Our complete guide to finding the right one!

Choosing a stove may seem simple, at least until you start comparing the alternatives.

Pellet or wood? A fan-assisted stove or a natural-convection stove? A stove for genuinely heating the home or mainly for creating an atmosphere? And what if I do not have a flue? QHow much should I spend? Can I access incentives?

There are many possibilities, and there is no single best stove. Instead, there is the stove best suited to the home, habits, and needs of the person who will use it.

Before falling in love with a model because of its design, it is therefore worth starting with some very practical questions.

In this guide, we explain how to navigate the choice, also considering some of the products from Klover, Piazzetta, Dielle, and RIKA, four brands that interpret the world of stoves through different philosophies and solutions.

1. First question: why do you want a stove?

It is probably the most important question.

A person may be looking for a stove because they want to:

• primarily heat one room;
• heat several rooms;
• integrate with the existing heating system;
• reduce boiler use;
• heat the system water;
• create the atmosphere of a fire in the living room;
• enhance a room aesthetically;
• have an alternative heat source;
• to achieve heating, atmosphere, and design at the same time.

The requirements are very different and lead to equally different products.

If your main goal is to heat

You will need to focus mainly on power, efficiency, heat distribution, autonomy, and consumption.

A very attractive stove that is undersized for the area to be heated may not meet your expectations. Conversely, buying an excessively powerful stove does not necessarily mean staying warmer: a correctly sized appliance can operate under better conditions and provide greater comfort.

If your main goal is to create an atmosphere

The situation is different.

In this case, the stove's design, flame visibility, materials, finish, quietness, and the way heat is distributed become particularly important.

A stove placed in the center of the living room is, in every respect, part of the furnishings.

Brands such as Piazzetta and RIKA, for example, offer numerous solutions in which aesthetic design plays an important role, while the Klover and Dielle ranges also let you choose from different configurations, finishes, and styles, with highly effective self-cleaning systems.

If you want both

This is probably the most common situation.

You want a stove that heats properly, but since it will be in the living room for many years, you also want it to look good.

In this case, the advice is not to start exclusively with aesthetics: first identify the necessary technology, power, and features, then choose the model that best fits into the setting.

2. Do you have a flue?

This question can completely change the project.

A combustion stove requires a correctly designed system for evacuating combustion products. Therefore, the presence of a fume outlet pipe should not be confused with the possibility of freely installing a stove anywhere in the home.

If the home already has a flue, you must still check that it is suitable for the appliance you want to install, taking into account its characteristics, dimensions, route, the condition of the duct, and the applicable requirements.

If, on the other hand, you do not have a flue, this does not necessarily mean that you have to give up on the stove.

However, you need to check with a qualified technician whether it is possible to install a new fume evacuation system that complies with regulations and the characteristics of the building.

This aspect should be assessed before purchase, especially in an apartment or in architecturally complex situations.

Can I install a pellet stove without a flue?

It is one of the most frequent online searches.

The answer, although it may sometimes seem complicated, is actually very simple: IN ITALY NO!
A pellet stove, like a wood-burning stove, produces combustion fumes that must be vented TO THE ROOF!

It is true that almost all pellet stoves have a motor for the forced expulsion of fumes, but the pressure in the fumes lasts only inside the appliance. Once the fumes are in the pipes, they necessarily need a draught, meaning a flue that naturally draws them out and reaches the roof.
In this regard, the specific regulations leave no room for doubt: UNI 10683:12 of 2012, subsequently reconfirmed by the 2022 update UNI 10683:22.
THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS, any other solution IS NOT COMPLIANT WITH REGULATIONS AND IS DANGEROUS!

For this reason, the feasibility of the installation must always be verified by a professional.

If the goal is instead to achieve only an aesthetic effect without combustion, entirely different technologies can be considered, such as certain decorative electric or bioethanol solutions.

3. Pellets or firewood: which fuel should you choose?

Let's get to the big question.

Is a pellet stove or a wood-burning stove better?

There is no universal answer here either.

It mainly depends on how much value you place on convenience, automation, atmosphere, fuel availability and everyday management.

Pellet stove: for those looking for convenience

The great advantage of pellets is the ability to automate operation to a greater extent.

Depending on the model, functions such as these may be available:

• automatic ignition;
• programming;
• temperature adjustment;
• power modulation;
• electronic management;
• remote control via app or internet connection;
• automatic or semiautomatic cleaning systems.

It is therefore particularly interesting for those who want to use the stove daily as a true heating system, without having to manually fuel the fire frequently.

