Has interest in solid fuel stoves increased?

Solid fuel stoves are appliances designed to produce warmth by burning materials like wood, coal, peat, or smokeless fuels. They’re one of the most frequently purchased types of home heating appliances in the UK and are used in millions of homes nationwide. 

But why? What has made them so popular? 

The stove industry has made significant progress in the last 10 years, with modern appliances now capable of reaching efficiencies between 75-87%! This massive improvement has led to an uptake in purchasing. 

The widespread use of solid fuel stoves has also aligned with encouraging air pollution statistics released by DEFRA. So, to learn why interest in solid fuel stoves has increased, stay with Fires2U. 

What are the market trends on solid-fuel stoves?

The Stove Industry Association reports that the UK stove industry is worth £750 million annually. It provides 25,000 jobs for UK workers, with local solid fuel suppliers, certified installers and national stove retailers helping warm homes across the country. 

Around 187,000 stoves are sold each year to homes in the UK, with just under 1.5 million homes in England relying on wood-fuel stoves indoors. 

Statistics for the rest of the UK show that 144,000 homes in Northern Ireland, 152,000 in Wales, and 151,000 in Scotland use solid fuel appliances, for a total of 1.9 million homes across the country. 

However, these figures may be on the rise. In September 2022, the Stove Industry Association reported a promising 40% increase in the sales of solid fuel stoves. 

Data collected from verified SIA manufacturers (which account for 75% of all UK sales) clearly shows that consumers have turned towards EcoDesign and DEFRA-approved stoves in the past few years. 

While we are still eagerly awaiting market trends on multi fuel stoves for the 2023/4 period, predictions seem promising across the stove industry. In the latter half of 2023, the SIA reported that sales of wood-burning stoves increased by almost 19% compared to 2022. 

What do air pollution statistics say? 

While correlation doesn’t always equal causation, air pollution data released by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) shows that, in the 10 years between 2012-2022, there was an 18.5% decrease in PM2.5 emissions. 

Domestic combustion, specifically, saw a 3.9% reduction over 2021-22 in PM10 (a type of inhalable particulate matter that can be drawn deep into the lungs). There was also a 4% decrease in PM2.5 (tiny particles in the air) and a 2.7% decrease in PM2.5 particles directly caused by domestic combustion. 

These updated 2024 statistics point to a conclusive improvement in air quality that directly aligns with uptake in solid fuel stoves. So, what can we take from these promising reductions in air pollution, and do we have new EcoDesign multi fuel stoves to thank? 

What is the connection between air pollution levels and solid fuel stoves?

Statistics clearly show that while sales of solid fuel stoves have increased, domestic combustion has decreased. As more people are replacing their old, low-efficiency stoves with newer models, we are seeing a nationwide decrease in domestic particulate matter. 

Interestingly, the chief of the SIA, Andy Hill, notes that a big reason consumers may be reluctant to invest in a solid-fuel stove is because of news outlets that rely on biased, opinion-based commentary. 

This ‘demonisation’ of solid fuel stoves can be effectively reversed by simply looking at the raw data! When sales of multi fuel stoves increase, air pollution decreases. 

Why are solid fuel stoves growing in popularity? 

Understandably so, homeowners nationwide want the warmth and fuel flexibility of a solid-fuel stove without the negative associations (e.g., low efficiency, bad for the environment). 

Demand has also increased due to improved manufacturing techniques and the broader range of styles offered by manufacturers like Stovax Stoves and Gazco.

1. Cost-conscious

Solid fuels, like smokeless coal and seasoned wood, are less vulnerable to dramatic price fluctuations. With a solid-fuel stove, you can enjoy reliable warmth without worrying about soaring bills. 

Plus, in the event of a power cut, a solid fuel stove will keep your home cosy. 

2. Authentic flames 

There’s something about the atmosphere a solid-fuel stove creates that draws buyers in. The crackle of burning wood and the soft glow of flames is a comforting reminder that home is where the heart is. 

3. Flexible fuel options 

With modern multi fuel stoves, homeowners have more control over fuel options. In most of these appliances, you can burn Ready-To-Burn wood logs and briquettes, peat blocks and smokeless coal. 

4. Improved indoor air quality 

Believe it or not, using a solid fuel stove can actually improve indoor air quality by reducing condensation and dampness, two conditions that aggravate respiratory illnesses like asthma. 

Choose Fires2U for solid fuel stoves today! 

We hope any myths you’ve heard about solid fuel stoves have been busted today. The UK stove manufacturing industry is at its peak, with many talented engineers working hard to bring the stove into this new, eco-friendly age. 

If you’re in the market for a solid fuel stove, be sure to check out products from top-name manufacturers, like The Gallery Collection, Portway Stoves and Dik Geurts.