A wood burner (also called a slow combustion stove or log burner) is the most popular way to heat a Cape Town home through winter, and a pellet stove is the cleaner, more automated alternative. This guide explains how each works, how to choose between them, and what a good stove dealer should tell you before you buy.
Wood burner or pellet stove: which suits you?
| Wood burner (slow combustion) | Pellet stove | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Split firewood | Compressed wood pellets |
| Loading | By hand, every few hours | Hopper holds a load, fed automatically |
| Heat control | Air control, manual | Thermostat or programmable settings |
| Power needed | None | Small electrical supply for the feed and fan |
| Best for | Lounges used most evenings, load-shedding backup | Convenience, steady heat, less mess |
The power point matters in South Africa: a wood burner keeps working during load-shedding, while a pellet stove needs electricity for its feed system, so ask a dealer about backup options if outages are a concern.
How to choose the right size
An oversized stove forced to burn low produces smoke and soot, and an undersized one never warms the room. Dealers size a stove using the room's volume, ceiling height, insulation, windows and whether the heat must reach other rooms. Take your floor plan or simple measurements to the showroom rather than choosing on looks alone.
Wood burners we supply and install
Our closed-combustion range covers freestanding and built-in slow combustion units. If you already have a brick fireplace, an insert fireplace turns the open hearth into a far more efficient heater. For pellet and biomass heating, see our pellet fireplaces and biomass range.
Questions to ask any wood stove or pellet stove dealer
- What size room is this stove rated for? Ask for the output in kilowatts and how the dealer arrived at the recommendation.
- Is the flue kit included? The stove needs a correctly sized, insulated flue that terminates above the roofline. Get the diameter, length and components in writing.
- Is the installation compliant? Installations should follow SANS 10400, and a dealer should be able to explain the clearances to walls, floors and ceilings.
- What fuel will you burn, and where do you buy it? Dry, well-seasoned wood burns cleaner and gives more heat than damp wood. For pellets, ask where to buy and how to store them.
- What does servicing involve? Flues need regular sweeping and pellet stoves need cleaning of the burn pot and heat exchanger.
- How long does it take? If the stove is not in stock, our lead time is about two weeks from payment to installation.
Installation: what it costs and what it involves
For freestanding units, installation typically runs from R6 500 to R12 000 excluding VAT. Built-in inserts typically run from R12 000 to R25 000. The price moves with flue length, roof type, whether a wall needs fire-protection and how easy access is. We install within 200 km of Cape Town and courier stoves anywhere in South Africa at additional cost. See what is included on our fireplace installation page.
Running your wood burner safely and cleanly
- Burn dry, seasoned wood and never treated or painted timber.
- Open the air control fully when lighting and reduce it only once the fire is established.
- Have the flue swept before each winter.
- Keep combustibles away from the stove and use a fireguard if you have children or pets.
- Install a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm in the living area.
For the tools that make this easier, read our guide to fireplace accessories and flues in Cape Town.
See a stove in person
Come to our showroom at 189 Durban Road, Bellville (Monday to Friday 8:00 to 17:00, Saturday 8:00 to 13:00), call 021 945 3636, or request a quote. Our fireplace shop guide explains what to bring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a wood burner and a slow combustion stove? They are generally the same thing. "Slow combustion" describes a sealed chamber with controlled air supply that burns wood slowly and efficiently.
Can I install a wood burner in an existing fireplace? Yes. A built-in insert fits into an existing masonry opening, and the flue is usually lined to the correct size.
Do pellet stoves work during load-shedding? Most need electricity for the feed system, so ask your dealer about battery backup or an alternative heat source.
How often should the chimney be swept? At least once a year before winter, and more often if you burn a lot or use damp wood.
