StoveAreUs Blog

Bioethanol stoves and fires offer real flames without the need for a chimney or flue, but how much heat do they produce, how long does the fuel last and what do you need to know about using one safely? We answer the most common bioethanol fire questions in this practical guide.

Struggling to get your log burner going, or simply want a cleaner and more reliable way to light it? Our step-by-step guide explains how to light a wood burning stove, from choosing dry logs and kindling to setting the air controls, building the fire and refuelling once it is established.

Planning a media wall with an electric fire? From choosing the right fire and getting your measurements right to building the stud wall, hiding cables and positioning your TV, our practical guide explains what to consider before creating your media wall.

Disposable BBQs have long been the grab-and-go choice for summer. Heading to the campsite, spending a day at the beach or planning a picnic? Pick one up, light it, cook your burgers and you're sorted.

But convenient doesn't always mean best.

A fireplace has always been a natural gathering point in the home. It's the kind of feature that shapes how a room feels as much as how it looks. In a small living room, the challenge isn't whether you can have one, it's choosing the right type and making it work with the space you have. Get the combination of fireplace, layout, and styling right, and a compact room can feel warmer, more characterful, and more liveable than many larger ones.

A well-designed outdoor space is an extension of your home, offering the perfect place to relax, entertain and enjoy the warmer months. But even the most beautifully furnished gardens can quickly become cluttered with cushions, blankets, BBQ accessories, gardening tools and children's toys. That's where a garden storage box comes into its own.

A media wall isn't just a spot to mount the TV. It’s a chance to turn an ordinary living room wall into a striking, practical focal point that brings entertainment, warmth, and design together in one place. With the right combination of materials, lighting, and a well-chosen electric fire, a media wall can completely transform the feel of a room.

Use our free stove heat output calculator below to discover the recommended kW output for your room. Once calculated, we’ll show you suitable stoves that match your space and heating needs.
Our stove sizing recommendations are based on standard room volume calculations commonly used across the heating industry, combined with insulation adjustments for more accurate results.

Knowing how to light a BBQ properly is the first step in creating a great outdoor cooking experience. Whether you’re using a charcoal, gas, or a more specialist grill type, getting the setup right will help your food cook evenly, improve flavour, and, most importantly, keep you safe.

There’s something undeniably appealing about cooking outdoors. The smell of food on the grill, the ease of entertaining, and the simple pleasure of being in your garden all come together to create a completely different experience from cooking indoors.

Outdoor kitchens take that idea a step further. Instead of relying on a single BBQ tucked into the corner, you can create a dedicated space that brings together cooking, dining, and relaxing in one seamless setup. And with the growing range of modular systems and outdoor cooking appliances now available in the UK, it’s never been easier to build a space that suits your garden and your lifestyle.

Whether you’re planning a full garden transformation or just exploring ideas, this guide will walk you through how to create an outdoor kitchen you’ll actually use.