This guide offers useful information to anyone looking for an alternative heating solution which is more efficient and aesthetically-pleasing. This guide outlines all you need to know about buying an electric log burner, such as the costs, different types of log burners available as well as log burner designs and regulations for log burners.
Introduction to the Best Log Burners
A log burner, also known as a wood-burning stove can be described as a type of heating appliance that operates on the basis of wood as well as biomass fuel made from wood.
It is a very popular heating method because it helps to lower carbon emissions as a result of being powered by sources that are low carbon as well as helping homeowners cut their energy consumption.
The primary function for wood stoves is heating your home, no matter if it is a small area that is usually powered by small wood burners, whereas larger wood stoves are able to heat all of your home with water included.
How Does a Log Burner Work?
A wood-burning stove functions through the burning of renewable fuels that lets heat radiate out of the walls of an apartment. One of the major characteristics of a log burner is the air that is pushed to the stove’s front.
Modern log burners usually come with controls that allow the user to adjust the quantity of air that enters the stove. This will affect the flame’s intensity.
Contemporary log burners don’t require chimneys but more work may be required because a flue needs to be installed on the roof or walls of your house.
Certain log burners feature an airwash system, which aids in keeping the glass of the stove clean and helps to avoid dirt and soot accumulation.
Other systems have convection, which assist in distributing heat and allow for continuous flow of cool air. During the heating process it increases to even out the temperature of the building.
When you turn on the log stove, it is important be aware of the kind of fuel you choose to use.
There are many kinds of firewood available such as oak, ash beech, birch and sycamore, all of which are heavier wood varieties that increase the amount of heat produced and improve efficiency.
Types of Log Burner
If you’re looking to install the installation of a log stove at home, you must think about which type of stove is the best for your needs. To assist you in making your decision the best one, here’s a summary of the various kinds of log burners along with their prices and advantages and disadvantages of each.
Radiant
The radiant stove can be described as a traditional choice that spreads heating from its front side, and the top of the appliance. It flows in straight lines, in which heat is absorbed by the surrounding surfaces.
The heat is then transferred through the surface, heating the remainder of the room, as well as adjacent rooms in the building.
Radiant log burners provide localized heating that is affordable and long-lasting The type of stove priced between £500 up to £900.
It is recommended to consider this kind of wood burning stove if reside in a home that is not well-insulated which is noisy and has high ceilings. This can help to heat your house efficiently.
The major drawback to radiating log stoves is the fact that they can become overwhelming when you are far enough from the fire. This is suitable for families with children since the stove itself and any surfaces around it are very hot to the touch.
Pros:
- Spreads heat in all directions.
- Cheap.
Cons:
- The temperature can be extreme hot.
Circular
Convection or circular stove is a contemporary log burner, which has been specifically made to spread heat evenly across a house. They draw cool air through sides and back panels that are connected by an air channel between the firebox of the log burner and the outer wall. Modern circular stoves also have fans to aid in improving the distribution of heat.
As opposed the radiant range of stoves burners are more secure because they make use of cold air. This means that the stove doesn’t produce an excessive amount of heat. They also provide an even temperature throughout many rooms.
If you reside in an area that is draughty or have a lot of drafts, then a convector oven is not the best choice as they are more effective in homes with well-insulated ceilings. Circular stoves can be costly and can be priced between £600 and up £2000.
Pros:
- It evenly is distributed heat evenly.
- Creates pleasant temperatures.
Cons:
- Inefficient in heating homes that are not well-insulated.
Best Log Burners
Before you purchase a log burner check out this guide that lists the top brands of log burners to help you determine which stove for wood is the best.
Lincsfire Harmston 5.5kW Multifuel Stove
One of the highest-rated log burners comes from the name Lincsfire Harmston which costs around £200 to £300.
It’s praised for its fuel versatility because you can utilize biomass, wood, coal fuel, and much more to fuel the stove. It also has an airwash system as well as flow control, which allows for better distribution of heat.
The primary advantage of this log burner is that it is constructed of cast-iron, durable and extremely resistant to wear. It is also extremely efficient for a device of this size as well as an advantage of low maintenance, since it comes with an ash pan that can be removed and is extremely easily cleaned.
One of the downsides for this particular stove that it has a an open fire pit that can ruin the look. It’s also small, and therefore may not be a good fit in larger homes.
Pros:
- Low maintenance.
- Flexibility.
- Long lasting.
- Great heat distribution.
Cons:
- Small.
- This might not be everyone’s favorite style.
