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A multi-fuel stove gives you flexibility. On most models you can burn seasoned logs on one evening and approved smokeless fuel on another, which some households find useful for long, steady heat or when good logs are hard to come by. Installing one follows the same careful process as a wood burner, with a few extra points about fuel, liners and smoke control rules that are worth understanding before you decide.
How a multi-fuel stove differs from a wood burner
Wood burns best on a bed of ash with air coming from above. Mineral fuels such as anthracite and manufactured smokeless fuel need air from below, so multi-fuel stoves usually have a riddling grate and an ash pan. That makes them a little more versatile, though some people find a dedicated wood burner simpler to run if they only ever burn logs. Our comparison of wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves sets out the pros and cons in more detail.
What the installation involves
Survey
We look at the chimney or flue route, the fireplace and hearth, and the room size. We also ask how you expect to use the stove and which fuels you plan to burn, because this affects the choice of stove and the flue components.
Choosing the stove and fuel
We recommend an output that suits the room rather than the biggest model available. If you live in a smoke control area, we will point you towards Defra-exempt models if you want to burn wood, and explain which smokeless fuels are suitable. Since 1 January 2022, new stoves sold in Great Britain must meet Ecodesign efficiency and emission limits.
Chimney lining and flue
Smokeless and mineral fuels can produce acidic deposits in the flue. If a chimney needs lining, a higher-grade stainless steel liner is generally recommended for multi-fuel use. We explain the grades and when a liner is needed on our chimney liner installation page. If there is no chimney, a twin-wall flue rated for the fuels you intend to burn can be used instead.
Hearth, fitting and commissioning
The stove must stand on a suitable non-combustible hearth with safe distances to combustible materials. Once fitted, we test the flue, check the stove is drawing correctly, fit a carbon monoxide alarm where required and attach the notice plate. Before leaving, we show you how to light the stove, use the riddling grate and empty the ash pan safely.
Fuel rules you should know
The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 changed what can be sold for burning at home:
- House coal. The sale of traditional bituminous house coal has been phased out in England. Sales of bagged house coal ended in 2021 and loose coal sold through approved merchants ended on 30 April 2023.
- Wood. Wood sold in quantities under 2 cubic metres must be certified Ready to Burn, meaning it has a moisture content of 20% or less.
- Manufactured solid fuels. These must meet limits on sulphur content and smoke emissions, and approved products carry certification marks.
The manufacturer's instructions are the final word on what a particular stove can burn. Burning the wrong fuel can damage the stove, invalidate the warranty and harm the liner.
Smoke control areas in the North East
Smoke control areas are common in our region. The whole of Newcastle upon Tyne is a smoke control area, as are the former Wansbeck and Blyth Valley districts of Northumberland, which include Ashington, Blyth and Cramlington, and parts of other towns. In a smoke control area you can only burn authorised smokeless fuel, unless your stove is Defra-exempt, in which case you can burn the fuels its manufacturer specifies. Councils can issue penalties for excess smoke. Our guide to smoke control areas explains how to check your address.
Regulations and certification
As with any solid fuel stove, installation is notifiable building work under Part J of the Building Regulations, with guidance in Approved Document J. The work must be self-certified through a competent person scheme such as HETAS, or notified to Building Control before work begins. Since 1 October 2022, a carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted in the room in England when a new or replacement fixed combustion appliance is installed. External flues may need planning permission in conservation areas or Northumberland National Park, and listed buildings may need consent. Our article on stove installation regulations in England covers this in more depth.
What affects the cost
The cost of a multi-fuel installation depends on:
- The stove model and its output.
- Whether a liner is needed, its grade, diameter and length.
- Whether a twin-wall flue is needed instead of a chimney.
- Hearth construction or alterations to the fireplace opening.
- Access to the chimney stack, including any scaffolding.
- Ventilation, cowls and other fittings.
You can find typical, approximate ranges in our installation cost guide. Every home is different, so please ask for a written quote based on a survey.
Looking after a multi-fuel stove
Riddle and empty the ash pan regularly when burning smokeless fuel, and never let ash build up so high that it touches the underside of the grate, as this can warp it. Have the chimney swept at least once a year, and more often if you burn wood heavily. Keep your carbon monoxide alarm tested and replace it when it reaches the end of its life.
