How to Choose the Right Wood Heater for Your Home
, by Hot Things, 3 min reading time
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and ambience of a wood fire. Whether you’re upgrading your current heater or installing one for the first time, choosing the right wood heater can dramatically improve comfort and style in your home. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key considerations — size, type, and layout — to help you make the right choice. Need help now? Contact us here
Step 1: Work Out the Size of the Space You Need to Heat
The most important factor is matching the heater’s output to the size of your space. A heater that’s too small won’t keep you warm — and one that’s too big may overheat the space or burn inefficiently.
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Small (up to 160m²): Ideal for compact homes, studios or granny flats.
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Medium (160–220m²): Suited to most family homes and open-plan living areas.
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Large (220m²+): Best for big homes, high ceilings or open-plan spaces.
Step 2: Choose Between Radiant or Convection Heating
There are two main types of wood heaters: radiant and convection. Each suits different home layouts and heating needs:
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Radiant heaters deliver strong, direct heat to people and objects in front of them. They're ideal for well-insulated areas, semi-enclosed outdoor spaces, workshops, and even open-plan homes where it’s less important for the heat to travel across rooms.
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Convection heaters warm the air and distribute heat evenly throughout your home. This makes them the best choice for most homes. Many convection heaters include built-in fans — not essential, but helpful for circulating warm air more effectively.
Step 3: Freestanding Wood Heaters vs Inbuilt
This guide is focused on freestanding wood heaters, which are the most popular and flexible option for most homes. Freestanding heaters can be placed in a variety of locations and offer excellent heat output while complying with basic safety standards.
If you’re looking for an inbuilt wood heater, your best option is to measure your existing fireplace and contact our team. We’ll help you find a suitable model that fits and performs safely.
Good to Know
All wood heaters sold in Australia must meet strict emissions and performance standards. That means every heater on the market is designed to burn cleanly and heat efficiently — good for your home and good for the environment.
Consider burn time, firebox size, and room layout when choosing a model, and shop confidently knowing all compliant heaters meet national benchmarks.
Why Buy from Hot Things?
- Free delivery across Perth metro area
- Expert advice available 7 days a week
- Huge range of reliable Australian brands
- Local warranty support and unbeatable customer service
Still Unsure?
Visit our wood heater guide to browse by size and type. Need personal advice? Contact our team — we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.