Wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves are both popular choices. However they do differ in terms of fuel types, design, and operation. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two:
Wood Burning Stoves
Woodburning stoves, as the title suggests, are for burning wood logs only. The best logs to burn in a stove are hardwoods (such as oak, birch or ash) that are dense and have a low moisture content. For optimal burning the logs moisture content should be below 20% so the timber needs to be appropriately seasoned or kiln dried. Wood burning stoves have most frequently a solid flat base and the logs burn on a bed of ashes, which helps to maintain higher temperatures for efficient combustion. Occasionally, excess ashes will need to be scooped out or removed with an ash hoover.
Multi-Fuel Stoves
Multi-fuel stoves are designed for burning a variety of fuel, mostly wood and smokeless coals. Coal needs a good airflow from underneath to burn efficiently which is why a grate is included in the design of a multi-fuel stove, with an ashpan underneath which will require emptying on a regular basis.
Different fuels have different burning properties. Burning logs will provide you with captivating dancing flames whilst burning smokeless coal tends to result in glowing embers but will last longer and reach higher temperatures. If you would like the flexibility of burning both (or the mixture of the two) a multi fuel stove might be a favourable option.
Because of the extra airflow from underneath the grate, burning logs in a multifuel stove will be slightly less efficient compared to a dedicated woodburner. If you plan to only burn logs and prefer the no-ashpan emptying convenience, keep it simple and have a wood burner installed. Woodburning stoves often have a larger window area, so you get to see the most of the fire as well.
At Stonewoods, we have a variety of both wood burning and multi-fuel DEFRA and SIA approved stoves on display in our showroom, in different styles, shapes, sizes and heat outputs. Choosing between the two depends on your fuel availability and personal preferences regarding operation.