Multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are the two main home stoves on today’s market. Both have their benefits, but the all-important question is – which one is better?

When most people think of a home stove they tend to think of a wood burner. But having a multi-fuel stove also allows you to burn other types as fuel as well. It is estimated that 59% of stove owners opt for wood burners, with 41% having a multi-fuel option.

We have compiled a guide for each type, so you can decide which one will be the perfect option for you.

Brands

Today’s market has an abundance of stove brands to choose from in a variety of different designs. From traditional designs to more sleek, modern styles, you can have it in any colour you can imagine, and in any style to suit your home décor.

Multi-Fuel and Wood

Multi-fuel stoves get their name because they are able to burn wood, smokeless fuel and coal. There are differences in the way these different fuels burn so it is important you don’t try and burn any fuels in a stove that are not specifically listed as a burnable fuel for your stove.

To burn efficiently, coal needs air to reach it from below, which multi-fuel stoves produce via a grate for the fuel to sit on. Some also have a riding plate that allows you to remove any ash that builds up and allow even more air to enter underneath.

Wood burns best when sitting on a bed of ash with air circulating around the top and sides. As they burn differently, a multi-fuel stove may not be optimised for burning both types of fuel in the most effective way. When deciding on which stove is best for you it is wise to work out which type of fuel you will want to burn, and which fuel you have the best access to.

Around 77% of people who have a multi-fuel stove only burn wood rather than smokeless coal or other options. But if you are planning to only burn wood then a dedicated log burner may be able to save you money in the long run.