Multi Fuel Stoves
Multi fuel stoves are an excellent solution for householders and business owners wishing to take advantage of the benefits provided by solid fuel stoves and also retain some flexibility in the fuel they use to provide heat and hot water.
Multi Fuel Stoves
Multi-fuel stoves appeal to those wishing to use a variety of solid fuel. A common example of this is when a stove owner uses one type of fuel predominantly – for instance wood – but it is variable in supply and has to be supplemented by coal and coke, or even peat. Another example is when an owner may wish to take account of price changes within the fuel market: at various times either coal or wood may be cheaper, and with a multi fuel stove the owner may buy whichever has the lowest price, unlike the owners of specialised wood burning stoves or coal stoves. This is a good way of reducing costs in addition to the low prices already enjoyed by solid fuel heater owners.
The main fuels used in multi fuel stoves are coal and wood, though others can also be used. Peat is often an option in areas such as the Scottish Highlands where it has been used traditionally. There is, however, controversy about the use of peat due to questions about its sustainability. Another possible fuel is waste biomass, which is often available from local farms, sawmills etc, and even from the owner’s own garden: when combined with other recycling measures a multi fuel stove can be an excellent way of keeping garden waste to a minimum.
Like other solid fuel stoves, multi fuel stoves can serve a variety of functions in the home or business. In addition to providing heat in the room in which they are situated, some models can be linked into the hot water system, and also into the home’s central heating system. Used in conjunction with a number (depending on the size of the residence) of solid fuel boilers, a solid fuel central heating system can be constructed to provide heat in other rooms via radiators.
Multi Fuel Cookers
Some multi fuel stoves include an oven and hotplates and can be used in place of standard cookers. These multi fuel cookers are becoming increasingly popular, as many homeowners are coming to appreciate the versatility and style of these appliances. They can act as the centrepiece to a modern kitchen, and though they can be expensive to run (due to the constant supply of fuel needed) they can give a sense of welcome, nostalgia and hominess missing from electric and gas cookers.
In addition to being stylish, due to their size multi fuel cookers can often handle a heavy workload, with multiple hobs and even ovens, so are often preferred by chefs and serious amateur cooks. With these stoves, it is possible to cater for large dinner parties, and also to handle large joints such as rack of venison that would be difficult to accommodate in a normal sized oven.
For all of these reasons, many cooks that have used multi-fuel cookers find it difficult to return to gas or electric, often making many sacrifices to ensure they can keep their cherished stove.