When looking to acquire a stove you will need to consider the types of fuel available to you locally at an affordable price. While there is some overlap between the types of fuel used with a multifuel stove and a wood-burning stove, there are also some differences. As the name suggests, a multifuel stove will accommodate an array of different fuel types while a wood-burning stove simply burns wood.
Wood fuels
Without going into too much detail, there are many different types of wood available in the UK which can be used with a wood-burning stove. Some of the more popular types include ash, oak, beech, cedar, hawthorn, blackthorn, maple, rowan, apple and pear. They all have different heat ratings, different burn rates and it is worth looking into these further.
Solid fuels
While wood is classed as a solid fuel, and a perfectly acceptable fuel for a multifuel stove, these type of stoves also accommodate other fuels. In simple terms, multifuel stoves work best with high calorific value fuel which give a greater level of heat when burned. This includes fuels such as:-
• Manufactured coal
• Smokeless fuels
• Anthracite
It is not difficult to see why multifuel stoves are extremely popular; they give a greater variety of fuel options. However, knowing which fuels to use is important but it is also important to know which fuels not to use.
Fuel not suitable for wood-burning/multifuel stoves
While there may be a temptation to throw any type of waste onto your wood-burning or multifuel stove, this can be extremely dangerous. For wood-burning stoves, the following fuels should not be used:-
• Wood that has been treated with a varnish/paint
• Wood from poisonous plants
• Wet/unseasoned wood
• Coal
• Any other fuel
In addition, the following fuels should not be used on a multifuel stove:-
• Petroleum-based coal
• Household coal
• Coal and wood at the same time
It is imperative that you resist the temptation to throw any old rubbish onto your stove. It may release toxic gases, it may cause an uncontrollable fire or it may ruin the inner workings of your stove. Stick to proven, safe and efficient fuels as listed above and you will get the best out of your stove.