Wood-burning stove vs multi-fuel stove: which is right for you?

From the front, a wood-burning stove and a multi-fuel stove can look almost identical. The difference is inside the firebox, in how air reaches the fire and what you are able to burn. Neither is better for everyone. The right choice depends on the fuel you can get, where you live and how you like to use a fire.

In short

• Wood-burning stoves burn logs only. They usually have a flat firebed where logs burn on a bed of ash, with air supplied mainly from above.
• Multi-fuel stoves have a raised grate and ashpan so air can reach the fire from below. They can burn logs and approved smokeless solid fuels such as anthracite.
• If you only plan to burn well-seasoned wood, a dedicated wood burner is often the simpler choice. If you want the option of smokeless fuel, a multi-fuel model gives flexibility.

How each type works

Wood-burning stoves

Wood burns best sitting on a layer of its own ash, with air coming in from above and around the fire. Most wood-only stoves have a flat base and use an airwash and secondary or "clean burn" air to burn off gases and particles. Because there is no ashpan, you only need to clear excess ash every so often, leaving a bed in place. Dedicated wood stoves often have a large window for a good view of the flames.

Multi-fuel stoves

Mineral fuels such as anthracite and manufactured smokeless fuels need air from below to burn properly. A multi-fuel stove therefore has a raised grate, often a riddling grate you can shake to let ash fall through, and an ashpan underneath to collect it. Many models also have the same secondary and airwash systems as a wood stove. When burning logs in a multi-fuel stove, you can usually close the bottom air control and let a bed of ash build on the grate to get a wood-friendly burn.

Side-by-side comparison

Fuel choice

A wood burner is limited to logs (and some approved wood briquettes, if the manufacturer allows). A multi-fuel stove can take logs and authorised smokeless fuels. That can be handy if you run short of dry wood or want a longer, steadier burn overnight. Always follow the manufacturer's list of approved fuels.

Heat and efficiency

Modern stoves of both types, built to Ecodesign standards, are designed to be efficient and to limit emissions. Heat output for the same size of stove is broadly similar. The bigger factor is fuel quality. Logs should be dried to a moisture content of 20% or less. Our guide to choosing and storing firewood explains why.

Ash and cleaning

Wood stoves produce relatively little ash and need emptying less often. Multi-fuel stoves have an ashpan that needs emptying regularly, especially when burning smokeless fuel, but riddling and emptying is quick and tidy.

Chimney liner

Smokeless mineral fuels can be more corrosive than wood. If you plan to burn them, your installer may recommend a higher grade of flexible liner, such as 904 grade stainless steel, which can affect the price. See our chimney liner installation page for more.

Price

There is no fixed premium for either type. Prices depend more on size, brand and design than on fuel type.

Fuel rules in England you should know

• House coal is no longer sold. Under the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020, the sale of traditional house coal for domestic burning has been phased out. Multi-fuel stoves should be used with approved smokeless fuels instead.
• Wet wood is restricted. Wood sold in quantities under 2m³ must be certified Ready to Burn, with a moisture content of 20% or less. Larger loads must come with advice to dry them before burning.
• Manufactured solid fuels must be certified as meeting the standards before they can be sold.

Smoke control areas

Parts of many towns and cities, including across Tyne and Wear, are smoke control areas. Inside one, you can only burn authorised smokeless fuels unless your stove is a Defra-exempt appliance, which is approved to burn wood without producing too much smoke. Councils in England can issue civil penalties for smoke from a chimney in a smoke control area.

This matters for your choice. A multi-fuel stove that is not exempt could still be used legally on authorised smokeless fuel. A wood-only stove in a smoke control area needs to be an exempt model. Check your council's smoke control map before you buy, and read our guide to smoke control areas.

Can you convert one to the other?

Some wood-burning stoves can be fitted with an optional multi-fuel grate kit from the manufacturer, which adds a raised grate and ashpan. This is worth asking about if you are undecided. Check before you buy, as not every model offers it.

Which should you choose?

A wood burner may suit you if:

• You have a reliable supply of dry, seasoned or kiln-dried logs.
• You want the simplest operation and minimal ash handling.
• You love a big, clear view of the flames.

A multi-fuel stove may suit you if:

• You want the flexibility to burn smokeless fuel as well as wood.
• You want longer, steadier burns, for example overnight in a cold house.
• You live in a smoke control area and want the option of authorised fuels.

Getting the right advice

Whichever type you prefer, the stove still has to suit your room size, chimney or flue and ventilation. You can read about multi-fuel stove installation or our wood burner fitting service. A survey is the best way to match the right stove to your home, so get in touch to arrange one and receive a written quote.