Find the perfect wood fire for your home

Wood fires are a timeless, efficient and sustainable way to heat your home all while providing cozy warmth and ambiance during the colder months. Whether you're looking for a freestanding fire, inbuilt model or ultra-low emission burner, choosing the right one ensures efficiency, compliance and cost-effectiveness.

This guide will help you understand the different types of wood fires, key considerations, costs and maintenance requirements so you can make an informed decision that suits your home and lifestyle.

Take a deeper look:

Radiant Wood Fires Convection Wood Fires Inbuilt Wood Fires Ultra Low Emission Burners (ULEB) Wood Fire Kits Flue and Shields Maintenance Browse all Wood fires

Understanding wood fire regulations in New Zealand

New Zealand has strict air quality regulations that determine which types of wood fires can be installed in certain areas. These regulations ensure cleaner-burning, efficient heating and compliance that is essential before purchasing a wood fire.

Types of wood fires based on regulations:

Non-Clean air fires (Rural or multi-fuel fires)

Only for properties over 2 hectares.
Can burn multiple fuel types but may have higher emissions.

Clean air fires (Low Emission Burners - LEB)

Approved for urban and suburban homes.
More efficient burning with minimal smoke output.

Ultra-Low Emission Burners (ULEB)

The cleanest burning option, meeting New Zealand’s strictest standards.
Approved in all regions, including areas with high air pollution (e.g., Canterbury and Rotorua).

Pro tip: Always check with your local council to ensure your wood fire complies with regulations in your area.

What can I install in my region?

New Zealand has strict air quality guidelines that determine which wood fires can be installed by region. The country is split into two zones: Clean Air Zones and Non-Clean Air Zones which have specific requirements and restrictions. Click on the link below or talk to a Team Member or local authority to see what is right for your area.
Click here to see Clean Air Zones and restrictions in New Zealand.

Understanding the different types of wood fires

Choosing the right wood fire can be a bit overwhelming, especially with all the different terms and features to consider. It's important to know that a single wood fire can belong to several categories. Here’s a simple breakdown to help:

Types of heat distribution:

Radiant Wood Fires: These fires give off direct heat, warming up objects and people in the room instead of just heating the air. They work best in open spaces, homes with high ceilings and colder areas.
Convection Wood Fires: These fires are designed to circulate warm air evenly throughout your home, making them perfect for modern, well-insulated houses and for heating multiple rooms.

Types of emission standards:

ULEB (Ultra-Low Emission Burner): This type is built to comply with New Zealand’s strictest air quality rules. They burn wood more efficiently, which means less smoke and fewer emissions.
LEB (Low Emission Burners): A cleaner option that’s suitable for most urban and suburban homes, helping to keep the air cleaner.

Types of installation:

Freestanding Wood Fires: These units stand alone and radiate heat in all directions, making them flexible and easier to set up in various spaces.
Inbuilt Wood Fires: These are designed to fit into a wall or an existing fireplace, giving a sleek appearance while still providing excellent heating output.

Finding the right wood fire size

Home size:

Small (Up to 120m²)

Recommend heating area: Compact Radiant or Convection Heater
Best wood fire type: ULEB or LEB

Wood fires for small spaces

Medium (130-160m²)

Recommend heating area: Standard Radiant or Convection Heater
Best wood fire type: LEB

Wood fires for medium spaces

Large (170m²+)

Recommend heating area: High-output Radiant or Convection Heater
Best wood fire type: Clean Air or Rural

Wood fires for large spaces

Other factors that affect heat output: Ceiling height, room size, insulation, glazing, and home layout can all impact your wood fire’s efficiency.
Talk to a Mitre 10 team member for expert advice.

Take a deeper dive into the different wood fires

Choosing between different wood fires affects how heat is distributed throughout your home.

Radiant wood fires

Radiant wood fires emit direct heat by radiating warmth outward, rather than circulating it through the air. This makes them highly effective for heating specific areas quickly.

