Wood stove in the kitchen: Choice of stove and installation

Few things can enhance the coziness in the kitchen like the warmth, sound, and scent from a wood-burning stove. Furthermore, a wood stove can be practical during power outages and cold snaps, and can be great for certain types of cooking and baking. However, there are many uncertainties regarding the regulations for installing wood stoves in kitchens. In this blog post, we've gathered information about the benefits of wood stoves, the differences between old and modern wood stoves, installation, and more.

Popular to Install a Wood Stove in the Kitchen

Throughout history, the hearth has been the natural gathering place. Today, our kitchens serve the same purpose as the hearth did before. Unfortunately, an electric oven is far from as visually appealing as a lit wood stove. Therefore, it's not surprising that so many choose to install a wood stove when renovating their kitchens.

With a traditional cast iron wood stove, the kitchen gains a vintage feel and unparalleled comfort. Just imagine being able to treat your guests to freshly baked pizza – prepared directly in the wood-fired oven. What a delight!

Another advantage is the potential reduction in heating costs and electricity consumption. This is particularly true on cold winter days when electricity is at its most expensive. A substantial iron stove consists of 100 kilograms of solid iron, which retains heat long after the fire in the stove has gone out.

Factors like cooking, high electricity prices, and interior design have made the old wood stove trendy again, and at Ulma, we have models that suit most kitchens and tastes. See our wood stoves.

Regulations for Wood-Burning Stoves in Kitchens

Wood burning might be cozy, but it's not entirely without issues. According to certain studies, emissions from wood burning are believed to cause about 1,000 premature deaths per year in Sweden.

This led the then government to introduce new regulations for wood stoves, fireplaces, and other room heaters in July 2018. The aim was to reduce hazardous emissions and improve efficiency, in accordance with the EU's ecodesign directive. However, after investigations and a public outcry against wood stove regulations, the requirements for wood stoves were removed from the list. This means that as long as you're considering installing a wood stove (and not a fireplace with a hotplate or similar), there are no limitations in the law.

The reason for the government's change of heart was that all modern wood stoves on the market already exceeded the new environmental requirements by a large margin, and the few used wood stoves that were sold couldn't justify administrative costs.

The ban on installing old wood stoves was short-lived but drew significant attention. The consequence of this is that there is currently considerable uncertainty about what actually applies.

To clarify matters, we refer to Boverket's building regulations for wood stoves, where it explicitly states:

“...The requirements for emissions and efficiency do not apply to:

• kitchen stoves (wood stoves primarily intended for cooking)
• open fireplaces
• sauna heaters
• tile stoves or
• set stoves”

Just remember that you are obligated to submit a building permit application before installing a wood stove!

Differences Between an Old and a Modern Wood Stove

Which wood stove to choose depends entirely on your intended use. Old wood stoves are charming to look at but are usually not reliable heating sources. Efficiency can vary from low to decent, and it's not uncommon for important parts to be missing. In most cases, renovating an old wood stove is relatively easy, as long as it's not exploded, rusted through, or severely damaged by fire.

However, if you want an additional heat source for your home, it's safest to opt for a newly manufactured stove. Considering the cost of installation, it often makes sense to choose a model that helps lower the house's heating expenses.

Then there's the matter of cooking...

Do you enjoy cooking? Well, your opinion might change when you try preparing dinner on an old wood stove. As mentioned earlier, old wood stoves are visually appealing but not very practical when you're aiming for good results. New wood stoves, on the other hand, are designed to maintain even heat and turn cooking into an enjoyable experience.

Newly manufactured wood stoves come in many styles – from classic iron stoves with a vintage look to stoves with minimalist and modern designs. Regardless of the type you choose, all newly manufactured wood stoves have this in common: they have high efficiency and release minimal hazardous particles, which is good for both your wallet and the environment.

What style would you like for your wood stove? Check out our models of modern wood stoves for all types of homes.

Installing a Wood Stove in the Kitchen

Different types of wood stoves require different types of installations. A classic kitchen wood stove almost always needs to be built into the wall, which requires some work and planning. The stove tends to become very hot during use, meaning it shouldn't be placed too close to flammable materials like wood and plastic. If you have limited space in the kitchen, you can use fireproof wall panels to separate the stove from easily flammable materials. Also, remember that the kitchen floor in front of the stove needs to be protected.

Modern models can often be installed either freestanding or integrated into the wall. This flexibility allows more people to have wood stoves in their kitchens. The range of wood stoves in modern design has also contributed to more people recognizing the many advantages of wood stoves.

However, it's extremely important to always consult with a chimney sweep to ensure that the installation is done correctly and that the smoke connection and ventilation work as they should.

Interested in Installing a Wood Stove in Your Kitchen? Contact Us!

Do you dream of a more vibrant kitchen where the fire creates a cozy and homely atmosphere? Then you need a wood stove. With us, you'll find stylish and energy-efficient models that suit most homes. If you need more information and advice regarding installation and effectiveness, don't hesitate to contact us by phone or email. At Ulma, we have extensive experience with stoves, pellet installations, and wood stoves, and we can help you find the perfect stove for your kitchen and needs.