Wood burning stoves as well as the multi fuel variety are becoming increasingly popular due to the higher prices we are being charged for electric and gas , no matter what country we live in. Many people are starting to find it hard to pay their utility bills so looking for an alternative way to hear their home.

With wood burning stoves, you maybe surprised to see the huge variety of stoves on the market considering all they do is burn wood or coal. They usually come made from cast iron or steel, with the heat the produce being produced much faster than an electric or gas fire. They work by burning the wood or fuel inside the sealed stove apart from the air intake control which then heats the metal casing, which then heats the room. Due to the heat being contained in the stove and not being released up a chimney of flue, it makes them incredibly more efficient than an open fire which looses much of the heat it produces.

A steel wood burning stove will heat up much quicker than a cast iron stove but cool down faster whereas a cast iron stove will heat up slower but also cool down slower so still producing heat for a time after it has stopped burning fuel. You need a space around the cast iron stove otherwise it will crack, which is not required on a steel wood burning stove.

To keep the glass on the front door clear so you can see the burning wood and flames, most wood burning stoves come with an air wash system which draws air into the fire and washes across the glass keeping it clear. The air control system is best left fully open when you start your fire to allow as much oxygen in as possible to assist in starting it. You can then start to close is a little at a time as the fire gets stronger and stronger to the point that it can almost be closed when the fire is at full strength. Do not open the air control fully once the fire is burning as this can cause the wood burning stove to buckle and cause damage.

The strength of the fire that woodburners produce depends on what type of wood you are burning. Still can either be hardwood or softwood where hardwood burns slower than softwood but also lasts longer but you can also get smoke free fuel such as coals which can be used in multi fuel stoves but you will require a grate.

Many areas in the UK are smoke exempt so it is best to check with your local council that you can burn wood that produces smoke. If not, you can buy smoke free coals which are used in multi fuel stoves which take wood and coals. These as mentioned above, come with a grate as air needs to be underneath the coals for them to burn properly whereas wood burns better resting on its own ashes.