In the pellet stove sector, Klover, Piazzetta, Dielle and RIKA offer a particularly extensive range, with solutions ranging from the most compact stoves to highly advanced technological products.

Wood-burning stove: for those who love traditional fire

Firewood offers a different experience.

There is the ritual of lighting the fire, adding a log, watching the flames move, and listening to the characteristic crackling of the fire.

It is a particularly interesting choice for those who:

• has easy access to firewood;
• enjoys managing the fire personally;
• is looking for a traditional atmosphere;
• wants to reduce dependence on electronics;
• use the stove as a central element of the home.

The downside is generally more manual operation compared with pellets.

What if you did not want to choose? Hybrid stoves are available.

The market has become particularly interesting here.

Hybrid or wood-pellet combination stoves allow you to use both fuels.

It is an ideal solution for anyone who thinks:

“During the day I want the convenience of pellets, but in the evening I want to light a real wood fire.”

Or for those who want to be able to choose the fuel based on availability and their own needs.

RIKA, for example, offers a specific range of combination stoves in which pellets and wood coexist in the same appliance, with models such as PARO, ADUO and INDUO. Some solutions can recognize the fuel and switch automatically between wood and pellets.

Piazzetta, with its Infinity Plus Line range, also offers hybrid stoves in which programmable pellet operation is combined with the option of using wood, with automatic switching between the two modes.

Klover also offers hybrid solutions. Dual Air, for example, uses two independent combustion chambers and allows the use of wood and pellets, including in combined mode.

For those who do not want to commit permanently to a single fuel, therefore, a hybrid stove is definitely worth considering.

4. Do you need to heat one room or the whole house?

One of the most important features to consider is where the heat needs to reach.

A single room

If you mainly want to heat the living room or a large open-plan space, a properly sized air stove may be sufficient.

This is the simplest situation.

Multiple rooms

If, on the other hand, you want to distribute heat to other rooms as well, you can consider a ducted stove.

Through dedicated ducting, some of the hot air can be distributed to other rooms.

This is an interesting solution, for example, when the stove is installed in the living area but you also want to direct some of the heat to the sleeping area.

There are also specific systems developed by different manufacturers. RIKA, for example, offers MULTIAIR technology on compatible models, designed to direct hot air toward adjacent rooms as well. (RIKA)

Do you also want to heat the system's water?

In this case, we need to enter the world of boiler stoves.

A boiler stove does not merely heat the air in the room: it transfers a significant portion of its energy to the water and can therefore be integrated, when the system allows it and is correctly designed, into the home's heating system.

It is a very different solution from the classic living room stove and requires a more thorough technical assessment.

Klover, for example, also has a strong offering in this segment, including pellet and hybrid solutions designed to heat the system's water. (Klover)

5. How many kW should the stove have?

Here, you need to avoid one of the most common oversimplifications: choosing the power simply based on the square meters.

Two 100 m² homes may have completely different heating requirements.

At least the following should be considered:

• surface area and volume of the rooms;
• ceiling height;
• thermal insulation;
• quality of the window frames;
• climate zone;
• exposure;
• the number of external walls;
• the layout of the rooms;
• the temperature you want to maintain;
• any other heating systems.

A recent, well-insulated home may require much less energy than an older home with significant heat loss.

For this reason, more kW does not automatically mean better.

An oversized stove may often be forced to operate at minimum power or alternate between starting up and shutting down, while one that is too small may be constantly pushed to its limit.

The correct sizing should therefore be carried out based on the actual characteristics of the home.

To give you an approximate calculation: for an averagely insulated house (without external insulation but with at least double-glazed windows), calculate approximately 1 KW for every 10 square meters of living space. So, a 100-square-meter house will need a stove with approximately 10 kW of power.

6. Ventilated or quiet stove?

This is an aspect that is often underestimated at the time of purchase.

Imagine installing the stove just a few meters from the sofa or kitchen table.

The noise produced during operation could become an important factor.

Stoves can distribute heat in different ways, and some models focus particularly on natural convection and quiet operation.

RIKA, for example, has made quiet operation one of the distinguishing features of several of its solutions, including combination stoves. (RIKA)

If the stove will be placed in the living room and remain on for many hours, therefore, do not look only at power and design: also ask yourself how much noise you are willing to accept.

7. How important is autonomy?

A lot, especially with pellets.

If you use the stove occasionally, frequently filling the tank may not be a problem.

If, on the other hand, the stove is to become one of the main systems you use to heat your home during the winter, tank capacity and autonomy take on a completely different importance.

