Wood-burning stove vs open fire: which one is best for you?

Not all fires are created equal!🔥

If you’re thinking about installing a wood burner in Wales, you’d be forgiven for thinking that they are all much of a muchness – as long as they burn wood, and keep you cosy they are the same, right?

Well not quite!

Two of the most popular options for wood-based heating are: wood-burning stoves and open fireplaces. While both options have unique appeal, they can differ significantly.

Now, we’ll be upfront – our expertise lies in wood-burning stoves. But that doesn’t mean they’re the perfect fit for everyone, and we’re not here to sell you something that isn’t right for your home.

Our goal is simple: to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and lifestyle.

That’s why we’re comparing these two heating solutions across key areas like heat output, cost, environmental impact, and more. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer idea of which option best suits you and your home. Let’s dive in!

Wood-burning stove vs open fire: what are they?

Before we dive right into the differences, let’s get really specific about what we mean by both wood-burning and open fires. Becasue, despite their many similarities, and the fact that they are both ways to heat your home, one of the simplest differences lies in what they are.

An open fire is probably exactly what you picture when you think of ‘crackling fire’ – a traditional, uncovered fireplace where the flames burn freely without being enclosed by a stove or glass panel

In comparison, a stove is a self-contained heating appliance designed to burn fuel (sometimes gas or pellets, but in this case wood) to generate warmth. It’s typically made from metal with a sealed chamber, allowing for a controlled burn and better heat retention.

Stoves come in various styles, from traditional cast-iron designs to sleek modern models, and they often feature a glass door so you can still enjoy the glow of the flames.

Read more: Choosing the right wood-burning stove: the ultimate guide

Wood burning stove vs open flame: efficiency & heat output

There’s no denying that fires can be a stunning focal point for your home.

But that doesn’t mean we should forget about their primary function – heat!

This, is why when we’re comparing the two, we have to talk about their heat output and efficiency – especially with the rising costs of heat (and everything else). You need a heat source that keeps your space warm without wasting fuel or losing heat.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable primary heat source or a cosy addition to your living space, understanding the efficiency and heat output of wood-burning stoves versus open fires is crucial.

Wood-Burning Stove

A Wood-burning stove is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to heat efficiency. And this is partly due to the eco-design standards which ensure that every stove fitted in the UK since 2022 must reach a minimum of 75% efficiency (with some reaching as high as 90%).

What does this mean?

In layman’s terms, it means that most of the heat created stays in your home, rather than escaping up the chimney – it’s maximising the impact of the fuel. In addition, modern stoves allow for controlled airflow, which keeps the fire burning hotter for longer, providing consistent and reliable warmth – perfect for those chilly Welsh winters.

You do have to calculate the required heat output for your room, and pay attention to the positioning of the stove to get the most out of it – but all of this can be discussed with the installation team to make sure you get the right stove for your space.

Open Fire

While there’s something magical about an open fire, they are actually a pretty inefficient way to heat your home – around 20-30% efficient – comparatively low when up against a wood-burning stove.

Most of the heat is lost up the chimney, rather than radiating out into the room. And, unlike wood-burning stoves, which have adjustable vents to regulate airflow and maintain consistent burning, an open fire often burns hot and fast, then cools quickly once the fuel is consumed.

This means that you’ll need more fuel to achieve the same warmth as a stove, which can become costly over time.

🏆 Winner: Wood-burning stove (more heat and less waste)

Wood burning stove vs open flame: costs

While it might not be the number one decision-making factor, we know that cost is a key component when deciding between a log-burning stove and an open fire.

While both options can add charm and warmth to your home, their initial costs and long-term expenses can vary significantly.

This is key, as it’s not enough to just consider the upfront cost – fuel and maintenance costs will also help you understand the most cost-effective option, and which is best for you.

Wood-Burning Stove

All-in-all, a wood-burning stove will usually cost around £1000 to £5000 in total. This includes the cost of the stove, which is usually around £500 – £3000, plus professional installation (around £500-£2500) as well as maintenance (around £100-£150) costs.

You can keep things cheaper if you go for a budget stove, and already have a suitable chimney. However, if you need alterations or repairs to the chimney, or want to go for a more high-end model – then prices will rise.

Read more: How much does a wood-burning stove cost in Wales

Open Fire

In comparison, the upfront cost of a fireplace can be much lower, especially if you already have one in place.

If you don’t already have one, you’re looking at around £1200 – £4500 – which includes around £600 – £3000 for installation, plus £600 – £1200 for professional fitting—potentially more if you live in a traditional home that requires additional chimney work.

You may also have to factor in joinery or building work depending on how you want the fireplace surround to look – which won’t usually be a consideration for a stand-alone stove.

However, the real cost of an open fire lies in fuel expenses. Due to its inefficiency, you’ll burn through significantly more wood, which means higher long-term costs compared to more efficient heating options.

🏆 Winner: Wood-burning stove (slightly higher initial cost, but lower long-term cost)

Wood-burning vs open fire: safety & maintenance

Did you know that there were 218 chimney fires in Wales between 2023 to 2024?

Whether you have little ones running around, a curious pet, or simply want hassle-free heating – choosing a heating solution that is safe is essential. And, ongoing maintenance is essential to keep your fireplace performing optimally.

Wood-burning stoves and open fires offer vastly different levels of risk and upkeep.

