What is a Wood Burner?

Quick Answer: A wood burner is a closed stove designed to burn logs and produce heat for your home. Unlike an open stove or fireplace, a wood burner is more efficient because it allows you to control the air going in, and the smoke going out through the flue.

This means you get to control the amount of heat produced while burning less wood and creating less smoke.

What are the key parts of your wood burner

Collar: The collar is a steel or cast-iron ring that bolts onto the top or rear outlet of your wood stove and provides the connection point where the flue pipe is sealed to the stove. It allows exhaust gases to exit the stove and enter the flue or chimney.
Baffle plate (Throat Plate): A baffle plate is typically made of steel or vermiculite and is located at the top of a wood stove's firebox just below the flue. Its primary function is to restrict the flow of hot gases, forcing them to remain in the firebox longer, by deflecting heat back into the combustion chamber. It enables the combustion of any unburned gases.
Door: Normally made from cast iron or steel plate, the door allows access to the firebox to load wood. It houses the door glass and typically the air controls including the airwash system.
Secondary Air Control: This control regulates the flow of air into the upper part of the stove’s firebox. Secondary air allows for the re-ignition of any unburnt gases for cleaner, more efficient combustion. It is usually directed downwards behind the door glass to create an airwash system.
Glass Window: The glass is made from clear ceramic so you can enjoy the flickering flames. The ceramic is specifically designed to withstand temperatures up to 650 degrees C.
Lining: Linings are a critical fireproof barrier that protects the metal stove body from extreme heat while significantly improving combustion efficiency. They reflect heat back into the combustion chamber, maintaining higher internal temperatures for more complete wood burning and reducing fuel consumption. Linings are usually made from vermiculite or cast iron, or an extra layer of steel can be incorporated when the stove is manufactured.
Firebox: This is the main chamber where your logs burn. Its primary function is to contain the fire safely while allowing efficient combustion to take place.
Grate: The grate is located at the base of the firebox to raise the fuel off the stove floor. This allows air to feed the fire from below, and also allows ash to fall through into the ash pan. Fire grates are made from cast iron or steel plate.
Ash Pan: An ash pan is a heat-resistant container, typically made of steel, that sits in the stove base beneath the grate. It's purpose is to collect ash and debris as the wood burns. An ash pan allows users to remove excess ash and dispose of it safely.
Primary Air Control: This control regulates the flow of air into the lower part of the stove body to feed the base of the fire through the grate.

What is the difference between wood and multifuel stoves?

There are two types of wood burners available in Spain depending on the fuel you wish to use. Dedicated log burners specifically designed to burn only logs, and multifuel burners which can also burn coal. They are designed differently because wood and coal burn in different ways. Wood burns from the top down so requires more air at the top of the firebox, whereas coal burns from the bottom up therefore requiring more air from below the grate.

Multifuel stoves have a wider grate which spans the full width of the firebox. Wood only stoves have a much smaller grate, some even have additional holes to allow tertiary air to enter the firebox from the rear. Both types burn wood perfectly well.

There is little requirement for coal in southern Spain where various woods are readily available. You may find our article "What Types of Wood Can I Burn in My Wood Burner?" points you in the right direction.

How do I use my wood burner?

So now you know what your wood burner is, are you are looking for tips on starting and using it effectively? Our article "How do I use my wood burner?" provides you with further essential information.

Safety Tips

Always use a fireguard if you have children or pets.
Never burn rubbish, treated wood, or plastics.
Install and maintain a smoke alarm near your stove.

Why get to know your wood burner?

The better you understand your wood burner, the more warmth and comfort you’ll get from it. Using it properly means safer operation, cleaner air, and more enjoyment of those cosy evenings.

What to do next

Ready to find out more about a wood burner for your home? Contact us today to arrange a free, NO OBLIGATION site visit, anywhere in Alicante and Murcia.