Guides & Resources
Helping you make the right choice for your home and heating needs.
The best wood cook stove depends on your space, heating needs, and how you plan to use it.
Small homes → compact models like Viki
Larger homes → higher output units like J.A. Roby range
Off-grid → all models suit off-grid
Daily use → choose quality build and consistent burn
A good wood cook stove should provide reliable heat, a usable cooktop, and long-term durability.
A standard wood heater is designed purely for heating.
A wood cook stove provides both heating and cooking — and modern units like J.A. Roby are designed to do both very efficiently.
Wood Heater
Built for heating only
Simple operation
No cooking function
Wood Cook Stove (e.g. J.A. Roby)
Designed as a high-efficiency heater
Provides strong, consistent heat output
Includes cooktop and oven for everyday use
Ideal for both on-grid and off-grid living
Victoria Range
Practical and affordable option
Great for sheds, man caves, lady caves and smaller spaces
Provides both heat and a usable cooking surface
Ideal where you want a simple, functional setup without the higher investment
Modern wood cook stoves are not just for cooking — they are built to heat your home effectively while giving you the added benefit of cooking capability.
Choosing the right size wood heater depends on:
House size
Insulation
Ceiling height
Climate
As a guide:
Small home → 10–15kW
Medium → 15–20kW
Large → 20kW+
Too small = won’t heat properly
Too big = inefficient and uncomfortable
Getting the sizing right is critical to performance and comfort.
If you’re unsure, our team can help you choose the right solution for your home, layout, and how you plan to use it.
Yes — if sized and positioned correctly.
Factors that affect this:
Open vs closed floor plan
Ceiling height
Insulation
Airflow between rooms
In open homes, one unit can heat most areas.
In closed layouts, heat may not travel as well.
Yes — they are one of the best off-grid solutions.
They provide:
Cooking (cooktop + oven)
Heating
Optional hot water (wetback system)
No electricity required.
Perfect for:
Rural properties
Backup during power outages
Full off-grid living
Using the right firewood is essential for performance, efficiency, and longevity of your stove or heater.
Best option:
Dry, seasoned hardwood (e.g. red gum, ironbark)
Why it matters:
Burns hotter and cleaner
Produces more heat
Reduces smoke and creosote build-up
Keeps glass cleaner
Avoid:
Wet or green wood (low heat, lots of smoke)
Treated or painted timber (unsafe and damaging)
Softwoods (burn too fast and inefficiently)
As a general rule, firewood should be seasoned for at least 12 months and stored in a dry, ventilated area.
Using the right wood will improve efficiency, reduce maintenance, and get the best performance from your heater or cook stove.
==> Need advice on getting the best performance from your stove? Call us on 1800 71 72 73.
Yes — some wood heaters and cook stoves can be fitted with a hot water jacket (wetback system).
These systems allow your appliance to heat water while it’s running, providing an efficient way to supplement your hot water supply.
However, not all models are designed to accommodate a hot water jacket.
Availablity Depends On:
The model
The design of the firebox
Installation requirements
It’s important to choose the right unit from the start if hot water is something you want to include.
👉 Check with our team to see which models are suitable and what options are available.7. What Is a Wetback / Hot Water System on a Wood Stove?
Most installations take:
Half a day to one full day
Depends on:
Roof type
Flue system
Access
Compliance requirements
More complex installs may take longer.
Keep it simple:
Use dry wood (reduces buildup)
Clean when stove is cool
Use damp cloth + ash or glass cleaner
Avoid harsh chemicals
Regular cleaning keeps visibility and performance high.
Yes — especially with rising energy costs.
Benefits:
Lower running costs
Reliable heat
Works during power outages
Long lifespan
A quality wood heater is a long-term investment that can significantly reduce your reliance on electricity and provide consistent, dependable heat year after year — making it a smart, cost-effective investment for long-term heating.
On top of that, nothing compares to the natural, radiant warmth and atmosphere of a real wood fire — it creates a level of comfort that other heating simply can’t match.