Arada Villager Esprit 8 Solo Multi-fuel Stove
The Villager stove is constructed out of steel. It has an impressive heat output of eight kW, with a an 450mm log capacity. It also comes with an all-fuel grate that costs about £900 or £1000.
The stove from Arada Villager has one of the most efficient ratings of 80 percent, which means you’ll save a significant amount of money on your monthly expenses as well as making your home environmentally friendly. It also offers a stylish style that’s perfect for modern-day homes.
The drawback of using this particular log burner is that it is not DEFRA-approved. That means that it hasn’t been evaluated in accordance with government’s Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) standards for smoke and emission levels.
Pros:
- High efficiency in energy use..
- Eco-friendly.
- Attractive and aesthetic.
Cons:
- Not DEFRA certified.
Charnwood C-four Wood/Multi-fuel Stove
It is among the top log burners that is constructed of steel and features an 4.9kW energy output. You can use your log burner to fuel it with wood, or use the multi-fuel grates to get other sources of fuel.
For aesthetics, it has a classic, yet sleek look with a variety of color options. The primary benefit of the Charnwood C-four stove is that it is approved by DEFRA. It has a high energy efficiency, with an efficiency rating that is around 78%..
This can help reduce the carbon footprint of your home and also your costs for energy. This also allows flexibility in the variety of colors and options for fuel.
The disadvantage of this type of stove is that it’s not the best choice for large spaces since it does not produce a lot of heat. It’s also costly, with prices ranging between £1000 and up £1200.
Pros:
- Many different types of fuels are available for.
- Traditional style.
- Eco-friendly.
Cons:
- Not the best choice for rooms with large spaces.
Be Modern Ohio Solid Fuel Stove
Another popular log burner that is highly rated is The Be Modern Ohio stove which has a heat output of 7kW and is priced between £700 up to £800. The stove is constructed of cast iron and is driven by solid-fuels like coal, wood peat, peat and many more.
The major benefit of this kind of stove is the fact it can provide an enormous amount of heat and has the efficiency of around 76 percent. This makes it among the greenest options, as well as helping to reduce your energy bills.
It’s been criticized for its plain black style which might not go well with any style of interior. This kind of stove requires the installation of a chimney on the roof, which means even if you don’t have a fireplace it could be a significant expense.
Pros:
- Energy efficient.
- Low cost
Cons:
- It requires chimney installation.
Hothouse Black 11kW Solid Fuel Stove
It is a wood-fuel stove made out of steel and comes with an output of 11Kw.
Additionally, it has a tertiary air system that helps enhance the efficiency of heating up 78%. The cost for this stove is between £400 up to £500.
The main advantage of this log burner is that it has a seamless and contemporary design which is more aesthetically-pleasing than free-standing stoves. It also has the ability to remove the grate, which makes it much easier to clean.
If you don’t have a stone or brick chimney flue, this might not be the best choice for you. However, there is the possibility of adding to a solid fuel attachment which is quite costly.
Pros:
- Energy efficient.
- Beautifully aesthetic.
Cons:
- The cost is higher if the property has no chimney flue.
Cost to Install a Log Burner
Another thing to think about is the cost to install the log burner. The cost will differ depending on whether or there is an existing chimney.
The cost of installation for an apartment with a chimney is between £1500 and £1700. This includes the installation of chimney flues, and the backplate and the heart.
The price for installing a wood-burning fireplace without chimneys ranges between £2000 to £2200 that includes the additional task of installing an asymmetrical flue pipe for the wall on the exterior walls as well as the roofline.
Log Burner Regulations
Before you have a log burner installed at your residence it is essential that you are aware of the guidelines for installing a log burner.
In accordance with the announcement of the government which considered banning any stove that does not comply with the green standards, you might be required to upgrade the stove you have to one that is a DEFRA-approved stove or one that has an eco-design label, particularly for those who live in an area that is smoke-free, such as London.
Regarding installation, it is recommended that you consider hiring a HETAS-approved installation contractor to install your wood-burning stove since this will ensure that the stove you purchased is compliant with the current regulations, as well as avoiding planning approval.
If you live in a listed property planning permission might be required. If you intend to install it yourself, you must obtain permission from the building control department in your area before you begin any construction work.
When the work is completed the company will dispatch an individual to review the work and approve it to approve it if it is in compliance with standards. Also, be sure to install an information plate that will contain all the specifics of the fitting, including the stove’s type the hearth, chimney, chimney and flue.
