Wood Burning vs Multi Fuel Stove – Which Should You Choose?
Intro
Choosing a new stove often starts with one important decision: wood burning or multi-fuel?
Although the two types of stove can look very similar, they are designed to burn fuel differently. A dedicated wood burning stove is optimised for burning seasoned or kiln-dried wood, while a multi-fuel stove is designed to give you greater flexibility by allowing suitable approved solid fuels to be burned as well as wood.
In this wood burning vs multi fuel stove guide, we explain the key differences, the advantages of each and some of the things to consider when choosing the right stove for your home.
What is a wood burning stove?
A dedicated wood burning stove is designed specifically to burn logs.
Wood burns most effectively on a bed of ash with combustion air supplied in a way that encourages efficient burning of the gases released from the timber. Modern wood burning stoves use carefully controlled primary, secondary and sometimes tertiary air to achieve cleaner and more efficient combustion.
For households that intend to burn wood exclusively, a dedicated wood burner can therefore be an excellent choice.
Many contemporary models are also designed to meet Ecodesign requirements, with selected models suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas when appropriately exempted.
Advantages of a wood burning stove
A wood burner may be particularly suitable if:
You intend to burn logs rather than manufactured solid fuel.
You have a reliable supply of correctly seasoned or kiln-dried wood.
You want a stove designed specifically around efficient wood combustion.
You prefer the appearance and atmosphere of a traditional log fire.
Always use suitably dry firewood. In England, wood sold in volumes under 2m³ for domestic burning is subject to the Ready to Burn requirements, which are intended to reduce emissions from burning wet wood.
What is a multi-fuel stove?
A multi-fuel stove is designed to burn wood while also allowing certain suitable solid fuels to be used.
One of the main differences is usually the firebed.
While logs generally burn effectively on a bed of ash, manufactured solid fuels typically require combustion air to pass through the fuel from underneath. A multi-fuel stove therefore normally incorporates a grate and ashpan to provide under-fire air and allow ash to be removed.
This gives the owner greater flexibility over the fuel they use.
Advantages of a multi-fuel stove
A multi-fuel model may make sense if:
You want the flexibility to use more than one approved fuel.
You don't want to rely entirely on a supply of logs.
You already use an authorised manufactured solid fuel.
Fuel flexibility is an important part of how you intend to use the stove.
It is important to check the manufacturer's instructions because being described as multi-fuel does not mean that every solid fuel can be burned in the appliance.
Wood Burning vs Multi Fuel Stove – What's the Difference?
The biggest difference is not necessarily the appearance of the stove. It is the way the appliance has been designed to burn its fuel.
Wood Burning Stove | Multi-Fuel Stove | |
Logs | Yes | Yes, where specified |
Suitable manufactured solid fuel | No | Selected fuels |
Grate | Usually not required | Normally fitted |
Ashpan | Often not required | Normally fitted |
Fuel flexibility | Wood | Wood + specified fuels |
Best suited to | Regular log burning | Owners wanting fuel choice |
For many households, the decision ultimately comes down to a simple question:
Do you expect to burn anything other than wood?
If the answer is no, a dedicated wood burning stove is often the logical choice. If you want the option of using an alternative approved fuel, a multi-fuel model provides greater flexibility.
Which type of stove is more efficient?
You shouldn't choose between wood burning and multi-fuel based simply on the assumption that one type will always be more efficient than the other.
Efficiency varies between individual stove designs.
Modern combustion chamber design, air control, fuel quality, chimney performance and correct operation can all influence how effectively a stove performs.
When comparing models, look at the published efficiency and performance figures for the specific stove and fuel rather than relying solely on whether the appliance is described as wood burning or multi-fuel.
What size stove do I need?
Choosing the correct heat output is just as important as choosing the fuel type.
A stove that is too small may struggle to heat the room effectively, while an oversized appliance may frequently be operated at a lower output than intended.
Room dimensions are a useful starting point, but insulation levels, glazing, ceiling height, property age and heat loss also need to be considered.
What Size Wood Burning Stove Do I Need?
For a final recommendation, Pevex advises discussing the installation with an experienced stove retailer or appropriately qualified installer.
Can I use a wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area?
Potentially, yes — but the appliance and the way it is operated need to meet the applicable requirements.
In a Smoke Control Area, burning unauthorised fuel can be restricted unless it is used in an appropriately exempt appliance under the relevant conditions. This is why you will see suitable stove models described as DEFRA exempt or approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
If you live in a Smoke Control Area, check the status of the particular stove and fuel before purchasing.
This subject deserves a guide of its own, so we'll cover Smoke Control Areas and stove selection in more detail in a future Pevex article.
Freestanding or inset?
Once you've decided between wood burning and multi-fuel, the next consideration may be the style of stove.
A freestanding stove creates a more traditional focal point and is available in a wide variety of designs and outputs.
An inset stove fits into the fireplace opening, providing a more integrated appearance and potentially making effective use of an existing fireplace.
Pevex offers both formats.
Inset vs Freestanding Stoves – Which Should You Choose?
Explore Pevex wood burning and multi-fuel stoves
Pevex has more than 30 years' experience in the stove and fireplace industry, designing, developing and supplying appliances for the British market.
Our Woodbridge, Newbourne, Brightwell, Bohemia X, Serenity and Deben collections provide a choice of freestanding and inset wood burning and multi-fuel appliances, from compact 4kW models to larger statement fires.
Find the right Pevex stove
The right stove depends on much more than appearance. Fuel choice, room size, chimney arrangement, installation requirements and the way you intend to use the appliance should all be considered.
Your local Pevex retailer can help you compare suitable models and discuss the requirements of your particular installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you burn wood in a multi-fuel stove?
Many multi-fuel stoves are designed to burn logs as well as specified manufactured solid fuels. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for the individual appliance.
Can you burn coal in a multi-fuel stove?
Do not assume that a multi-fuel stove can burn traditional house coal. Fuel rules have changed and individual appliances are approved for particular fuel types. Only burn fuels permitted by the stove manufacturer and applicable regulations.
Is a wood burner better than a multi-fuel stove?
Neither is automatically better. A dedicated wood burner makes sense for someone intending to burn logs exclusively, while a multi-fuel stove provides additional fuel flexibility.
Do multi-fuel stoves have a grate?
They normally incorporate a grate because many manufactured solid fuels require combustion air from underneath. The precise design varies by stove.
Can I install a wood burner in a Smoke Control Area?
Suitable exempt appliances can be used in Smoke Control Areas subject to the conditions of their exemption and the applicable fuel requirements. Check the particular appliance before purchase.
Comments