Yes, it’s absolutely possible to integrate a wood burning stove with a back boiler into your central heating system. In fact, when done correctly, it can provide hot water and heating for your entire home, while reducing reliance on gas or oil.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most effective installation options and explain how each system works.

Important: These systems must be installed by a trained professional. This guide is intended to help you understand the principles, not attempt the work yourself.

What Is a Back Boiler?

A back boiler is a small, efficient boiler built behind a fireplace or stove. It captures heat from the fire and transfers it to water, which can then be used for:

• Domestic hot water
• Central heating systems
• Underfloor heating (in some cases)

Back boilers are most commonly found behind wood burning or multi-fuel stoves and are often connected to a hot water cylinder or heating loop.

Step-by-Step Overview: How a Stove with Back Boiler Is Typically Fitted

While every home setup differs slightly, the general process looks like this:

1. Assess your existing heating system (vented or unvented).
2. Choose your installation type: plumbed loop, priority hot water, multicoil tank, or accumulator.
3. Install necessary plumbing and thermostatic controls.
4. Link the stove’s back boiler into the central heating loop or hot water circuit.
5. Test all connections and ensure safe venting.
6. Commission the system professionally for safety and efficiency.

Now, let’s explore your options in more detail.

1. Plumbed Stove in a Vented System

Image Source

This is one of the most straightforward ways to integrate a wood stove with a back boiler into your central heating.

How it works:

• The stove is plumbed into a vented heating system using gravity circulation.
• It acts like an additional radiator in the system.
• Your gas or oil boiler "tops up" the system if the stove doesn’t reach full heat.

Pros:

• Simple design
• Gas boiler stays available for backup

Cons:

• Less efficient if not balanced properly
• Limited control over heat distribution

2. Hot Water Priority Setup

Image Source

This method gives domestic hot water priority over central heating. 

How it works:

• Hot water cylinder connects directly to the stove.
• A thermostatic switch monitors cylinder temperature.
• Radiator pump only activates once the cylinder hits 65°C (or your set threshold).

Pros:

• Ensures hot water supply even during heavy heating use
• Saves energy by avoiding unnecessary radiator use

Cons:

• Slight delay in heating radiators on cold mornings

3. Multicoil Hot Water Tank System

Image Source

Multicoil systems are designed for flexibility and multi-source heating. 

How it works:

• Coils inside the cylinder connect separately to your stove, solar panels, and/or backup boiler.
• Heat sources work independently or together.

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility for renewable integration
• Futureproofs your system for solar, heat pumps, etc.

Cons:

• Installation costs are higher
• Requires careful planning and space above the stove

4. Heat Accumulator Tank System

Image Source

A heat accumulator (thermal store) works like a large water-based battery, storing heat from your stove to use when needed.

How it works:

• The stove heats the accumulator’s water mass.
• Stored heat supplies both radiators and domestic hot water later.
• Other sources (e.g., gas, solar) can feed into the tank too.

Pros:

• Provides instant hot water even if stove is out
• Perfect for homes with mixed heating sources

Cons:

• Tanks are physically large
• Higher upfront costs

FAQ: Common Back Boiler Questions

Can I connect a back boiler stove to a combi boiler system?

Generally no. Combi boilers heat water on demand and don’t have storage tanks, making them incompatible with traditional back boiler setups. A vented or unvented cylinder is usually required.

What size back boiler do I need?

It depends on:

• The number of radiators
• Size of hot water cylinder
• Overall property insulation

As a very rough guide, 1kW of stove output typically covers 10m² of well-insulated space, but always consult a heating engineer for accurate sizing.

Do I need planning permission to install a stove with a back boiler?

Not usually. Installing a stove falls under "permitted development" in most UK homes. However:

• You must comply with Building Regulations (Part J - Combustion Appliances).
• Installation must be signed off by a HETAS-certified installer or local Building Control.

Quick Comparison of System Types

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been told it’s not possible to run a solid-fuel stove alongside your gas boiler: that’s simply not true. A wood burning stove with a back boiler can absolutely work with an existing central heating system, provided the right setup is used.

You’ll need a heating engineer to design and install the right configuration, but it’s worth it: you’ll get more control over your energy use, potentially lower bills, and the satisfaction of heating your home the old-fashioned way with real fire.

Looking for Alternatives?

Not ready to commit to a full back boiler installation? 

Bioethanol fireplaces offer real flame with no plumbing, flue, or smoke: ideal for modern homes or rented properties.

Learn more about the differences in our guide: Wood Burners vs Bioethanol Fireplaces