Choosing the Best Stove for Your Space:

Multi-Fuel, Wood-Burning and Contemporary Stoves

When the nights draw in and the temperature drops, there is nothing quite like the comfort and roaring flames of a real fire. At Calido, we supply and install wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, helping customers across Scotland and the UK create the perfect cosy home.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the right stove for your space? This guide will walk you through the main stove types, highlight trusted brands we stock, and showcase standout models loved by our customers.

Why Choosing the Right Stove Matters

A stove is not just a source of heat; it can also be the focal point in your home. Picking the right one ensures:

• Efficient heating for the size of your room
  

• Fuel flexibility (kiln dried logs versus multi-fuel)
  

• A style that complements your interior – traditional wood burning stoves or contemporary stoves
  

• Eco-friendly performance that meets Ecodesign stove standards
  

• Compliance with DEFRA stoves Scotland smoke control requirements
  
  

Multi-Fuel Stoves: Flexibility and Performance

A multi-fuel stove allows you to burn kiln dried logs as well as smokeless coal, giving you a choice and consistent heat output throughout the year. This makes them a versatile option for homes that want the freedom to choose the best stove fuel for their lifestyle and location.

Here are some of the brands and models we recommend at Calido:

Woodwarm 

Woodwarm is a British manufacturer with a reputation for engineering excellence and handcrafted quality. The Phoenix Fire range embodies this, offering a superb flame picture, exceptional efficiency and a durable design. With features such as a powerful airwash system to keep the glass clear, this stove combines performance with longevity, making it a standout option for multi-fuel users.

Clock Stoves 

A relatively young but fast-growing brand, Clock stoves are celebrated for their simple yet timeless design and ease of use. Their multi-fuel models are EcoDesign ready and DEFRA approved, making them an excellent choice for households in smoke control areas. Built in the UK with a focus on sustainability, Clock stoves appeal to homeowners who want efficiency and reliability wrapped up in a stylish package.

Wood Burning Stoves: Classic Warmth and Clean Burning

If you want the authenticity of a real log fire, a wood-burning stove is what you need. At Calido, we offer a range of wood burning stoves from a range of known brands, below are just a few of the brands we stock, that we feel really stand out if you’re looking for a wood burning stove. 

Charnwood

As one of the UK’s most respected stove manufacturers, Charnwood is known for exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. Their stoves are both stylish and functional, creating a warm and inviting focal point in any living space. The Charnwood ‘Aire’ range provides performance and a modern feel with a sleek design and wide glass window, the fire really does become the focal point of the room, available in multiple sizes to suit anything from a snug living room to a large open-plan space.. All Charnwood stoves we supply are Ecodesign ready and DEFRA-approved.

Heta Stoves

Heta brings Danish craftsmanship and Scandinavian style to the world of wood burning stoves. Built with high-quality materials and engineered for efficiency, Heta stoves combine clean-burning technology with understated design, making them suitable for both traditional and modern homes. 

Stovax

As one of the UK’s longest established stove manufacturers, Stovax is known for its wide range of designs that balance efficiency, reliability and style. From traditional cast-iron models to sleek contemporary options, Stovax has built a reputation for stoves that perform as well as they look.

Most Stovax models are Ecodesign and many are DEFRA approved stoves, meaning they are suitable for smoke control areas while still delivering powerful heat and a clear flame picture.

Contemporary Stoves: Sleek Design Meets Comfort

For modern homes, contemporary stoves provide a minimalist aesthetic with advanced combustion technology. These stoves typically feature large glass panels, high efficiency, and clean architectural lines – ideal for interiors that value design as much as performance.

Contura

Swedish brand Contura is one of the leading names in contemporary stoves, combining Scandinavian style with user-friendly operation. The 556 Style is a perfect example: with glass on three sides, it offers panoramic views of a roaring flame that transforms a living space. Producing 5 kW of heat and available in finishes such as black, grey, and soapstone, it suits medium-sized rooms while serving as a design statement. Contura stoves are also EcoDesign and DEFRA compliant, ensuring they perform as efficiently as they look.

Heta

While often associated with classic wood-burners, Heta also produces an impressive range of contemporary models. With sleek lines, optional log storage, and excellent efficiency, Heta’s contemporary stoves are built for homeowners who want a blend of Danish minimalism and environmental responsibility. Their designs make them equally at home in new builds, open-plan living spaces, and modern renovations.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Stove

When choosing the best stove for your home, think about:

1. Room size and heat output – Smaller rooms may need 2–5 kW; larger spaces may need 7 kW+.
   

2. Fuel type – Do you want the flexibility of a multi-fuel stove, or the cleaner burn of wood-only?
   

3. Style and finish – From traditional cast iron to sleek glass-fronted designs.

4. Installation requirements – Chimney, flue size and ventilation must all be suitable. If you’re based in Scotland, get in touch and we can advise. 
   

5. Running costs – Efficiency ratings matter. Higher efficiency stoves use less fuel to achieve the same heat.
   

6. Regulations – Always ensure your stove is Ecodesign ready and DEFRA approved if you live in a smoke control area.
   
   

How to Work Out the Heat Output You Need for Your Room

When choosing a stove for your home, it’s important to make sure it provides the right level of heat for your space. Too little, and you’ll struggle to stay warm; too much and the room may feel uncomfortably hot.

A simple way to estimate the heat output required is with this calculation:

Room Length (m) × Room Width (m) × Room Height (m) ÷ 12 = Required kW output

For example, if your room measures 5m × 4m × 2.4m:
5 × 4 × 2.4 = 48
48 ÷ 12 = 4 kW

This means you would typically need a stove or fire with an output of around 4kW.

Please note: This is a general guide only. There are factors that can affect the actual heat requirement of your room. We always recommend speaking to one of our experts before making a purchase to ensure you choose the right stove for your home.

Choosing the Right Fuel: Why Quality Matters

Even the best stove fuel will only work as well as the fuel you are using to light it. Using the right fuel keeps your stove efficient, reduces emissions, and prolongs its lifespan.

• Kiln dried logs – We supply Woodsure-approved bulk kiln dried firewood in birch, ash, and oak, with a moisture content below 20%. This means longer burn times, more heat per log, and less smoke.
  

• Heat logs or briquettes are a practical alternative to kiln dried logs. Made from compressed wood, they burn consistently, give off strong heat with minimal ash, and are easy to store. Their low moisture content also makes them one of the best stove fuel options for a clean, efficient fire.
  

• Avoid wet wood – Logs with high moisture content might seem cheaper at first, but they waste energy evaporating water, create excess smoke, and can damage your stove and flue. In practice, you’ll end up using more fuel, spending more on top-ups, and missing out on the comfort of a truly warm, efficient fire.

Explore our full range of kiln dried firewood, available with fast delivery across the UK.

Why Buy Your Stove from Calido?

• Wide range of leading brands including Charnwood, Woodwarm, Stovax, Contura, Heta and Clock
  

• Showroom experience – see models in person before you decide
  

• Trusted service – hundreds of 5-star reviews for friendly advice and reliable delivery
  

• Everything in one place – from stoves to the best stove fuel
  
  

Whether you want the flexibility of a multi-fuel stove, the classic comfort of a wood-burner, or the modern style of a contemporary design, Calido has the perfect option for your home.

Explore our full stove collection here, or visit our Stirling showroom for tailored advice from our expert team.