The LSB Smart Buyer’s Guide to Indoor Fires
Why indoor fires matter on a lifestyle block
For many lifestyle farmers, an indoor fire is more than just a heat source. It can be the heart of the home in winter, a way to keep power bills down, and in some cases a handy hotplate too, especially during power cuts. With options ranging from traditional log burners to pellet fires and modern stoves, it pays to do your homework before buying.
Types of indoor fires
Wood burners
The most common option. They burn split firewood and can heat a room or a whole house, depending on size and design.
Many models can be fitted with wetbacks. A wetback is a water pipe system that runs through the firebox and heats your household hot water. Wetbacks can cut power bills in winter, but not every fire is suitable and regulations apply.
Pros:
Readily available fuel if you have your own trees.
Can be very effective at heating.
Wetback options can provide hot water.
Great to stare at the flickering flames in the evening.
Pets love them...
Cons:
Need dry, seasoned wood and plenty of storage space for it.
Must comply with local air quality standards.
Can be messy with ash and smoke if not well managed. The increase in dust when we’re using the fire is very noticeable.
Wood stoves (ranges)
Stoves like the Stanley and upmarket Aga combine cooking and heating. They can run hot plates, ovens, and often a wetback for water heating, all from one firebox.
Pros:
Multi-purpose, providing heat, cooking, and hot water.
They have a very classy look and strong heat output.
Traditionally, cold newborn lambs were put in one of the (not very hot!) ovens to warm them up.
Cons:
Expensive to buy and install.
Not as quick to light or control as traditional cooktops.
Take up more space in the kitchen or living area.
They are designed to radiate heat. So imagine using one in the height of summer…to cook a Christmas roast for example.
Pellet fires
These burn compressed wood pellets, fed automatically into the fire. They are cleaner burning and very efficient.
Pros:
Easy to light and control.
Consistent heat.
Low emissions.
Cons:
Rely on pellet supply, so you need to buy fuel rather than cut your own.
Need electricity to run fans and feeders, so they are not reliable in a power cut.
Ongoing running costs.
Open fires
Less common now due to low efficiency and strict clean air rules. They are charming but inefficient as a main heat source.
Regulations to be aware of
If your property is less than two hectares, you must install an authorised wood burner that meets national environmental standards. Authorised models are tested and listed on the Ministry for the Environment website.
Other key points:
The size of the fire and the size of the property both matter. Larger rural properties have more flexibility, but many lifestyle blocks are under the two-hectare rule.
Councils may have additional air quality standards and approved burner lists. Always check with your local council before you buy.
Wetbacks are allowed only on approved models, and in some regions extra restrictions apply.
Choosing the right fire
When choosing, think about:
Your fuel supply: Do you have access to free or cheap firewood, or will you need to buy it?
Your space: How large an area do you need to heat?
Your lifestyle: Do you want a quick and clean option, or are you happy handling firewood?
Regulations: Make sure your choice is authorised for your property size and council rules.
Extra features: Wetbacks for water heating, cooktops for emergencies, or aesthetic appeal.
Alternatives: Many people now choose heat pumps because they are efficient, hassle free, and provide instant warmth at the push of a button.
Safety: Wood burners get very hot and need guarding if there are children in the house, and there is always a fire risk if they are not well maintained. Heat pumps avoid these hazards.
Resilience: A wood burner has the advantage of being useful in a power cut, with most models providing at least a hot surface for boiling a kettle or cooking in an emergency. (But then you’ve probably got a bbq anyway…)
Operating your fire efficiently and responsibly
Getting the best out of your fire is not just about heat, it is also about reducing smoke and staying safe.
Always burn dry firewood. Wet or green wood produces more smoke and less heat and clogs up your flue.
Use kindling and pine to start the fire, then switch to harder woods such as gum, manuka, or macrocarpa for long-lasting heat. Gorse burns well too and there is satisfaction on getting revenge if you’ve removed it yourself.
Firewood is usually sold by the cubic metre or by the trailer-load. Delivered firewood can be expensive, so factor the cost into your heating choice.
Keep matches or a lighter in a safe but accessible place, and never leave them where children can reach them.
Drying clothes in front of a fire is common but increases fire risk. Always use a fireguard if clothes are hung nearby.
Chimneys should be swept once a year to remove soot and prevent chimney fires.
Hot ashes must be handled with care. Place them in a metal container with a lid and set it on a fireproof surface. Douse with water to ensure embers are completely out.
Never burn plastics, construction waste, or treated wood. These can release toxic chemicals and damage your fire or flue.
For more detailed safety tips, download our free Rural Fire Safety Guide. If you have a wood burner, you need to understand rural fire brigades what they expect from you.
Costs to consider
Purchase price: From around $2,000 for a simple log burner to well over $10,000 for a full wood stove.
Installation: You must use a registered installer, and costs vary depending on flue and building requirements.
Running costs: Firewood can be cheap if you produce your own, but pellet fires rely on a purchased fuel supply.
Forum wisdom
LSB members have shared experiences with a wide range of fires:
Some swear by their Pyroclassic burners for efficiency. (However my personal choice is anything from Firenzo. We’ve had their Lady Kitchener and Contessa fires in our last two places and they’ve been fantastic.)
Some love the tradition of a kitchen range as the centre of the home.
Pellet fires are a bit marmite. Some love the convenience while others dislike relying on bought pellets and electricity.
Common questions about wood burners
Can I buy and install a second-hand burner?
It depends. Councils look at more than just the national standards when deciding if a second-hand unit can be installed. Always check with your local authority before buying one.
Is it safe to modify my burner?
No. Burners are tested and authorised as they are. Altering them can make them less efficient, increase smoke, or even create a fire hazard. Modifying a burner also cancels its official authorisation.
What about multi-fuel or coal burners?
National rules do not specifically cover them, but many councils do. Check with your regional or unitary council before buying. Be aware that coal burners are high emitters, and cleaner heating is encouraged.
Can I install an open fire in a new house?
Not usually. Open fires are generally not allowed in polluted airsheds. These are urban areas officially identified because they breach the national PM10 standard. Check your council’s airshed map and rules before planning a new fire.
What counts as a wood-burning cooking stove?
If the appliance has an oven it is generally treated as a cooking stove. A hot plate on top of a wood burner does not count. Councils regulate these differently, so check before buying.
Conclusion
There is no single best indoor fire for lifestyle farmers. The right choice depends on your fuel, your home, and how you want to use the fire. Whatever you decide, buy from a reputable supplier, check the rules for your property and area, and think ahead about installation and where you will store fuel.
