Contemporary Multi Fuel Stove

If you are considering buying a stove, you may have already been faced with the choice between a Wood Burning Stove and a Multi Fuel Stove. In this guide, we will help you understand the differences between the two and help you decide which one is best for your home…

How does a Multifuel Stove work?

A multi fuel stove, like its name suggests, is designed to allow you to burn more solid fuels than just wood. Not all fuels burn in the same way, which is why traditional log burners cannot be fuelled with coal. Multi fuel stoves, meanwhile, are set up to be versatile enough to handle most types of solid fuel.

What Fuel Can I use in a Multifuel Stove?

Multi fuel stoves are capable of burning logs, coal and smokeless fuel, such as anthracite coal and peat briquettes. However, be sure to only burn one type of fuel at a time. Burning wood and coal together for too long can result in fumes that could damage your stove. Wood will also burn much quicker in a Multi Fuel Stove whereas a It is worth taking the time to consider which type of fuel you will likely be using before deciding whether to buy a multi fuel stove. Coal, for instance, cannot be burnt in smoke control areas, plus it is dirtier and more expensive than wood.

If you do burn coal in a permitted area, you may require your chimney to be swept more often. This is because of the heavier amount of emissions coal gives off. As part of the Clean Air Strategy, coal may also become subject to tighter regulations, so you may not be able to rely on it in the future.Wood Burner will be more efficient when burning hardwoods.

What is the Difference Between a Wood Burning Stove and a Multifuel Stove?

The difference between a wood burning stove and a multi fuel stove is mostly based on the grate. As different solid fuels have different requirements for burning, the grate and air flow has to be adjustable. Coal also burns a lot hotter than wood, so you could damage your log burner if you use it incorrectly.

With a traditional log burning stove, air circulates from the top. This is because wood burns best on a bed of ash while drawing in air from above. Coal, meanwhile, burns best when air circulates from below. To be able to accommodate coal burning, multi fuel stoves feature a riddling grate that allows ash to fall through onto a pan below. This can be emptied while the fire is burning to prevent a build up of ash that will stop the air circulating.

How to Use Multifuel Stove Air Controls

Our Stoves feature primary, secondary and even tertiary air vents. In a log burning stove, this air supply system is used mainly for starting the fire, keeping the glass clean and improving efficiency. In a multi fuel stove, they can also help you adapt to burning different fuels.