With continued heavy demand for fossil fuels such as oil and gas during cold weather, solid fuel stoves have seen a rise in popularity in recent years. Many homeowners are attracted by the look of a real fire, and a solid fuel stove can offer convenience and comfort matched with efficient heating output. They have a natural affinity with the traditional architecture of older homes, but can look equally stylish against the sleeker, more minimalist lines of modern interior decor.

Multi-Fuel Stoves

There are several different types of solid fuel stove, depending on the material that you plan to burn. Some are designed as multifuel stoves, able to burn coal, wood or wood pellets, corn or nut shells or other biomass materials. Some stoves are made specifically for log burning and if you have a ready supply of well seasoned wood it can be a great, eco-friendly source of fuel.

Cast Iron Stoves

Many stoves are manufactured in cast iron, sometimes with an enamel finish, which makes for a beautiful appearance and efficient heat radiation. Cast iron stoves compliment all kinds of interiors, from Victorian country houses to modern loft conversions. You’ll see them gracing open fireplaces and also as freestanding units in the middle of a room.

One of the main differences between a stove and an open fireplace is that with an open fire, a lot of the heat goes straight up the chimney. Some manufacturers of multifuel stoves claim a heat efficiency rating of 80% or more, meaning that much less heat goes up the stack and more is radiated into the room. Some stoves are also designed to heat water for domestic use, thus saving energy bills on the regular water heater, which need only be used in warmer weather when the stove is not required.

Wood Burning Stove Choices

If you’re considering buying a solid fuel stove for your home, there are some important considerations to bear in mind. It’s best to buy the right size stove for the dimensions of your room, as a log burning stove works most efficiently when it’s burning at its optimal rate — which prevents a buildup of smoke and excess deposits on the inside of the stove or chimney. It’s also essential to take safety factors into account when installing the appliance. Depending on where you live, you will likely need to obtain a permit or building approval, and a trained fitter or engineer can make sure that the flue or chimney is properly prepared and that the stove is installed safely.

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