What if the blackout happens in winter? How would you heat your home?

The afternoon of April 28, 2025, will be remembered by many: a total blackout left the entire Iberian Peninsula without power for hours. Trains halted, traffic lights off, homes in darkness… an unexpected situation that affected millions of people and, fortunately, did not lead to serious consequences.
At Panadero, we want to begin by expressing our respect and solidarity with those who were most affected by the outage.

However, events like this also prompt us to reflect: What if a blackout like this happens again… in the middle of winter?
How would we heat our homes if we rely solely on electric systems? What about hot food, lighting, and daily life?

A Real Alternative: The Value of Wood-Burning Stoves

For centuries, humans have used fire as a source of heat, light, and cooking. Today, although we are surrounded by technology, electrical power remains vulnerable.
Far from being a thing of the past, wood-burning stoves offer a modern, efficient, and self-sufficient solution for the present.

Wood-burning stoves do not rely on the power grid, making them an ideal option in emergency situations. But beyond extreme cases, they’re also a sustainable and economical way to keep your home warm all winter long.

Three key benefits

1. Energy Independence
   In the event of a blackout, the stove keeps working. You can heat your home without worrying about electricity.

2. Economic Savings
   With rising energy prices, many families are turning to solutions that reduce electricity usage. When properly managed and sourced from sustainable forests, firewood is a more affordable alternative.

3. Natural Heat and a Cozy Atmosphere
   The warmth from a wood-burning stove is different: more enveloping, drier, and with a rustic touch that comforts both body and soul. And to top it off, the flame also provides light, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere when the power is out.

Light, Heat… and Even Cooking: Stoves with Ovens

At Panadero, we’ve spent decades designing wood-burning stoves with one clear idea: to combine tradition and innovation in order to offer real solutions to our customers.
That’s why, in addition to models with excellent thermal performance, we also offer stoves equipped with integrated ovens.

Models like Coimbra, Oven, and Gourmet feature a top oven that uses combustion heat to cook — no electricity needed. You’re not cooking inside the flames, but in a separate, purpose-built compartment.

You can bake bread, roast meats, make stews, or prepare desserts — all with the authentic flavor of wood-fired cooking.

In situations like the one we experienced this week, a stove with an oven provides not only heat and light, but also the ability to feed your family using nothing more than firewood and your willingness to cook.

Being Prepared Means Returning to the Essentials

The blackout reminded us of a crucial truth: total dependence on electricity makes us vulnerable.
Having a wood-burning stove at home is a simple way to regain control, return to the essentials, and ensure your family’s well-being in any circumstance.

And it’s not just for emergencies. Day by day, every winter, a wood-burning stove offers savings, comfort, and an unmatched ambiance. The flame doesn’t just heat — it brings people together, illuminates, and soothes.

You can view all our models in our online store.