Yes, you can have a log burner in a kitchen — here’s how to do it right

There’s something undeniably inviting about the crackle of a fire while you’re cooking or sharing a meal. Whether your kitchen is big or small, a log burning stove can instantly dial up the cosiness of the space. But before you fire up your plans, there are a few key factors to consider.

Proper ventilation and extraction are essential to keep smoke and odours at bay, and the size of your kitchen will influence the type of stove you choose. Don’t forget safety either – heat-resistant materials and proper clearance are just as important as the stove’s design.

To make the process easier, we turned to the experts for their top tips on choosing and installing a log burner in a kitchen. Here’s what they revealed.

Can you install a log burner in a kitchen?

"Any stove can operate in a kitchen," explains Jon Butterworth, director at Arada Stoves. "But their suitability will depend on several factors, including ventilation, room size, and safety requirements."

"To comply with Part J of the Building Regulations, specific requirements must be met to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your log burner," Jon continues. "Proper chimney or flue systems are also essential to ensure safe operation, and sufficient clearance around the burner is necessary to prevent fire hazards."

Jon Butterworth

Jon Butterworth is the Managing Director of Arada Stoves, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of stoves, offering solid fuel, gas, boiler, and bioethanol options, alongside a range of outdoor products.

What You Need To Consider

1. Ventilation

"The single most important factor to consider when installing a log burner in a kitchen is proper ventilation," explains Chris Baines, MD at Mendip Stoves. "While all kitchens have extraction units, these can negatively affect stove performance by potentially pulling smoke back down the chimney. Therefore, independent ventilation is crucial, especially in airtight kitchens. Ensuring a good air supply to the stove is essential for efficient operation and to prevent smoke issues."

Chris Baines

Chris Baines is the Managing Director of Mendip Stoves, a family-run business rooted in Somerset. Founded in 2004, they are celebrating 20 years of crafting quality wood-burning, gas, and electric stoves.

Joanna Humphreys, fire and stove specialist at Direct Stoves, expands on this: "When an extractor fan is in use, it causes a negative pressure in the room, which can pull smoke from the stove into the room. To negate this, customers must choose a stove that can be 100% room-sealed, achieved by using an external air kit. However, not all external air kits are fully room sealed, so it’s important to verify this before purchase."

A qualified, HETAS-registered installer will be able to assess your kitchen layout to guarantee safe routing and ensure your installation adheres to Building Regs.

Joanna Humphreys

Joanna Humphreys is a fire and stove expert at Direct Stoves, an online stove retailer selling an array of wood burning, multi fuel, gas, and electric stoves.

2. Log burner size & room requirements

"A common mistake I see all the time is homeowners buying a log burner which is too big for their kitchen," explains Chris Baines. "Kitchens are generally warm places, so the usual formula to work out the kW output required (divide the cubic area by 14) may be reduced."

You can calculate the size of log burner you need by using Direct Stoves' helpful online calculator.

"Hearth size is another crucial consideration," explains Joanna Humphreys. "Most stoves in kitchens can sit on a 12mm thick non-combustible hearth, which prevents the need for additional work to build a constructional hearth into the floor. Hearths should be approximately 300mm wider and 400mm deeper than the stove body, although this can vary slightly depending on the model."

3. Health & safety

"If proper measures are not taken during installation, such as ensuring adequate ventilation and balancing air pressure, smoke ingress into the kitchen is highly likely," explains Jon Butterworth. "This not only compromises air quality but also poses health and safety risks."

When safely installing a log burner in a kitchen, it’s important to consider what the surrounding walls are made from, advises Joanna Humphreys. "Plaster, for example, is classified as a combustible material and will either need to be protected with a wall-mounted heatshield or replaced with a non-combustible material such as a cement board. Alternatively, you can select a stove with low distances to combustibles – one with a clearance requirement of around 150mm or less. Some stoves also have an optional heatshield, which can reduce the clearances required even further."

Don't underestimate the importance of fire safety either. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be non-negotiable. Place these devices near your kitchen to provide early warnings of potential issues, and remember to test them regularly.

Fire safety essentials

4. Positioning

"When selecting a log burner for a kitchen, consider positioning carefully," Joanna Humphreys notes. "External air intakes for room-sealed stoves work best when the stove is installed on an exterior wall, allowing the air connection pipe to exit directly through the wall. If the stove is positioned elsewhere, additional ducting may be required, but this is rarely a preferred option due to its impact on the room’s aesthetics."

"If you have a chimney breast in your kitchen, you can utilise it to make installation slightly easier," Joanna continues. "Without a chimney, you will need to install a twin-wall flue system. These systems can run externally along the building or internally through ceilings or roofs, although some homeowners prefer not to disrupt the rooms above."

FAQs

What is an external air kit for a log burner?

An external air kit supplies fresh air directly to the stove from outside, rather than drawing it from the kitchen itself. This is particularly useful in modern, airtight homes or those with Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, where internal air circulation is controlled. By connecting the stove to an external air source, these kits reduce the risk of smoke entering the room, and prevent competition for air with MVHR systems or kitchen extractor fans.

Most kitchen-compatible log burners are designed to include external air kits, but in some cases, you may need to purchase a kit separately. Your stove supplier or installer can advise you on whether an external air kit is required and/or recommend the best options for your specific setup.

Do you need planning permission to have a log burner in a kitchen?

In most cases, you likely won’t need planning permission for a log burner in a kitchen. However, if your property is listed or in a conservation area, or if the flue extends 1 metre above the roof, you may need to seek approval. When in doubt, consult local guidelines or speak with your installer to ensure your log burner is compliant.

Do I need to notify my home insurance provider about a log burner?

It’s always a good idea to inform your home insurance company if you plan on installing a log burner. Some policies may require updates or include specific clauses for solid fuel appliances, so make sure you check in advance to ensure you remain fully covered.

What are some good alternatives to a log burner in a kitchen?

If a log burner doesn’t quite fit your kitchen’s needs, there are plenty of alternatives ways to heat a kitchen to consider.

Electric stoves: With their cosy flame effects and low maintenance, the best electric log burners offer the ambience and aesthetic of a traditional wood burner without the hassle. They’re easy to install and are available in a wide range of designs that will fit beautifully into any kitchen design.

Underfloor heating: If you want warmth without taking up valuable space, underfloor heating in a kitchen is an energy-efficient solution.

Kitchen radiators: Don't overlook the benefits of a kitchen radiator - these units are perfect for adding warmth to your home while doubling as stylish design features. From compact affordable options to the best designer radiators, you’ll find a style to suit any kitchen.

Compact ecodesign stoves are a smart choice for small kitchens or homes in smoke-controlled areas. But for the ultimate indulgence, you may want to consider a double-sided log burner. These designs are perfect for connecting dining and kitchen areas in open-plan layouts.