Best For:

Older homes with poor insulation.
Large, open-plan areas and high-ceiling spaces.
Outdoor areas, workshops, or garages where instant warmth is needed.

Considerations:

Can create hot and cold spots, making some parts of a room warmer than others.
Works best in open spaces—may be too intense for smaller, enclosed areas.
Less effective for multi-room heating, as heat does not circulate as well as convection models.

Convection wood fires

Convection wood fires warm the air around them, allowing heat to circulate evenly throughout the space. They work by drawing in cool air, heating it within the firebox, and releasing warm air back into the room.

Best For:

Well-insulated homes that retain heat efficiently.
Multi-room heating (when used with a heat transfer kit).
Families who prefer consistent warmth over direct heat.

Considerations:

Takes longer to warm up than radiant fires, as the heat must build up in the air first.
Less effective in homes with high ceilings, as warm air can rise and escape.
Works best in insulated spaces—if your home is drafty, you may need a higher-output model.

Inbuilt wood fires

Inbuilt wood fires, also known as insert wood fires, are designed to be installed into an existing fireplace cavity or built directly into a wall. Unlike freestanding models, these fires offer a seamless, modern look while still delivering powerful heating performance.

Best For:

Homes with an existing open fireplace that needs an upgrade.
Those wanting a space-saving heating solution without a bulky freestanding fire.
Modern home designs that prioritize aesthetics while still delivering effective heating.

Considerations:

Requires professional installation, which can be more costly than freestanding models.
Limited to spaces where a fireplace cavity or wall space for an insert is available.
Some models require additional venting for safety and efficiency.

Ultra Low Emission Burners (ULEB)

Ultra Low Emission Burners (ULEB) are the next generation of clean-burning wood fires, meeting New Zealand’s strictest air quality standards. These burners are approved for use in all regions, including highly regulated areas like Canterbury and Rotorua.

Best For:

Homeowners in urban areas with strict emissions regulations.
Those looking for an eco-friendly heating solution without compromising on warmth.
People wanting the lowest possible emissions while still using wood fuel.

Considerations:

Typically more expensive than standard wood fires due to advanced technology.
May require specific installation guidelines to ensure compliance with emissions standards.
Limited selection compared to traditional clean air models.

Wood fire kits – The complete heating solution

Choosing a wood fire is just one part of the process. To ensure your fire operates safely and efficiently, you also need a flue system for ventilation and a shield to protect your home from heat loss. Our all-in-one Wood Fire Kits include everything you need to get set up easily.

What’s included in a wood fire kit?
Each kit provides a fully compatible, ready-to-install solution including:

The wood fire unit – Choose from a range of freestanding, inbuilt or ultra-low emission models.
Flue system – A properly fitted flue ensures smoke and gases are safely vented outside.
Heat shield – Reduces heat loss and improves energy efficiency by directing warmth where you need it most.

Why choose a kit?

Saves time and effort – No need to source components separately.
Ensures compatibility – The fire, flue and shield are designed to work together for maximum performance.
Simplifies installation – Everything you need in one convenient package.

Shop our full range of wood fire kits

Our range includes wood fire kits designed for every home, from compact models suited to smaller spaces to high-output fires for large, open-plan living areas. Whether you need an inbuilt solution, a freestanding fire or an ultra-low emission option, we have a kit that ensures a seamless installation with everything you need in one package. Not sure which kit is right for you? Browse our kits or visit us in-store for expert advice on choosing the right option for your space.

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Getting the most from your wood fire

Choosing a flue and shield

A properly installed flue system is essential for safe and efficient wood fire operation. The flue releases smoke and gases safely out of your home, while a shield helps reduce heat loss and improve efficiency. Some shields are designed to radiate heat back into the room, while others prevent heat from transferring into nearby walls.
For even greater efficiency, Eco flues are available with select wood fire models. Unlike standard flues, which draw warm air from the room to fuel combustion, Eco flues pull cooler air from outside. This reduces heat loss, helps maintain a consistent room temperature and allows the fire to burn more efficiently. With improved air circulation and reduced reliance on indoor air, Eco flues can help lower fuel consumption, improve heat retention and reduce emissions, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious homes.
If you're looking for a complete wood fire setup, our Wood Fire Kits include a fire, flue and shield in one convenient package, ensuring all components work seamlessly together for maximum performance.

