As the detectives among us can tell, multi-fuel stoves are able to burn a variety of fuels including fire logs, coal, smokeless fuel and more. With this in mind, it would be easy to think that lighting one should be a simple enough process. While this is true, an astounding amount of people still struggle to the point of their wits’ end. This article is created with this group in mind, providing a list of 5 easy steps to ensure that your multi-fuel stove lights perfectly, every single time.

To begin with, make sure that the bottom (primary control) air vent is open. This ensures that a constant flow of air containing the necessary oxygen levels is able circulate around your coal, fire logs, smokeless fuel etc. Some multi-fuel stoves will also have a top (secondary control) air vent. If so, leave it half open.

Next, you must establish a firebed. This should be made up of firelighters, newspaper and dry kindling wood. 5-10 sheets of the newspaper should be enough and for efficient kindling, try breaking up our hardwood logs.

Now it’s time to light your firebed. When doing so, ensure that the fire door isn’t closed completely. Leaving it slightly open will encourage the heat to travel up the flue (a duct for smoke waste and gases), reducing condensation on the glass and minimising the build-up of harmful carbon monoxide gas.

Once you have achieved glowing embers from your kindling wood, it is time to add your solid fuel, be this fire logs, coal or smokeless fuel. After adding your fuel, shut the fire door and, if you have one, shut the top air vent.

Now all you need to do is add more solid fuel on a needs-must basis. The heat output can be controlled by the bottom air vent (open for more, closed for less). This is useful if you have left your stove unattended for an extended period of time, opening the bottom air vent can aid in bringing your fire back to life.

*Note - it’s important to clear excess ash away from the grate (platform) before adding more solid fuel. This can be done by utilising a poker.

Extra tips

Regular chimney sweeps will minimise the build-up of harmful material which may become a fire hazard.
Use kiln-dried hardwood or smokeless fuel to minimise the amount of soot produced when burned.
Ensure the safety of children and animals by installing a fireguard in front of your multi-fuel stove.

We hope this article was helpful. For more information on the fuel products we offer for use in your multi-fuel stove, click here.