Wood Burning Stoves
A wood burning stove is usually built without a fixed grate, but with a flat base. As the wood burns the ashes are collected and when the fire needs more fuel, fresh logs are placed on top. The effect is hugely positive for wood burning because logs combust more effectively and evenly when resting on a bed of ashes, giving you maximum efficiency and heat output from your wood burning stove.
When combined with Cleanburn technology this effect is enhanced further. The introduction of air into the firebox of the stove to combust the gases and hydrocarbon particles ensures that your fuel is used as effectively as possible meaning greater value for money and wonderful flames for you to watch.
It is also worth considering the environmental benefits of wood burning. It is regarded as a carbon neutral form of energy as during its growth, a tree will absorb the amount of carbon dioxide roughly emitted when it is burned on a wood burning stove or fire. It is therefore a provider of ‘green’ heat. You may also be in a position to maintain your own private wood supply, thereby generating virtually free fuel that is exclusively available to you whenever you need it although bear in mind that logs must be sufficiently dry to burn.
Multi-Fuel Stoves
Multi-fuel stoves are appliances that are capable of burning a variety of materials other than wood. Apart from logs, a multi-fuel stove can burn smokeless fuels (look for authorised fuels that are approved for use in Smoke Control Areas), anthracite and peat/turf briquettes. The design of these stoves is optimised to accept a greater number of types of fuel and to burn them as effectively as possible. Multi-fuel appliances have a raised grate with moving bars or a central riddling grate and ashpan. Both of these options allow the burning fuel to be de-ashed to maintain effective combustion conditions. Ash is then contained in an ashpan below the grate to enable cleaning and safe removal.
The heat output of a multi-fuel appliance will be similar, if not identical to that of a wood burning stove – and both types are highly efficient. Many also have Airwash and Cleanburn as standard and, as with a wood burning stove, the introduction of innovative functions and technologies has meant that running an appliance is easier and more cost effective.