So, which one keeps your home safer and your to-do list shorter?

Wood-Burning Stove

With an enclosed design, stoves greatly reduce the risk of sparks and embers escaping, making them a safer choice for families and homes with pets.

Wood-burning stoves, especially newer models that meet Ecodesign standards, burn fuel more efficiently, resulting in less creosote accumulation and a lower risk of chimney-related fires. This reduced build-up also results in less frequent and easier chimney maintenance.

If installed by a professional team, and used as per manufacturers’ guidelines – a wood-burning stove is a very safe, and clean way to heat your home.

Read more: Wood burning stoves: a guide to regulations and best practices

Open Fire

Fire statistics comparing the two are limited, but it’s widely recognised that open flames pose a higher safety risk than wood-burning fires. The open nature of traditional fireplaces allows for stray embers and sparks to escape more easily, increasing the potential for accidental fires.

Without a guard, children and pets are especially vulnerable to sparks and sudden flare-ups. And, open fires require constant supervision, as they can quickly become unpredictable.

Ventilation is also crucial to avoid indoor air pollution, which can be exacerbated by incomplete combustion and smoke lingering in the home.

Additionally, open fires tend to produce more soot and creosote buildup within chimneys, which, if not regularly cleaned, can lead to chimney fires. This means that the maintenance that accompanies open fires is more demanding.

🏆 Winner: Wood-burning stove

Wood burning stove vs open fire: environmental impact

Did you know that wood burning contributes 37% of PM2.5 emissions in the UK?

These are harmful particles that can be inhaled and cause a number of acute and chronic health conditions.

But are all wood burning sources made equal? (spolier alert: no they aren’t).

Again, this is something that stove and open flames have been lumped together on in terms of harm, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. When it comes to environmental impact, how you burn your fuel matters just as much as what you burn.

While both wood burners and open fires use timber as their fuel, their environmental impact can vary drastically. And with increasing concerns about air quality and emissions, it’s essential to consider which option is the greener choice.

Wood-Burning Stove

Since 2022, all wood-burning stoves are required to meet eco-design and DEFRA requirements, which not only means they need to have a minimum burn efficiency but also meet reduced guidelines for harmful outputs – emitting up to 90% less particle matter than older models.

The truth is, that while wood burning emits over 37.5% of PM2.5 in the UK, this includes open fires and garden incinerators. New wood-burning stoves are designed to be efficient, and much more environmentally friendly than their old-school counterparts.

And it’s not all about the stove – using seasoned or kiln-dried wood is important for a cleaner burn, and makes a modern stove is much more eco-friendly.

Read more: Are wood-burning stoves eco-friendly?

Open Fire

An open fire releases significantly more smoke, particulates, and unburnt gases, making it far less environmentally friendly.

Many urban areas in Wales now have restrictions on open fires due to their impact on air pollution, particularly in smoke control zones. You can check whether your home is in one of these areas here.

Open fires also consume more fuel (which we talked about earlier), as they have a less controlled, less efficient burn – further increasing their carbon footprint and making them a less environmentally responsible option.

🏆 Winner: Wood-burning stove

Wood burning stove vs open flame: aesthetic & lifestyle

Do you dream of curling up beside a crackling fire with a good book?

Or do you prefer a reliable heat source that looks stylish and modern while keeping your home toasty?

Your heating choice isn’t just about warmth, it’s about creating an atmosphere that fits your lifestyle.

Figuring out what you want from your fireplace is important, as whatever you install you want to love for years to come.

Wood-Burning Stove

A stove brings a cosy, rustic charm while serving as an efficient and practical heating solution. It provides steady, controlled warmth and requires less fuel than an open fire.

While there’s some upkeep, such as loading wood and occasional cleaning, it’s a contained and easy-to-maintain option that adapts beautifully to different interior styles.

Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, contemporary aesthetic or a charming, countryside feel, modern stoves come in a range of designs, from minimalist black steel to ornate cast iron. They can be the focal point of a stylish living space or a subtle complement to a rustic setting, making them a versatile and elegant choice for any home.

Read more: Choosing the right wood burning stove: the ultimate guide for Wales

Open Fire

There’s something magical about an open fire – the snap and crackle of the logs, the soft flickering glow that creates a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere. And when people picture a roaring fire, it’s probably an open, traditional fireplace they have in mind.

However, beyond the romance, open fires can be messy, inefficient, and impractical for daily use.

They require constant supervision, and regular fuel replenishment, and often allow much of the heat to escape up the chimney.

So while they look stunning, if you’re after a low-maintenance heat source, they really aren’t the best option.

🏆 Winner: Tie! – If you love tradition, an open fire wins. If you want warmth and practicality, go for a stove.

Wood burning stove vs open fire: which one should you get?

The truth is, both are amazing, and it really comes down to what you want from your home. Knowing what you want from your stove or fireplace, will help you decide which is best to install.

If you’re looking for a highly efficient, cost-effective, safer, cleaner, and more eco-friendly option then a wood-burning stove might be the right choice for you.

If you love the traditional look and only use it occasionally then you can stick with an open flame.

If you’re looking for wood-burning stove installation in Wales, our team can help. We provide expert advice, professional fitting, and maintenance services to keep your stove running smoothly. Contact us today to find the perfect heating solution for your home.