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Floor protection

Ash, heat and sparks may damage the area surrounding your wood fire so be sure to install a floor protector to prevent this. Different size floor protectors are available so check with your installer what size you’ll need. We can also offer you a variety of designs and trims plus options that can be installed directly over your existing flooring.

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Fuel your fire

The type of wood you burn affects heat output, efficiency, and emissions.

Best types of wood: Dry, seasoned hardwoods like manuka, gum, or macrocarpa burn hotter and longer.
Softwoods: Pine and fir burn faster and are best for kindling or shorter burns.
Seasoning wood: Firewood should be dried for 6-12 months before use to reduce smoke and improve efficiency.

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Storage & Accessories

Proper firewood storage keeps your wood dry and ready to burn efficiently. A well-ventilated wood rack or storage shed prevents moisture buildup, ensuring cleaner burning and better heat output. Explore our range of wood stacker, baskets, and toolsets to keep your firewood organised and your fireside tidy.

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Soot Removers & Cleaners

Regular cleaning keeps your wood fire performing at its best. Build-up in the flue or on the glass can reduce efficiency and increase smoke. Mitre 10 offers flue brushes, glass cleaners, and soot removers designed to make maintenance easy, helping you keep your wood fire clear and burning efficiently.

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Installing your wood fire: what you need to know

Getting building consent

All wood fires require a building consent to install and restrictions apply in a number of regions where there are unique local bylaws. If you have decided a wood fire is right for you contact your local council in the first instance. In addition, the Ministry for the Environment has a list of authorised wood fires that meet National standards for wood fires that can be installed on an urban property (less than two hectares). Click here to see the list. If your property is greater than two hectares, your local council may consent for you to install a rural wood fires, these have the added benefits of a larger heat output and ability to burn overnight.

Installation

You’ll need building consent before installation can go ahead and we recommend you arrange for a certified installer to visit your home to determine the best position for your wood fire. They will also advise on any extra components required to ensure your wood fire has the correct clearance to be safe and to make a recommendation on ventilation. Installers can also help you with completing your building consent and laying the hearth. Talk to our staff about site delivery too.

Maintaining your wood fire for efficiency & safety

Keeping your wood fire in good condition ensures it burns efficiently, lasts longer, and remains safe to use. Without proper care, soot and creosote can build up, reducing performance and increasing the risk of chimney fires. A well-maintained wood fire also produces less smoke and emissions, making it better for both your home and the environment.

Daily & weekly cleaning

Regular upkeep prevents excessive buildup and keeps your wood fire operating at peak efficiency.

Remove ash regularly – A small layer of ash helps retain heat, but too much blocks airflow and reduces efficiency. Aim to remove excess ash every few days.
Keep the glass door clean – Soot buildup can reduce visibility and heat output. Use a wood heater glass cleaner and a soft cloth or newspaper. Avoid harsh abrasives, which can scratch the glass.
Check the air vents and firebox – Blocked air vents reduce airflow, making your fire burn inefficiently. Ensure vents are free from debris and adjust settings for optimal burn.

Annual servicing & deep cleaning

Inspect the door seals – A faulty seal lets too much air in, reducing efficiency. Place a strip of paper in the door, close it, and pull – if it slides out easily, the seal needs replacing.
Check firebricks and baffle plates – Cracked or damaged firebricks reduce heat retention, making your fire less efficient. Replace any broken parts.
Clean the flue to prevent blockages – Soot and creosote build up over time, increasing fire risk. Use a flue brush or hire a professional cleaner.

How do you maintain the flue?

