It is expected at this time of year for wood burning stoves to be in high demand as people look to heat their homes for the colder months ahead.
A national stove shortage has swept the country which is making it increasingly difficult for consumers to get their hands on a log burner for their property, especially for Christmas! But why is this?
In this article, we talk about the fundamentals that are affecting the supply and demand for wood burning stoves in the UK.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of contents
Don’t worry though! At Bonfire, we have a large variety of log burners in stock with installation along with a good amount of backorders with our suppliers.
Don’t get caught out in the cold this winter! Browse in stock stoves or check stock by contacting us by phone 0118 970 1717 or email info@bonfire.co.uk.
Consumer Demands
Interest in wood burning and multi fuel stoves has skyrocketed, over the previous year. This is driven by a search from consumers of a cost effective alternative of heating a home, over conventional heating methods.
Moreover, a focus on heating control seems to be a large factor. A heating source that is not influenced or interupted by other 3rd parties and can be fully controlled by the home owner. Wood burners provide a self sufficient heating source from a renewable source of fuel.
An increased interest for efficient wood burning stoves and Eco Design Ready stoves, over the previous year. Consumers have a clear onset focus for a more sustainable future of heating.
All reputable brands now produce stoves of 80%+ efficiency and are a clean way of sufficiently heating a home thanks to new technologies within the industry.
We’re also seeing a recent surprising upturn of interest in gas fires and are predicting this to carry on. Consumers are realising that gas appliances are an effective method of heating the home at a good price.
“A gas stove or gas fireplace insert is considerably cheaper than people may presume although wood burners have a very similar cost and should be seriously considered as a cost effective heating method.” – How much are log burners to run in the UK
Recession Mirroring
We had a similar trend happen in 2009, reasons are also similar but not all the same. Customers are looking for “Fuel Security” there is an anxiety over the fuel source and supply issues – wood is seen as a secure fuelling method and are actually looking for a carbon neutral fuel source, which wood is.
Unlike 2009 though, where any stove would do, now customers are much better informed via the internet and are demanding Eco Design Compliance. This has ben executed by manufacturers by Clear Skies and eco design wood burners. This of course addresses the clean air question as well as the CO2 question.
In recent months, kitchen cooking stoves have become increasingly more popular. A similar focus of a self-sufficient nature but utilising a heating source to keep warm and cook. Especially helpful for power cuts, which a few of Bonfire customers have mentioned.
Stove Shortage
Why is it that we’re seeing certain stoves won’t be available until 2023?
Some log burner are not available until 2024! This is due to a number of reasons…
It proving difficult for stove manufacturers to obtain all of the component parts for the full build of their stoves. Stoves will be 95% complete sat waiting on the production line.
Germany are sucking up lots of production due to their exposure to the Russian gas crisis.
Max Barlow, of Reading-based retailer Bonfire, said German households had also been turning to wood-burning stoves after suffering issues with gas supplies from Russia.
Telegraph Newspaper
Read the full article here: Wood burning stoves sell out as families look for ways to keep warm
Piece parts for stoves that are sourced from far east especially cast iron from China are proving difficult to obtain. The parts are in short supply and are obstructing the complete build of wood burning stoves.
This is mixed in with the already existing Covid manufacturing backlog. Making some stoves not available until Summer of 2023.
Stove Brands
Some stove manufacturers are not increasing their production, despite an increase in demand as they are unsure how long the increase will last and don’t want to be left holding stock they can’t sell.
Stove brands with longer than normal lead times include Contura and Hwam. These two have lead times exceeding 2024.
