The Key Differences Between Woodburners and Multifuel Stoves

Understanding the differences between woodburners and multifuel stoves is key to choosing the right appliance. Here we explain how they work, their advantages, and which might suit your home best.

Clearing the Confusion

When shopping for a new stove, many homeowners quickly run into a common dilemma: what are the differences between woodburners and multifuel stoves? The two terms are often used interchangeably, but in reality, they refer to distinct designs with important practical differences. Choosing the wrong one could mean paying more for fuel than necessary, struggling with maintenance, or not achieving the performance you hoped for.

This guide explains everything you need to know. We’ll look at how each stove type is designed, what fuels they burn best, the pros and cons of each option, and which type might be the right fit for your home. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the differences between woodburners and multifuel stoves and feel confident in your decision.

What Is a Woodburner?

A woodburner (or log burner) is a stove designed specifically to burn firewood. Inside the firebox, you’ll typically find a flat base that allows logs to rest on a natural bed of ash. This design is intentional: seasoned logs burn most efficiently on top of ash rather than with air blowing up from underneath.

Modern woodburners are optimised for this process. Many feature advanced airwash systems that keep the glass clean and secondary or tertiary air supplies that encourage a complete burn. This results in higher efficiency, lower emissions, and a bright flame picture.

For those with access to a steady supply of well-seasoned logs, a woodburner can be one of the most environmentally friendly heating options available. Burning wood is considered carbon neutral, since the carbon released during combustion is roughly equal to the carbon the tree absorbed during its lifetime.

What Is a Multifuel Stove?

As the name suggests, a multifuel stove is built to handle more than just logs. It includes a raised grate, usually made of cast iron, with an ashpan located underneath. This allows air to circulate from below the fuel bed—an essential feature for burning coal and smokeless fuels effectively.

Unlike a woodburner, which thrives on a layer of ash, a multifuel stove requires regular emptying of its ashpan to maintain airflow. The design makes it highly versatile: owners can switch between burning logs, smokeless briquettes, or other approved solid fuels depending on availability, price, or personal preference.

For those living in rural or off-grid areas, this flexibility can be invaluable. If one type of fuel is difficult to source, you always have alternatives to fall back on.

Acquisitions Bloomsbury Gas Stove in Ivory
Acquisitions Bloomsbury Gas Stove in Ivory

Curious about how these differences look in practice? Explore our Stove Spotlight posts for examples of both types. If you’re leaning towards a log burner, you may enjoy:

The Key Differences Between Woodburners and Multifuel Stoves

So, what exactly separates the two? Here are the main differences between woodburners and multifuel stoves:

1. Fuel Bed

  • Woodburners: Flat base, logs sit on ash.
  • Multifuel stoves: Raised grate with ashpan for air circulation.

 

2. Efficiency

  • Woodburners: Optimised for logs, usually slightly more efficient when burning wood.
  • Multifuel stoves: Perform well with different fuels but may be marginally less efficient on logs compared to a dedicated woodburner.

 

3. Maintenance

  • Woodburners: Less frequent ash removal.
  • Multifuel stoves: Requires regular emptying of ashpan.

 

4. Environmental Impact

  • Woodburners: Burn renewable logs, considered carbon neutral.
  • Multifuel stoves: Can burn smokeless fuels, which are fossil-based but may offer higher heat output and longer burn times.

 

5. Cost

  • Woodburners: Often slightly cheaper, with fewer components.
  • Multifuel stoves: Usually more expensive due to extra parts (grate and ashpan).

 

Comparison Table:

Feature Woodburner Multifuel Stove
Fuels Logs only Logs + smokeless fuels
Base Flat bed of ash Raised grate & ashpan
Efficiency Higher for wood Balanced across fuels
Maintenance Less frequent Regular ashpan emptying
Cost Usually lower Slightly higher

Which Should You Choose?

Understanding the differences between woodburners and multifuel stoves is one thing, but which should you choose for your own home?

A woodburner is best if:

  • You have reliable access to well-seasoned logs.
  • You want the highest efficiency when burning wood.
  • You prefer a simple system with less daily maintenance.

 

A multifuel stove is best if:

  • You want flexibility to burn different fuels.
  • You live in a remote or off-grid area.
  • You like the option of longer burn times with smokeless fuel.

Both woodburners and multifuel stoves now come in DEFRA-exempt and EcoDesign-ready versions, making them suitable for use in smoke control areas while meeting modern clean air standards.

Two Great Options, One Right for You

The differences between woodburners and multifuel stoves ultimately come down to design and fuel flexibility. Woodburners are optimised for logs, giving you simplicity and efficiency, while multifuel stoves provide versatility and backup options. Neither is universally “better”—the right choice depends on your lifestyle, location, and fuel supply.

Before making your decision, think carefully about the fuels you’ll have easiest access to in the long run. If you’re still uncertain, visit a stove showroom, speak with an installer, and take time to compare both options in person. Whatever you choose, both types offer a warm, efficient, and characterful way to heat your home.

 

What’s been your experience with woodburners or multifuel stoves? Tell us in the comments which option you went for and why – we’ll feature some of the best responses in future posts.

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Picture of Reece Toscani

Reece Toscani

Reece has over two decades in the fireplace and stove world — testing, reviewing, and occasionally getting covered in soot, all in the name of wood-fired home heating. He cuts through the nonsense, busts the myths, and shares straight-talking advice to help you enjoy your stove without the confusion. From Fireplace Products to Redefining Woodburners, if it burns wood, he’s probably tested it, fixed it, or argued about it. Now, through Woodburner Insights, he shares that experience with the world — both here and on YouTube.

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