Choosing a wood-burning or multifuel stove

Once you have decided to get a wood-burning/multifuel stove, or perhaps you are upgrading your existing model, where do you start? We hear of many people who simply jump on Google and then get totally lost and confused about what they need to do. There are many different things to take into consideration when looking at a new multifuel/wood burning stove. Remember, the cost of the stove and installation can be significant so you need to make the right decision.

Different styles of stove

Historically we have had traditional and contemporary stoves but now we have what is known as a “modern traditional” stove. So, where do you start? It really depends upon the style of your home/room and your personal preference. If ever there was a case of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” this is it. What one person might see as a very attractive contemporary stove might have zero appeal for somebody else, and vice versa. So, stick to your own guns, do not be swayed by other people and choose a style of stove that you like.

There is an ongoing trend towards the “modern traditional” style stove with an enlarged glass viewing area at the front. Trends do change, but this is a relatively strong trend and one which is likely to be around for some time to come. Therefore, you will come across a number of stoves with this type of enlarged viewing area.

Firefox 8.1 Wood-Burning and Multifuel Stove

Heat output

The heat output required will depend upon the dimensions of your room, location of the stove and ventilation. We have a basic heat requirement chart here:-

https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/acatalog/Room_Kilowatt_Calculator.html

But we strongly recommend getting in touch with us before you choose your stove as there are other issues to take into consideration. However, whether you have a small room, relatively large room, or something in between, there will be a number of stoves for you to choose from. We guarantee you will be spoilt for choice!

Type of fuel

There are basically two options, wood and coal/smokeless fuels which both have something to offer. Even though multifuel stoves, offering the ability to burn wood and coal/smokeless fuels are popular, a surprising number of people still prefer the traditional wood-burning stove. Many believe it creates the right atmosphere, a different ambience and the kind of deep seated heat only a wood-burning stove can give. It may well come down to availability of fuel as well, something which many people fail to consider when choosing their stove. Perhaps, if you’re undecided, it might be worthwhile going for a multifuel stove to give you the option of both fuel types?

Even though the traditional stove design tends to revolve around wood fuel, there are many multifuel stoves with a traditional style. So, there is no need to be swayed by traditional, contemporary or “modern traditional” designs, there will be options!

Boiler option

There are a number of traditional, contemporary and modern traditional stoves which do offer a boiler system (whether an addition or part of the initial stove package). It is fair to say that the vast majority of stoves do not offer this service because there needs to be a significant heat output to accommodate the boiler system and heating a room. So, if you are looking towards a boiler option to make full use of the heat created then it is worthwhile giving us a call. We can talk you through the options, different ideas and give you some food for thought.

Choosing a wood-burning or multifuel stove

There is more and more focus on the environmentally friendly side of wood-burning/multifuel stoves today and the boiler option is looked on favourably by environmentalists. Any stove system which increases efficiency while reducing emissions is certainly advantageous going forward.

Smoke control areas

It is fair to say there is an ongoing battle between environmentalists and the stove industry to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Much of the focus for recent negative press comment has been on older stoves which are less efficient and often not available today. Many critics tend to conveniently ignore the massive improvement in efficiency ratings of recent years and focus on older less efficient machines. However, as the number of smoke control areas continues to grow across the UK you may well need to purchase a DEFRA approved stove.

These are stoves which have been tested and are basically the most efficient on the market today. Clean burn systems tend to be an integral part of this type of stove where not only is the initial fuel burnt but the gas created is burnt and re-burnt. This reduces final emissions while squeezing every last drop of heat out of your fuel. While we are seeing more and more DEFRA approved stoves on the market today, not all stoves can be used in smoke control areas. Failing to appreciate smoke control regulations can certainly be an expensive mistake!

DEFRA approved stove

Summary

Whatever type of stove you’re looking for, traditional, contemporary or modern traditional, and whatever type of fuel you prefer, rest assure there will be many options for you. The move towards DEFRA approved stoves for use in smoke control areas is also gathering pace and likely be standard in years to come. Perhaps the best place to start is checking our heat chart (https://www.bowlandstoves.co.uk/acatalog/Room_Kilowatt_Calculator.html).to see what kind of output you need to heat your room. Then feel free to give us a call to discuss the layout of your room and ventilation to see if any adjustments are required. You will have plenty of choice whatever your particular situation!