{"id":270,"date":"2026-07-13T11:02:38","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T10:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fireparts.com\/blog\/?p=270"},"modified":"2026-07-13T11:02:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T10:02:39","slug":"history-of-hunter-stoves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fireparts.com\/blog\/history-of-hunter-stoves","title":{"rendered":"The History of Hunter Stoves: From Somerset Roots to EcoDesign Pioneers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Parkray Aspect 5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you own or are looking to buy a traditional British wood burner, you have likely come across the name Hunter Stoves<\/a><\/strong>. As one of the most prominent heating manufacturers in the UK, the Hunter name carries over 50 years of heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But where did this famous brand begin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a small regional workshop in Somerset to an international heating group, the history of Hunter Stoves is a fascinating journey of innovation, a mid-90s rebirth, and a modern commitment to clean-burn technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is the ultimate guide to the history of Hunter Stoves and how they became the industry heavyweight they are today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. The 1970s: Somerset Origins and the Off-Grid Boiler Boom<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The story of Hunter Stoves begins around 1969 to 1970<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, a small business named Hunter Stoves (Mells) Ltd<\/strong> was established. The workshop was located in the historic village of Mells, Somerset. Consequently, they began serving the rural communities of Somerset and Wiltshire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the early 1970s, many countryside properties lacked mains gas lines. Therefore, Hunter focused on a very specific problem. They started manufacturing heavy-duty steel wood burners. Specifically, these units were designed for off-grid boiler installations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most standard heaters of that era only warmed a single room. In contrast, these innovative boiler stoves did much more. They allowed households to run central heating radiators and hot water directly from a log fire. As a result, Hunter quickly built a stellar reputation for rugged durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. The 1996 Rebirth: Moving to Devon<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hunter Stoves hit a rough patch after the initial wood burner boom. Changing economic conditions caused severe trading difficulties. By the mid-1990s, the original Somerset business had diminished completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Hunter name was too good to lose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1996<\/strong>, two experienced executives bought the design and manufacturing rights. Their names were Paul Grimes and Steve Clatworthy. They recognized the trusted reputation of the brand. Immediately, they relocated the entire operation to a new warehouse near Exeter, Devon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, they gathered a small group of loyal employees. They also rebuilt the network of independent dealers. Because of this hard work, they successfully revived Hunter Stoves for a new generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Growth, Acquisitions, and Green Engineering<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Once the brand was stable, the Hunter Stoves Group grew rapidly. They began acquiring other legendary names in the British heating industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n