What’s Right for You?
Buying a stove should be simple.
You want something that keeps the house warm, doesn’t fall apart, and looks like it belongs in the room—not like it crash-landed from a lifestyle magazine.
Then someone asks, “Do you want wood burning or a multi fuel?” and everything goes sideways.
You nod. You smile. You pretend you understand the difference. Then you go home and ask the internet.
So here it is. A plain guide to what each one is, what they burn, and who should pick which—without the waffle, without the lingo, and without any mention of “creating a focal point.”
What Is a Wood Burning Stove?
It burns wood. That’s it. Its not electric, its not gas, it just burns wood!
Not pellets. Not coal. Not those strange, compressed logs that smell like a cupboard. Just proper wood. Preferably hardwood. Seasoned. Dry. The sort that doesn’t hiss or leave you with half a tree’s worth of ash.
A wood burner has a flat base. No metal grate inside. The logs sit directly on the firebed, and the ash underneath helps fuel the next burn.
It’s simple. It’s tidy. It does one thing well.
But that’s all it does.
What Is a Multi Fuel Stove?
Versatile multi fuel stoves are the ones that don’t like to be pinned down.
It can burn logs or smokeless coal. It can burn briquettes, eco nuggets, and whatever else comes in a dusty plastic bag from the petrol station.
It’s got a raised grate inside, usually made of cast iron. This lets air come up from underneath, which coal and other fuels need to burn properly.
There’s usually an ash pan underneath, so you can empty it without sticking your head inside the firebox like a chimney sweep with no training.
It gives you more choice. But it comes with more parts. And more decisions.
Why Choose a Wood Burner?
You want something that looks clean, burns well, and smells like winter. You like the idea of stacking logs in the shed. You think chainsaws are exciting, but only from a safe distance.
If you live somewhere with easy access to wood—or just like buying things in nets from the garden centre—this might be your stove.
Wood burners are usually cheaper. There’s less inside. Fewer moving parts. Less to clean. Less to go wrong.
They’re also better for people who like simplicity. One type of fuel. One way to burn it. Less thinking.
Good for:
- People with access to dry logs
- Those who don’t want to faff with grates and pans
- Homes in areas with no coal allowed
Why Choose a Multi Fuel Stove?
Because sometimes you run out of wood.
Or it’s been raining for a week and all your logs are soggy. Or the log man’s van broke down and you forgot to reorder. Or you just want something that works no matter what you feed it.
A multi fuel stove gives you more options. That’s the whole point.
You can switch between fuels depending on cost, supply, or whatever’s on offer. You can burn coal when it’s freezing and logs when you’re feeling wholesome.
It’s also handy if you live in a smoke control area, where some fuels are banned unless they’ve got the right badge on the bag.
Good for:
- People who want backup fuel options
- Those in towns or villages with fuel restrictions
- Homes that need steady, long-burning heat
What About Heat Output?
Both can heat a room. Both can keep a cottage from turning into a fridge. But multi fuel stoves usually burn hotter for longer—especially if you use coal or briquettes.
Wood gives you lovely flames. Glowing embers. The kind of warmth that makes people sit still and stare into the fire.
Coal and other fuels give you a longer burn. Less fuss. But the flames are smaller. The glow is steadier. Less show, more go.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Wood burners leave you with ash. But not much. Empty it once in a while and you’re fine.
Multi fuel stoves build up more ash and clinker, especially if you’re burning coal. You’ll spend more time emptying trays and wiping bits down.
If cleaning the fire makes you sigh, stick with wood.
If you’re fine with the odd ash pan in exchange for steady heat, you’ll be happy with multi fuel.
This isn’t about what’s trendy. It’s about what works.
Some people like the smell of wood and the rhythm of chopping logs. Others just want to keep the house warm without worrying about what’s left in the shed.
Both stoves have their place. Just pick the one that suits your life, not the one that suits the showroom.
If you still can’t decide, pop in. We won’t blind you with jargon or offer you something that belongs in a hotel lobby. We’ll help you find the one that lights up your room—and keeps it warm when the boiler gives up.
