Wood burner - would you?

Ectophile

ariarnia said:

quick question rather than start a new thread. can multi fuel stoves burn wood pellets? we've been offered a sack of pellets free and i don't think we can use them on our stove (in any amount or as a main fuel. i'm sure we could use the odd handful on an established fire) but thought i should check. 

we've got a hamlet widescreen s4 if that makes a difference. 

You can burn almost anything that's clean untreated wood.  I even burned half a bag of wood pellet kitty litter left by the previous owner of the house.

The pellets are probably best thought of as an alternative form of kindling, to get the fire going.  After that, you'd be spending all your time shoveling pellets into the stove.

[Deleted User]

Yes go for it. Don’t overthink it and just take the plunge. I’ve always had at least one wood burner, now have one stove and an open fire.

Very rural, lots of power cuts, so fires are main source of heat. Trade wood with friends for eggs and some of their animals meat. 

You won’t regret it. Fire, candles lit, glass of wine and a good book = heaven IMHO. Enjoy xx

kah22

I have a great wood burner, four logs a night do me. Is there much in the cost probably not, but cosy should be added into the equation  🌝

PennyForThem_2

Pennylane said:

drsquirrel said:

artyboy said:

, but the reality is that I've got extensive woodland behind my house with a LOT of dead wood from fallen branches/trees lying around

If you get free fuel than its a no brainer.

Don't assume you will get a constant source though, wont be long until all the "dead wood" is cleared. If its old its also likely rotten and lost a lot of its BTUs.

Already having a chimney makes it easier, liner and you're sorted.

You don't need to buy the high end/expensives stove, lots of alternatives have tertiary burn etc. And cast iron isn't a requirement.

The stoves are messy though, you want a lot of space around them, and an old hearth rug.

I agree with your last sentence.  We were having a meal at a neighbour’s who had had a woodburner installed earlier that year.  It was nice and cozy in there but I kept getting a strong whiff of smoke.  My OH checked it out and she had stacked logs right up against  the woodburner in a very tight space and they were actually smouldering!  I guess a large reputable firm would advise you of safety guidelines but I think she just had an odd job man fit it for her.  

They do make a lot of mess too.  Another neighbour has one and is left with a layer of dust on everything. 

FIRE HAZARD!  A work colleague did exactly same as your friend and the stacked wood caused a house fire. Luckily the house did not burn down but there was a lot of smoke damage.

I have a wood burner, it can be mucky round the stove - not like the good housekeeping/life style glossy photos - but I love it.  Seasoned, kiln dried wood as fuel, chimney swept annually and query the sweep about whether wood has been burning ok - they can tell from icky residue that comes down.