Multi fuel stove what do I need to know?

[Fernyfloor]

My multi fuel stove is being installed next week. I am very excited because downstairs is currently freezing even when the heating is on. I know they're not great for health and environment but I need something to warm my house and getting it installed was much quicker than insulating under the floor and replacing radiators. We will do this over the summer.

So what do I need to buy to 'run' it. We plan on burning smokeless coal.

Presumably I need a coal scuttle? Where do you buy these?

I plan on buying fuel in bulk. Where does everyone store it? If you buy online where do you recommend?

Can the ashes go in the bin?

What else should I be getting beforehand? TIA

You need a coal scuttle or bucket and a little brush and shovel set. You might get them from wherever you bought the stove or a Fireplace shop. You need something for the kindling too. It's very difficult to get smokeless fuel started so you need to use wood offcuts or a little ordinary coal and paper /cardboard to get it started.

There's a coal merchant in my area who will deliver or you can put a few sacks in your car boot. You can store it in a shed or porch but the sacks are plastic nowadays so you can stack them outside, just bring them indoors for a while to get thoroughly dried before you use it or it will be smoky and hard to light.

Brush shovel and poker set (currently a tenner in home bargains). Coal scuttle. Need somewhere waterproof to store the coal.

Ashes can go in the bin once cold. Or if you burn wood, onto the compost pile.

You also need to get the chimney swept once a year. And you need a carbon monoxide detector.

Oh, and gloves. Stovax gloves.

We rely on a multi fuel stove for most of our heat. I would suggest going and chatting with the coal man about the fuels. For example, after trial and error and learning about my particular stove/chimney setup etc, I start with kindling, add taybrite, throw some logs on and then add anthracite to get the heat going. Next door can’t use anthracite without opening the windows because it gets too hot! All installs are different and you’ll need to try things before you find your magic solution. Good luck!

Check what your stove can burn. Some can’t burn house coal.

@CovidCorvid

Check what your stove can burn. Some can’t burn house coal.

It should do if it's a multi-fuel stove.

Learn your vents. Coal burns from the bottom, wood from the top.
If you are burning wood, don't go mad keeping it clean. Wood burns better on a bed of ash.
Make sure you have nice dry kindling.
Electric rechargeable lighters are great

My chimneysweep advised us to never burn house coal. It can damage the flue liner or chimney. Makes it less easy to sweep and fire less efficient.

Mine is multi fuel but I can’t burn coal. Smokeless and wood only Fairly sure that’s what they said