Wood burning stoves make great visual focal points for your home and they’re cleaner and more efficient than open fireplaces, and can even save you money on your heating bills. However, to enjoy the real benefits in terms of saving money on fuel and time attending to the burner once its lit here are some tips on getting the best from your stove.

1. Two good well-seasoned not too big logs for the base. Some scrunched up newspaper. Two handfuls of kindling. Two smaller logs for the top.
2. Place two dry logs on the grate front to back this will form the base of the fire.
3. Place the two smaller logs on top leaning against the sides of the chamber. Place the paper in the centre. Build a ‘log cabin’ with the kindling.
4. Open the bottom air vents of the stove and open the flue damper if you have one. Light the newspaper and close the door making sure all vents are wide open.
5. The downward burn begins.
6. As the fire takes hold the burning kindling settles onto the lower layer.
7. After ten minutes, the fire is going well inside the stove.
8. Turn the air supply down a little but aim to maintain a lively fire.