Stoves

As more homeowners look for efficient, stylish, and cost-effective ways to heat their homes, solid fuel stoves remain a popular choice. But when choosing a stove, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for a multi-fuel stove or a wood-only stove. Both options have their advantages, so how do you know which is right for your home?

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between the two, the benefits of each, and what factors to consider before making your decision.

Nothing spoils a cosy evening in front of the fire like smoke billowing back into your room. If you’ve noticed smoke coming back down your chimney, it’s a clear sign something’s not working as it should. But don’t worry — in most cases, the problem can be identified and fixed fairly easily.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common causes of chimney smoke issues, how to troubleshoot them, and what solutions are available to get your fireplace or stove working safely and efficiently again.

A wood-burning or multi-fuel stove is a fantastic addition to any home, providing warmth, ambiance, and efficiency. However, to ensure it runs safely and efficiently, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some key tips to keep your stove in top condition:

Upgrading to a modern Ecodesign stove offers major benefits, including up to 90% fewer emissions than an open fire and greater efficiency - saving you money on fuel while keeping your home warm.

Key Benefits

Better Heating & Wellbeing

• More efficient heating with lower emissions when used with dry, sustainable wood.
• Reduces condensation, damp, and mould—ideal for older homes.
• Creates a cosy focal point and promotes mental wellbeing.

Energy Security & Cost Savings

• Provides heat during power cuts, reducing reliance on the grid.
• Protects against rising energy prices.
• A supply of wood means predictable heating costs.

Cleaner Air & Lower Emissions

• Modern stoves using dry wood contribute just 0.3% to total UK PM2.5 emissions.
• Reduce emissions by 90% compared to

Burning wood efficiently isn’t just about creating a warm, cosy atmosphere - it also has numerous benefits. It helps you save on fuel costs, keeps your chimney cleaner, and reduces harmful emissions. If you live in a Smoke Control Area, burning the right fuel can even help you avoid fines!

By following a few simple guidelines, you can enjoy a clean-burning fire while minimising pollution. It’s all about getting your fire up to the right temperature quickly and maintaining it for the best results. Here’s why it matters and how you can make sure you’re burning right:

1. Start with Quality Fuel: Use dry wood with a moisture content of 20% or less. Look for the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo when purchasing logs, and store them properly in a well-ventilated area.
2. Quick Fire Start: Use plenty of small kindling or firelighters to get the fire going fast. This helps your fire reach the right temperature efficiently.
3. Control

Making a cleaner choice when deciding which stove to buy is so much easier with our newest additions. We are delighted to say that both the Farrow and the Birchley have been certified as members of the HETAS Cleaner Choice Scheme.

To achieve certification under the HETAS Cleaner Choice scheme, stoves must meet stringent criteria set by HETAS. Not only do they have to adhere to current requirements for exemption within current Smoke Control Areas and secure a listing on the DEFRA website, but they must also demonstrate at least a 50% improvement on current particulate limits for exemption. This improvement is measured using a robust test methodology recognised

Following changes in the law, you could find an official on your doorstep issuing a £300 fine for allowing your stove to be too smoky. To make sure you don't get penalised by this 2023 law change which means your chimney must emit less that 3g/hour smoke, instead of 5g/hour, we wanted to share some steps that you can take to avoid this happening to you.

The new rules apply to all households that use log burners in smoke control areas. As these areas cover most of England’s towns and cities, most households in England may be subject to this fine. Anyone found to be in breach could now be liable for an on-the-spot fine of up to £300 and could even face criminal prosecution if they refuse to cut back their chimney smoke.

If you’re unsure if you live in a Smoke Control Area you should contact your local council to check. You can also check your postcode on this

Choose from our range of multi fuel stoves to enjoy the flexibility of burning either wood or smokeless fuel, an exceptionally efficient way to heat your home. Save on heating costs during winter and enhance your home with a stunning focal point. All our stoves are DEFRA approved for use in Smokeless Zones. 

Whether you prefer a modern or traditional style, we're sure to have the perfect stove for you. Explore our full range of multi-fuel stoves now available here.

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