Therefore, consider:

• tank capacity;
• minimum and maximum consumption;
• ease of loading;
• programming options;
• automatic power management.

However, do not look only at the theoretical autonomy: actual consumption depends on the conditions of use, the required power and the characteristics of the home.

8. How much do you want to handle the cleaning?

Every biomass appliance requires care and maintenance.

If you want to minimize daily maintenance, when choosing a model consider whether it has systems that make cleaning the burn pot and managing ash easier.

Some higher-end products incorporate technologies specifically designed to increase ease of use.

For example, all KLOVER pellet stoves have a mechanical self-cleaning burn pot that only requires servicing every 15 days.

Even DIELLE stoves have a bottom-loading system that extends the cleaning interval to every 15/20 days

This does not mean that maintenance disappears: ash removal, regular maintenance and inspection of the flue system remain essential aspects for the appliance’s safety, performance and lifespan.

9. How much are you willing to spend?

The budget is inevitably one of the main criteria.

But it would be a mistake to compare stoves solely on the basis of the purchase price.

The actual cost of the project may potentially include:

stove + installation + flue or modification + accessories + necessary work + maintenance + fuel.

A stove that is financially convenient to purchase may require major installation work.

Conversely, investing a little more in a more automated, quieter or easier-to-manage product can make sense if the stove will be used every day for many years.

Limited budget

It is best to focus on the functions that are genuinely necessary, avoiding paying for technologies that are unlikely to be used.

Medium budget

A much wider range of options opens up in terms of design, automation, material quality, ducting and electronic management.

High budget

You can choose products in which technology, quiet operation, automation, finishes, and design become an integral part of the experience.

This is where premium solutions from brands such as RIKA, Piazzetta, Klover and Dielle can become particularly appealing.

10. Can I benefit from incentives to purchase a stove?

This is another fundamental question, because an incentive can significantly change the actual cost of the investment.

However, the options depend on several factors:

• type of work;
• appliance characteristics;
• performance and emissions;
• possible replacement of an existing heating system;
• property characteristics;
• technical requirements established by the scheme;
• any regional regulations;
• the period in which the work is carried out.

The mechanisms to check may include, depending on the case, incentives linked to energy efficiency and the replacement of existing heating systems, as well as tax deductions applicable to building or energy-related work.

The rules may change, and not all appliances or projects are automatically eligible for incentives.

For this reason, before purchasing, it is important to check the regulations in force at the time of the work, the product requirements, and the required documentation, referring to official sources and, when necessary, to a technician or professional.

Manufacturers also often provide the necessary technical documentation. On Klover product pages, for example, documents relating to environmental certification, the Conto Termico incentive scheme, and tax deductions are available for certain models. 

The advice is simple: check the incentive before purchasing, not afterward.

11. Also pay attention to regional regulations

When it comes to biomass stoves, you should not look only at national regulations.

In some regions, there may be specific restrictions relating to the emissions performance of appliances, environmental class, and the use of biomass heating systems.

Before replacing or installing a stove, it is therefore advisable to also check the regulations in force in your area.

This is particularly important if you are buying an appliance with the intention of using it for many years.

12. Design: the stove will be an important feature of the home

A stove is not hidden away in a utility room.

It is very often installed in the living room, kitchen, or main open-plan area of the home.

And it stays there for years.

That is why aesthetics are by no means a superficial criterion.

You need to evaluate:

• dimensions;
• proportions;
• shape;
• color;
• materials;
• cladding;
• glass size;
• flame visibility;
• flue outlet position;
• integration with the furnishings.

If you love minimalist interiors, you might prefer a stove with clean lines.

In a more traditional home, you might instead choose finishes and materials capable of giving the product a stronger presence.

And if the main reason for the purchase is watching the fire, do not forget to carefully evaluate the combustion chamber and flame visibility.

13. Klover, Piazzetta, Dielle, or RIKA: which one should you choose?

At this point, we can talk about the brands.

Rather than determining which one is “the best,” it makes sense to understand which product philosophy best matches your needs.

Klover

Klover offers a highly diverse range in the biomass heating sector, with numerous pellet stoves, air-heating solutions, hydro products, and hybrid systems. The current range includes models designed for rooms of different sizes and different heating requirements. (Klover)

It is a brand to give particular consideration when the stove must be not only beautiful, but also an important component of the home's heating system.

The development of wood-pellet hybrid solutions, such as Dual and Dual Air, is also highly interesting.

Consider it if you are looking for: a wide range, effective heating, pellet stoves, hydro solutions, and hybrid technology.

