Wood Burning vs. Multi Fuel Stoves: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to home heating, there are a number of options available to homeowners, but two of the most popular are wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. Both types of stoves can provide a warm and cosy atmosphere, but they have some significant differences that you should be aware of before making a decision.

In this blog post, we provide a comprehensive comparison between wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves, including their pros and cons. The aim is to help homeowners make an informed decision when choosing a stove for their home heating needs.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

One of the biggest differences between wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves is the type of fuel they can burn.

As the name suggests, wood burning stoves are designed to burn wood, while multi fuel stoves can burn a variety of fuels, including wood, smokeless fuels and coal.

This makes multi fuel stoves a more versatile option, as they can be used in areas where wood is not readily available.

What are wood burning stoves?

Wood burning stoves also known as log burners are heating devices that burn wood as their primary fuel source and are not designed to burn other fuels like coal or smokeless fuels.

Featuring a fixed grate and generally not including a removeable ashpan. A small bed of ash is essential for assisting combustion and should be left at the bottom of the stove. If this begins to overflow, it should be emptied.

How Wood Burning Stoves Work

Wood burning stoves work by using wood as fuel, which is burned in a firebox to produce heat. The heat generated is then transferred to the surrounding area through radiating surfaces, such as the stove body or a connected duct system.

Advantages of Wood Burning Stoves

• Wood is a renewable resource, making wood burning stoves an environmentally friendly option.
• Carbon neutral
• Low running costs
• High efficiency and heat output
• Wood burning stoves are typically less expensive than multi fuel stoves, as the cost of the stove itself is lower.
• Wood burning stoves are often simpler in design and easier to use, making them a good choice for some homeowners.

One of the biggest advantages is that wood is a renewable resource, so it is a more environmentally friendly option than fossil fuels like coal or oil. Wood burning stoves also tend to be simpler in design and easier to use, which can be a big plus for some homeowners.

Disadvantages of Wood Burning Stoves

• Must use dry seasoned or kiln dried wood below 20% moisture content.
• Storage space is required for fuel.

What are multi fuel stoves?

Multi fuel stoves are heating devices that can burn a variety of fuels, including wood, smokeless fuel and coal.

How Multi Fuel Stoves Work

Multi fuel stoves work by burning the fuel in a firebox, and then transferring the heat to the surrounding area through radiating surfaces. The stove can be adjusted to burn at the optimal rate for each type of fuel, making it a more efficient option.

Featuring an incorporated raised riddling grate system which allows combustion air under the fuel for effective burning. This system also allows the easy removal of the ash from below using a removable ashpan. – it’s important the ashpan is cleaned regularly so that air can flow freely around the stove and fuels can burn efficiently.

Advantages of Multi Fuel Stoves

• Multi fuel stoves are more versatile than wood burning stoves, as they can be used in areas where wood is not readily available.
• Multi fuel stoves have a more efficient burn than wood burning stoves, as they can be adjusted for different fuels.
• Multi fuel stoves can burn a variety of fuels, which makes them a good option for some homeowners.
• Great controllability
• Easy clean and debris removal

Typically have a more efficient burn than wood burning stoves. This is because they are designed to burn a variety of fuels, so they can be adjusted to burn at the optimal rate for each type of fuel. This means that you can use less fuel to achieve the same level of heat output, which can save you money in the long run.

Disadvantages of Multi Fuel Stoves

• Not all multi fuel stoves are optimised for burning all compatible fuels with equal efficiency

Comparison of wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves

Fuel options

Wood burning stoves only burn wood, while multi fuel stoves can burn a variety of fuels, including wood, smokeless fuel and coal.

Efficiency

Wood burning stoves are typically less efficient than multi fuel stoves, as they are only designed to burn wood and cannot be adjusted for different fuels. Multi fuel stoves can be adjusted to burn at the optimal rate for each type of fuel, making them a more efficient option.

However, not all multi fuel burners are optimised for burning all the compatible fuel types.

Environmental Impact

Both wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves can have an impact on the environment, as burning any fuel produces emissions. However, wood is a renewable resource, making wood burning stoves an environmentally friendly option compared to stoves that burn non-renewable fuels.

Cost

Wood burning stoves are typically less expensive than multi fuel stoves, as the cost of the stove itself is lower. However, the cost of fuel for multi fuel stoves can vary depending on the type of fuel being burned, so it’s important to factor in fuel costs when making a decision.

Simplicity of Design and Use

Wood burning stoves are often simpler in design and easier to use, making them a good choice for some homeowners. Multi fuel stoves can be more complex and require more attention to fuel choice and adjustments, but they offer more versatility.

Multi fuel stoves are fully equipped with a removeable ashpan which makes them easier to clean and remove debris.

Should I buy a wood or multi-fuel stove?

Wood burning stoves are often referred to as appliances that burn wood, coal & smokeless fuels. However, the correct term means that the stove appliance is made to specifically burn wood and nothing else. Wood-only stoves are good because wood is a renewable resource.

Multi-fuel stoves can burn wood & smokeless fuels. Coal is gradually being disregarded due to changes in the law on fuels. You find that many people that have purchased a multi-fuel stove only ever burn wood.

Over 75% of people who buy a multi-fuel stove end up only burning wood.

A big advantage of wood-only stove appliances is the fact that they have more space to cater for logs. This is due to multi-fuel stoves using the introduction of an “grate plus ash pan” to function.

You may not be able to get hold of dry or even be able to store lots of wood. In this case, a multi-fuel stove would be ideal as it gives you more options on your fuels.

Conclusion

Summary of pros and cons of each type of stove:

In summary, both wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves have their pros and cons. Wood burning stoves are a more environmentally friendly option and typically less expensive, but they can only burn wood.

Multi fuel stoves are more versatile and efficient, but they can be more expensive and require multiple types of fuel. Ultimately, the choice between wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves will depend on your personal preferences and heating needs.

Wood burning stoves are easier to use, but less efficient. Multi fuel stoves are more versatile, more efficient, but more complex and require more attention to fuel choice and adjustments.

Recommendation for choosing between wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves:

The choice between wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves will depend on a homeowner’s specific needs and preferences. Those looking for an environmentally friendly option that is less expensive and easier to use should consider a wood burning stove. Those looking for a more versatile and efficient option may want to consider a multi fuel stove.

Final thoughts

Both wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves have their pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on a homeowner’s specific needs and preferences. This blog post provides a comprehensive comparison of the two types of stoves, and we hope it has helped you make an informed decision. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to us.