in case of a chimney fire?
- Close the stove’s air vents to limit oxygen.
- Evacuate everyone from the space and call emergency services.
- Never use water to extinguish a chimney fire, as it can cause structural damage.
How do I protect children and pets around a stove?
- Use a fireguard or safety gate around the stove.
- Teach children about stove safety and the dangers of touching it.
- Keep pets’ beds and toys a safe distance away.
Delivery FAQs
How long does it take to despatch?
We aim to send everything out the same day, but always the following day. We don't send items on a Friday because we don't want our little stoves sitting in the ParcelForce depo on the weekends!
Unless you have ordered a custom item, this can take longer!
Can you deliver to a different address?
Yes! We are happy to arrange this for you, when you 'checkout' please enter your chosen delivery address.
Can I change my address after my order has been placed?
Yes, as long as your order has not been dispatched! Give us a call with your order number and we can sort it out!
Can I choose my delivery date?
All of our items are collected Monday to Thursday on a 24 hour service. Deliveries can take up to 48 hours depending on your location. If you would like to change your dispatch date, leave us a note when placing your order or give us a call and we can help!
Can I collect?
Of course, just give us a call so we can give you directions! We can be a little tricky to find.
How much does delivery cost?
We offer free P&P if you live in England or Wales, there is a £40 delivery fee if you live Scotland or Northern Ireland. If you do not reside at a UK mainland address then please contact us for receive a delivery quote. Or when you head through to check out, select your country delivery address and it will work it out for you!
Stove Use FAQs
Lighting your first fire.
Before you start using your small multi-fuel stove, there are a few things which are useful to bear in mind:
- When you go to light your stove for the first couple of times, it's best if you try to keep the fires small. This will allow the paint to cure before you start making larger fires in your tiny wood burner.
- It's worth noting that the air control settings, lighting methods and the firing intervals will vary depending on the chimney draught, the wind direction, climatic conditions, the heating requirements and the fuel being used. Therefore, it may take a while before you are completely familiar with how to operate your stove correctly under various conditions.
- Although you can burn almost any type of wood in your Little Burner, you should not use wet or green wood. Wood should be stored under cover for at least 1 year, (preferably 2 years) and it should also be exposed to the air. Wood should be chopped as soon as possible after felling if it is to dry quickly.
- You should only use wood with a maximum moisture content of 20%. You can use a moisture meter to ensure your wood is of the correct moisture content.
- Never burn driftwood in your small stove as it has a high salt content and this will damage both the stove and the chimney. You should also never burn impregnated wood, laminate or chipboard, as these materials may emit poisonous gases and fumes when burnt
- The most environmentally friendly way to ignite a fire is the “top-down” lighting method. This is done by kindling the fire relatively high in the pile of firewood placed in the burn chamber. This way, the gasses burn gradually as the fire works its way down and catches on.
How do I keep my glass clean?
Use a damp cloth and dip it in the ash, gently rub on the glass!
Which stove is best for me?
This totally depends on many factors! The size of your space, how well your space is insulated, the climate where you are for the winter and how you intend to use your burner!
We generally recommend each burner for this approximate size:
Little Lenny
• Renault Trafic, Land Rover Defender or Caddy size vehicles.
Lenny
• Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Master
Florence
- Luton vans, horsebox.
Burt
• 4 berth caravan, 16ftx16ftx8ft room.
Betty
• Large shepherds hut, large room.
It is better to be running a smaller stove hotter and more efficient than to underfire or have your burner on 'tick over' as this can cause creosote build up in your flue!
If you need any help or need some advice, give us a call and we can help!
Why do I need to season my burner?
All of our stoves are made from steel which is great for stoves as they don't warp and it diffuses the heat across their surface evenly and it holds the heat for slightly longer. It is so important to season your stove as this protects the paint work and prepares it for some HOT work!
If your little burner is exposed to the elements it will rust! This can be avoided with good care!
How do I season my stove?