Piazzetta

Piazzetta is a particularly interesting choice for those who place great importance on the combination of heating technology, comfort, and design.

The brand also offers hybrid solutions from the Infinity Plus Line, capable of using pellets and wood and electronically managing the changeover between fuels. (Piazzetta)

It is therefore a brand to consider when the stove plays a central role in the interior design while also needing to offer advanced performance and functions.

Consider it if you are looking for: aesthetics, personalization, comfort, heat distribution, and technologically advanced solutions.

Dielle

Dielle is particularly interesting for those looking for a pellet stove with its own technical philosophy and specific attention to how the fuel is managed and burned.

It is a brand worth exploring, especially when the goal is to find a pellet stove intended for frequent use, carefully evaluating the technical features, comfort, quietness, maintenance, and combustion system of each model. (dielle)

Worth considering if you’re looking for: a pellet solution with a strong focus on combustion technology and everyday comfort.

RIKA

RIKA has a highly distinctive identity, with great attention to quiet operation, design, automation and ease of use.

The range of combination stoves is particularly interesting, allowing you to use pellets and wood in the same appliance. Models such as ADUO, PARO and INDUO embody this philosophy. (RIKA)

RIKA is therefore a choice worth considering carefully if the stove will be installed in a room used for many hours a day and you want a product in which user experience and technology play an important role.

Worth considering if you’re looking for: quiet operation, contemporary design, automation, pellets and, above all, combined wood-pellet solutions.

14. So, which stove should you choose?

Let’s try to turn everything into a few specific situations.

“I want a stove that’s convenient to use every day”

I’d start with a pellet stove, preferably programmable and with good autonomy.

“I love fire and above all want atmosphere”

I’d carefully consider a wood-burning stove, prioritizing combustion quality, flame visibility and design.

“I want the convenience of pellets but don’t want to give up wood”

The most interesting answer could be a wood-pellet hybrid stove. RIKA, Piazzetta and Klover offer specific solutions in this segment. (RIKA)

“I want to heat other rooms too”

I’d consider a ductable stove and carefully study the layout of the rooms.

“I want to contribute to heating the system”

I’d explore the world of hydro stoves, checking the system’s compatibility and sizing with a professional.

“The stove will be in the living room and I hate noise”

I’d put quiet operation and the heat distribution system among the first selection criteria, not the last.

“I don’t have a chimney”

Before even choosing the model, I’d have the feasibility of the installation and flue gas exhaust system checked.

“I want to spend as little as possible”

I wouldn’t look only at the stove’s price: I’d first ask for an estimate of the total installation cost.

“I want a beautiful, technologically advanced stove”

I would focus primarily on ranges in which the design, materials, electronics and heat management have been developed as a single project.

15. Questions to ask yourself before buying

Before making your final stove choice, try answering these questions:

1. Do I really want to heat, or am I mainly looking for ambiance?
2. How many rooms do I want to heat?
3. Do I already have a suitable flue?
4. Do I prefer pellets, firewood, or would I like to use both?
5. How important is automatic ignition to me?
6. Do I want to program the stove?
7. How important is quiet operation?
8. How much space do I have available?
9. Do I want to heat the air, or the system's water as well?
10. How much time do I want to devote to loading and cleaning?
11. How important is design?
12. What is my total budget, including installation?
13. Can I access incentives or tax deductions?
14. Are there any specific restrictions in my Region?
15. Will I use the stove occasionally or every day for several months a year?

If you have fairly precise answers to these questions, you have already eliminated most of the models that are not suited to your needs.

The best stove is the one chosen for your home

Choosing a stove should not start with the number of kW shown on the technical data sheet, nor with a model seen at a friend's home.

You need to start with your home and your habits.

A stove that is perfect for a modern apartment may be poorly suited to a large detached home. One person may consider remote ignition essential, while another may specifically want the daily ritual of using firewood.

Some people mainly want to save on heating, while others have dreamed for years of seeing a flame burning in the living room.

And then there are those who want both.

That is why the market now offers extremely diverse solutions: from more automated pellet stoves to traditional wood-burning stoves, from hydronic stoves to ducted models, and even modern wood-pellet hybrid stoves.

Brands such as Klover, Piazzetta, Dielle and RIKA let you explore different philosophies and find a product that is not only technically suitable, but also truly fits the way you live in your home.

Discover the selection of Klover, Piazzetta, Dielle and RIKA stoves on Bieffe Shop and compare models, features and solutions to find the one best suited to your needs.