The flue is responsible for venting smoke and gases from the fire safely outside. Over time, soot, creosote and other debris accumulate inside the flue, restricting airflow and increasing the risk of chimney fires. Regular cleaning removes these deposits and keeps the fire burning efficiently. To maintain a clear flue, check for blockages at the start of each heating season. Bird nests, leaves and debris can obstruct the flue, reducing ventilation. If your fire produces excess smoke inside the room or has a strong smoky smell when not in use, the flue may be partially blocked. A thorough clean with a flue brush at least once a year helps keep airflow unrestricted.

Obstructions to look out for:

Inspecting the inside of the flue and external exit cowl for obstructions is also important. Wood fire flues operate at extremely high temperatures and making sure that there are no blockages or obstructions is vital for the safe operation of your woodburner.

Ensure no overhanging trees or branches have grown into the clearance zone.
Make sure the installation has not been affected by wind damage or other natural events.
Check for birdsnests in or near the flue system in the roof cavity.
Visually check if all the firebox, baffle plate, tubes, bricks and the door glass are aligned and sitting in the correct position.
There may be cracks but this does not necessarily mean it must be replaced. It only needs replacing when it will not stay in place.

When to clean the flue yourself vs. when to call an expert

Some maintenance tasks can be done at home, while others require professional servicing. If you use your wood fire occasionally, a simple flue brush clean once a year is usually enough. If you burn wood regularly, especially softer woods that produce more residue, consider cleaning the flue more frequently.
Signs you may need professional cleaning include:

A thick, black creosote buildup inside the flue, which is highly flammable and difficult to remove.
Persistent smoke issues inside the home despite using dry wood and proper ventilation.
Obstructions like bird nests or large debris that cannot be easily cleared with a flue brush.

Certified chimney sweeps have specialised tools to remove hardened creosote deposits that standard brushes may not reach. If your flue hasn’t been cleaned in several years, or if you are unsure about its condition, having an expert inspect and clean it is the safest option.

Checking & replacing your wood fire door seals

Over time, the fibreglass rope seals on your wood fire door compress, fray, or wear out, reducing their ability to create an airtight seal. A poor seal allows too much air into the firebox, making the fire burn too fast, reducing efficiency, and increasing wood consumption. A properly sealed door improves heat retention and overall performance.

Check your door seals with the paper test.

Take a piece of paper, similar size to a $5 note is ideal. Open your wood fire’s door, place the paper between the door and the stove body. Close the door and then attempt to slide the paper out. The paper should either stay locked in place or slide out slowly with resistance. Work your way around the door and check each point, just because it seals by the hinges doesn’t mean it will by the latch. If at any point the paper slides out easily then assess if it is time to replace the rope or adjust the door.

How to replace Fibreglass Door Rope:

Make sure the wood fire has cooled (not in use), remembering that embers can stay hot for some time after the flames have died down.
With leather gloves, carefully remove the wood fire door and place it on a soft padded surface.
Using a screwdriver, pry out and remove the old door rope.
Thoroughly clean out the channel, making sure to remove all the old adhesive with a wire brush.
Apply Pyrogrip hi-temp adhesive or similar high hear sealant into the door channel.
Insert the new door rope into the door channel.

Need help deciding?

Choosing the right wood fire means more than just warmth it’s about efficiency, comfort and finding the perfect fit for your home. Whether you need a freestanding model, inbuilt fire or ultra-low emission option, we’ve got you covered. Visit us in-store or speak with our experts to find the best option for your space.

Want to explore our other heating options including heat pumps, gas heaters and electric heating to see what works best for your space? Check out the link below to learn more.

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FAQ's

Choosing the right wood fire depends on your home’s size, heating needs and local regulations. Whether you prefer radiant, convection or hybrid models, investing in a quality wood fire ensures warmth, efficiency, and cost savings.
Ready to upgrade your home’s heating? Visit Mitre 10 or talk to our experts to find the perfect wood fire for your home!