Seasoning your Little Burner is so simple! All of our burners can be seasoned from Lenny Lenny all the way through to Burt!
- Before lighting your stove make sure it's clean and no bits of plastic!
- You can put some oil onto a clean rag and rub it on, leave it for a few minutes then wipe it away! Try to avoid pools of oil on your burner.
- Build a fire inside your stove and gradually increase the heat up, run the stove for 60 minutes then allow the burner to cool slowly!
- Repeat this 3 times, gradually increasing the heat each time.
When lighting your stove for the first time it will 'smoke' a little, ensure there is proper ventilation! Open all your windows and doors until they stop smoking. This is a normal process of seasoning your burner for the first time and there is nothing to worry about.
My glass has cracked! Help!
Cracks in the glass can occur if your logs fall into the glass as they're burning. Replacing the glass yourself is a simple job but if you're at all unsure give us a call and we can advise!
Smoke in my living room when I open the door?
The stove must not be operated with the door open, it should only be opened when you need to refuel the fire!
To help this you can either burn your fuel at a hotter temperature, or you can open the door slightly for a few minutes before adding any additional fuel. If the door is left open for too long then a large amount of cool air will be drawn into the chimney, cooling the flue gases and slowing the draw of your stove, this will result in smoke and fumes coming back into the room.
If the smoke is persistant and the stove is difficult to light and maintain a good burn then there may be a problem with the chiney draught, you should consult an installer or sweep the chimney.
Why is my stove 'ticking'?
It is normal for there to be a little ticking noise whilst your little burner heats up or cools down.
How do i remove scratches?
If your little burner has scratches or marked then you may need to give it a fresh coat of paint.
You will need to clean the surface first removing any rust with fine steel wool, or scotchbrite, make sure the surface is free of dust. Shake the can and get spraying!
The fire rope has come loose!
The sealing rope in the door will become worn after it has been in use for a long period of time. You can purchase new fire rope and glue kit as well as replacement glass and ceramic tape from us! When replacing the seal, the surface must be cleaned thoroughly with a steel brush or wire wool.
Can I use stove blacking?
No, please do not use stove blacking on your little burner. The painted surface will become discoloured and blotchy if you use stove blacking. This should only be used on old stoves that have been ground or sandblasted. If you need to paint your stove use heat resistant paint.
I am installing in my caravan/campervan, is there a way to secure the stove?
Yes! On all of our burners there are predrilled holes for securing the burner to the floor.
Flue FAQs
Can I buy single / insulated flue?
Yes! We sell both single wall and insulated (also known as twin wall) kits for our stoves.
My flue kit doesn't fit!
Flue pipes from other maufacturers may not fit our stoves, this is why we sell our flue pipes specific for our stoves. Just the same as our flue pipes wont fit other stove manufacturers.
Can I buy extra flue?
Of course! We offer a 2000mm flue kit, you are also able to purchase any additional flue pipe you may need - 500mm or 1000mm!
I need to change the direction of my flue pipe.
That's absolutely fine. We offer 45 degree bends in our store! The flue pipe should be as straight as possible which is why we tend to avoid suggesting 90 degree bends!
What size flue pipe for my burner?
Little Lenny, Lenny & Florence have a 76mm outer diameter flue.
Burt and Betty have 4" flue systems.
How far can the silicone boot be away from the burner?
We recommend the silicone boot be atleast 1200mm away from the top of your burner.
Will the silicone boot melt?
The silicone boots are rated up to a temperature of 225 intermittently and 200 celcius continously.
Accessory FAQs
Do you sell water boilers?
No, this is not something we currently offer. Maybe in the future.
Can I cook on the burner?
Yes, you are able to cook with small pans or kettles on our smaller burners - Little Lenny, Lenny and Florence. Betty and Burt are able to hold larger cooking pans and you can even cook jacket potatoes in the bottom!
Do you sell heat shield or base plates?
Yes! We have both base plates and heat shields and recommendations for the burner in each option!