The Disadvantages of Traditional Log Burners

1) Log burners produce smoke and ash

Wood produces heat and light when it's burned. But it also releases large amounts of invisible gases (e.g. carbon dioxide) and smoke particles, as well as a small mineral residue of ash. 

Smoke can cause a whole host of problems when released indoors. It has a strong, unpleasant odour and often leaves a tell-tale smoky smell on your clothes, hair, and soft furnishings. Breathing in smoke can irritate our lungs and cause coughing, and is also linked to several long-term health conditions including cardiovascular damage and increased risk of cancer.

The ash left behind after burning is yet another headache to deal with. You’ll need to sweep it away after every use, which can be messy, dirty, and annoying. It can also escape from the grate and settle on your floors and furniture, adding yet another cleaning job to your list.

2) Log burners need a chimney or flue

A log burner needs a chimney or twin-wall flue to carry its smoke outside. 

If you don’t have a working chimney, you’ll need to pay a professional to build one. The cost to install a fireplace and new chimney system typically ranges from £1,900-£3,500, but can cost even more for a full structural build using brick, stone, or concrete blocks. The whole process can take between two and three weeks, which is a long time to have your home in disarray.

But the work doesn’t stop once your chimney has been installed. You’ll need to pay for regular chimney sweeping at least once per year, which could cost between £60-£85 for a standard sweep. You’ll also need to keep an eye out on any blockages such as birds’ nests and damaged brickwork, and repair these if necessary.

3) Log burners aren’t allowed in all homes

As explained above, wood smoke releases invisible particles into the air. Known as PM2.5, these particles are one of the most harmful forms of air pollution.

The government has now introduced smoke control areas in an effort to cut these emissions. In many UK towns and cities, burning wood in an appliance that isn’t Defra-exempt can lead to a £1,000 fine. The rules could get stricter still, with the government planning to issue a £5,000 fine to repeat offenders under their Environmental Improvement Plan.

Aside from smoke control areas, log burners are also not suitable for rental properties, small homes, flats, or new builds. Renters need their landlord’s permission to fit a log burner, and flat owners will need approval from the freeholder or building management. This approval is almost impossible to come by, so log burners are usually out of the question.

If you love the look of a real fire but don’t want to deal with the hassle or expense of a log burner, a bioethanol fireplace could be the perfect option for you. 

Here’s why you should consider a biofire instead:

• Produces real flames – get the same fireside ambience as you would with a log burner

• Completely smoke-free – bioethanol burns cleanly, producing only water vapour and a small amount of carbon dioxide

• No chimney or flue needed – there’s no smoke to direct outside

• No installation required – simply unpack, place into position, and light

• Easy to maintain – only an occasional wipe down and light cleaning needed

• Eco-friendly – runs on plant-based bioethanol fuel which is completely renewable

• Portable – can be easily moved from room to room, and even outdoors

• Range of styles to choose from – including our popular woodburner-style biofires that mimic the look of log burners

Ready to make the switch? Explore our range of woodburner-style bioethanol stoves to find your new favourite model.