Joanna Humphreys

⏱️ Time to read: Most UK gardens sit unused for half the year, only coming into their own during a few good weeks of summer. If you’re waiting for perfect weather before stepping outside, your setup is holding you back. A spring-ready garden fixes that. It’s designed to be used from the first stretch of […]

⏱️ Time to read: Energy bills dropping one quarter and spiking the next isn’t a trend — it’s a pattern. And by July 2026, that pattern is expected to hit harder again. The real issue isn’t just cost anymore. It’s unpredictability. When your heating costs behave like a yo-yo tied to global events, planning your […]

⏱️ Time to read: Buying a gas BBQ should be simple. Turn a dial, fire it up, cook great food. But once you start looking, it quickly turns into a maze of burner counts, fuel types, materials, and features you’re not sure you actually need. One wrong choice and you’re stuck with a grill that […]

⏱️ Time to read: Key Takeaways Wood Burning vs Bioethanol There is nothing quite like the allure of a real flame. It transforms a house into a home, creating a focal point that draws people in. However, if you are in the market for a new stove, you are likely facing a common dilemma: Bioethanol […]

Key Takeaways Are Wood Burners Really That Smoky Anymore? When people picture a wood-burning stove, they often imagine thick smoke pouring from a chimney. The reality in 2026 is very different. While air quality concerns surrounding domestic heating are entirely valid and should not be dismissed, the conversation often ignores the incredible leaps in stove […]

Key Points Discover Napoleon Gas Barbecues at Direct Stoves We are thrilled to announce that Direct Stoves now stocks Napoleon gas BBQs. When it comes to outdoor cooking, Napoleon has a global reputation that is hard to beat. They don’t just build barbecues; they engineer high-performance cooking machines designed for serious food lovers. If you […]

UK domestic combustion emissions are falling — but what does that actually mean for stove owners? This guide breaks down the latest data, what’s driving the change, and how modern Ecodesign stoves fit into the bigger picture.

Key Points A New Chapter for Direct Stoves Every now and then, a product launch feels a little different. Usually, when we introduce a new 5 kW stove to our range, we are excited to showcase the latest engineering from one of our trusted partners. But today, the excitement is personal. The launch of the […]

Quick Summary: Wood Burning Stove Hearth Regulations (UK) What is a stove hearth? A hearth is a non-combustible base required by UK Building Regulations (Approved Document J) to protect combustible floors from the heat and falling embers of a solid fuel appliance. Key Hearth Requirements (2026): Is it mandatory? Yes. All wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves […]

If you dream of curling up in front of a real fire but live in a modern home without a traditional chimney, you might think you are out of luck. Fortunately, the answer is a resounding yes – you can absolutely have a wood-burning stove without a chimney. While gas and electric stoves are great […]