I’ve written two previous articles on the best woodburning stoves for small spaces. Part one, where I discuss some of the pros and cons of small wood burning stoves, is here, and part two (where I talk specific products) is here.
Since writing them, I’ve become aware of another UK-based company making non-certified stoves for small and tiny spaces – Little Burners.
Regulations and safety for small woodburning stoves
The first thing to mention and get out of the way is the fact that Little Burners stoves (like the Glastonbury Burners stoves mentioned in the previous article) are not certified by any official regulatory bodies. This means that they cannot be legally installed in a permanent domestic dwelling* because they have not been CE marked, DEFRA-approved, nor are they EcoDesign 2022 ready.
* What I mean by permanent domestic dwelling is a house, building or structure that requires building control approval for occupation. Most structures that are not connected to the house (depending on size) are considered to be anciliary to the main dwelling and are not legally considered a living space, so don’t need building regulation approval.
But buildings, vans and structures that are not ‘official’ dwellings, don’t have any regulations as such (beyond your basic common sense to ensure that they are safe to be in), so you are able to install a non-certified stove at your own risk.
I covered some of the basic safety stuff in the first post, but it’s worth reiterating the potential danger of a woodburning stove in a small space. I’m not trying to ‘nanny’ anyone – I know safety can sound really boring, but the alternative could be serious burns or loss of life. Consider all the pitfalls and design your installation with the help of the manufacturer or an experienced installer:
- Distance of the stove from combustibles (stove manufacturer will indicate this)
- Consider heat shields around the stove (also underneath if necessary)
- Consider heat shields behind any single-wall flue sections
- Consider using as much twin-wall flue as possible for safety and efficiency
- Fit a carbon monoxide detector and test it regularly
- Have a fire extinguisher to hand
So, safety briefing done, let’s move on to the good stuff…
So who are Little Burners?
Prior to 2025, I’d not heard of Little Burners. But a ‘cute’ woodburner on an Instagram post from Amy & Fox caught my eye. Amy had previously used an Anevay stove in her old motorhome and I know her woodburner was used almost everyday – it’s not a ’boutique’ accessory – it’s an essential piece of kit in the Scottish highlands!
In her current caravan, I spotted a different stove… I didn’t recognise the brand, but then caught a flash of the logo…
Ten years ago, there seemed to be an array of small businesses making little wood burners (one of the most famous at the time was the Windy Smithy), but I guess the complexity of incoming regulations made many change tack.
Little Burners are based in Stourport-on-Severn, in the same county as me (Worcestershire, UK) and have been making stoves for the van community since 2018.
They have a wide range of stoves from the miniscule Little Lenny with a 1.5Kw maximum heat output, through to the Burt with a 4.5Kw output.
What do I like about Little Burners range?
- The fact that they all have viewing windows (my own little woodburner, made by Glastonbury Burners, doesn’t have a window and I regret that choice)
- They all have a pan/pot support bar that enables cooking and heating with ease
- Easy air vent controls
- A removeable ash pan
- Optional heat shields
What don’t I like?
- Suggesting the use of coal / anthacite, which is a non-renewable fossil fuel
- I haven’t got one!
Now your take on the coal issue might be different from mine, but my inner environmentalist cannot reconcile using coal. I accept that I’m not a van dweller, and trying to keep a small stove going through the night on wood is difficult.
Your attitude might be different, but I’m just giving a personal opinion!
The Range
There are six models in the range (at the time of writing) with outputs ranging from 1.5 to 4.5kw. They also produce and sell a selection of flue kits and heat shields to complete your installation.
My personal favourite is the Lenny – really nice style, a viewing window and a great bar around the top to support pots and pans.
| Name | Price (Aug 25) | Heat Output |
|---|---|---|
| Little Lenny | £349 | 1.5kw |
| Lenny | £419 | 2.5kw |
| Dotty | £469 | 3.5kw |
| Florence | £479 | 3.5kw |
| Betty | £539 | 4.5kw |
| Burt | £549 | 4.5kw |
Remember, if you’re not sure about what output to go for, check with the manufacturer to ensure you get the ideal size for your space.
You can find out more on the Little Burners website: https://www.littleburners.com/
If you do make contact, let them know where you found them – I’m not on commission or an affiliate, but it’ll be good to know…
Do you already have one? What are your thoughts?
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