Home/Fireplaces & Stoves/Guides/Back Boiler Stove — UK Cost & Whole-House Heating Guide

Install a back-boiler stove.

Wood-burner with back boiler — provides hot water and central heating from solid fuel.

Where is the job?
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
50,000Quotes sent
Keep going

Hire a fireplace installer. HETAS-certified, Ecodesign-compliant.

You've read the brief on back Boiler Stove. Now lean on us to find the right fireplaces & stoves — and stay in control of the job.

Instant
01 · Ask

Ask the AI a follow-up

Got more questions about back Boiler Stove? Describe the bit you're unsure about — the AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the fireplaces & stoves.

Free
02 · Read the brief

Walk in informed

Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any fireplaces & stoves starts on back Boiler Stove.

60 seconds
03 · Compare

Compare 3 fireplaces & stoves quotes

Itemised quotes from up to 3 local fireplaces & stovess on back Boiler Stove — so you can compare like-for-like, not lump sums.

Ready when you are

Enter your postcode and get free quotes from local pros.

Get fireplaces & stoves quotes
Top tips

Hiring a fireplaces & stoves, without the regret.

Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.

Wrong sizing

Stove output to system load critical. Heat-loss calc essential.

Backup heating needed

When stove not lit (summer), need backup. Immersion heater or hybrid system.

Tar in flue

Boiler stoves run cooler than room stoves. More tar build-up. Sweep more often.

Slow warmup

Fire-and-water heating slower to warm up than gas. Plan timing for cold weather.

Costs & timeline

Know what it costs. Know when it ends.

Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.

Cost range

By job type

Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Boiler stove (10–15 kW total)Aarrow, Stratford, Glowtech
£1.5k–£4.5k
System pipework integrationConnect to existing heating
£800–£2.5k
Unvented cylinder upgrade if neededMegaflo
£800–£1.8k
System control (thermostat etc)Sophisticated control
£300–£800
HETAS install labourMulti-day work
£800–£2.5k
Chimney liningStainless flex
£500–£1.2k
!

Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.

At a glance

The Fireplaces & Stoves briefing.

Infographic · Video
Infographic

Fireplaces & Stoves quick-view

Back Boiler Stove — UK Cost & Whole-House Heating Guide infographic
Video guide

Fireplaces & Stoves explained

Back boiler stoves heat radiators and hot water — whole-house heating from a wood burner. Replaces gas/oil boiler. Expect to pay £3,500–£8,500 for UK boiler stove installation.

What Does the Work Involve?

HETAS engineer surveys system. Stove integrates with existing wet central heating: flow and return pipes from stove to manifold or unvented cylinder. Stove typically larger (8–15 kW total output, mix of room and water). Smart control for thermostatic management. Backup heating (gas/electric immersion) recommended for when stove not lit. System designed by competent heating engineer.

Typical Costs

ItemLow (£)High (£)Notes
Boiler stove (10–15 kW total)1,5004,500Aarrow, Stratford, Glowtech
System pipework integration8002,500Connect to existing heating
Unvented cylinder upgrade if needed8001,800Megaflo
System control (thermostat etc)300800Sophisticated control
HETAS install labour8002,500Multi-day work
Chimney lining5001,200Stainless flex
Hearth + surround5002,500As any wood burner
Complete boiler stove install3,5008,500Whole-house heating

How Long Does It Take?

Standard install: 5–10 days. Includes wet system integration. Plus commissioning.

DIY or Professional?

HETAS-registered installer with wet system experience. Heating engineer (or Gas Safe for displaced boiler).

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

HETAS-registered with boiler stove experience. Brands: Aarrow (UK), Stratford (UK), Glowtech, Ekol. 10-year warranty on premium brands.

UK Regulations

Building Regs Part J (combustion), Part L (efficiency), Part P (electrical if controls). HETAS notification. Carbon monoxide alarm. Boiler Plus efficiency upgrade if replacing gas boiler.

Common Problems

  • Wrong sizing: Stove output to system load critical. Heat-loss calc essential.
  • Backup heating needed: When stove not lit (summer), need backup. Immersion heater or hybrid system.
  • Tar in flue: Boiler stoves run cooler than room stoves. More tar build-up. Sweep more often.
  • Slow warmup: Fire-and-water heating slower to warm up than gas. Plan timing for cold weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can boiler stove replace gas boiler?

Yes for off-grid properties. Combined with backup (immersion or LPG) for summer hot water and when stove off. Wood is the primary fuel.

How much wood per year?

10 kW boiler stove for typical 3-bed: 3–5 m³ hardwood per heating season. £400–£800 in fuel.

vs gas combi running cost?

Boiler stove: ~£800 fuel/year. Gas combi: ~£1,200 fuel/year (depending on tariff). Boiler stove cheaper but requires daily fire-lighting.

Will it heat all radiators?

Yes when properly sized. 10–15 kW total output sufficient for 3-bed semi. Output split: room warmth + radiators + hot water.

Summer hot water?

Electric immersion heater backup. Some homes have separate solar thermal panels for summer hot water.

Best UK boiler stove brand?

Aarrow (UK manufacturer), Stratford (UK), Ekol (German). Premium models offer 10-year warranty.

This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.

NEWAI Trade Assistant

Got more questions
about fireplaces & stoves?

Ask follow-ups in plain English. The AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the fireplaces & stoves — so you walk in informed.

I'm planning a job. Should I be looking for a fireplaces & stoves?
Sounds like a job for fireplaces & stoves. Tell me what you're trying to do — I'll walk you through costs, timeline and what to ask before they start.
FREE QUOTES60 SECONDS