Can You Burn Coal in a Log Burner? What’s Safe and Legal to Burn
Can You Burn Coal in a Log Burner? What's Safe and Legal to Burn
It's one of the questions we get asked most at this time of year. Coal burns longer and hotter than logs, so it's tempting to throw a few lumps in. Whether you can depends on the type of stove you have, the type of coal, and where you live.
You should not burn coal in a wood-only log burner. You can burn approved smokeless coal in a multi-fuel stove, but traditional house coal can no longer be sold in England. Wood-only stoves have no grate to feed air from below, so coal burns poorly, runs too hot in the wrong places and can damage the stove and void its warranty.
Wood burner or multi-fuel stove? How to tell
Everything comes down to which type of stove you have. Check the manual or the manufacturer's plate on the back first, but these are the usual tells.
| Wood-only stove | Multi-fuel stove | |
|---|---|---|
| Base of the firebox | Flat base, fire sits on a bed of ash | Metal grate with gaps, ashpan underneath |
| Riddling lever | No | Usually yes, to shake ash through the grate |
| Air supply | Mostly from above (secondary / airwash) | Primary air from below plus secondary from above |
| Can burn smokeless coal? | No | Yes, approved smokeless fuels only |
| Can burn logs? | Yes | Yes |
Why coal doesn't belong in a wood-only stove
It needs air from below
Coal burns from underneath. Without a grate and primary air it smoulders, smokes and struggles to stay lit.
It can damage the stove
Coal burns much hotter than wood. In a stove not built for it, that can warp baffles and firebricks and crack parts.
It voids your warranty
Burning a fuel the manufacturer hasn't approved is one of the quickest ways to lose stove warranty cover.
It's harder on your flue
Coal smoke contains sulphur, which forms acidic deposits. Many flue liners fitted for wood-only stoves aren't rated for it.
What does the law say about burning coal?
Since the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 came into full force, the rules on what you can buy have tightened:
- Traditional house coal (bituminous coal) can no longer be sold for use in homes in England. The final phase-out for loose coal ended in May 2023.
- Manufactured smokeless fuels must meet low sulphur and smoke limits. Look for the Ready to Burn logo on the bag.
- Wood sold in small quantities (under 2 cubic metres) must be dry, with a moisture content of 20% or less.
- Smoke control areas cover many towns in Essex and Hertfordshire. Inside one, you can only burn authorised fuels unless your stove is a Defra exempt appliance. Check with your local council if you're not sure.
Never burn household rubbish, painted or treated wood, pallets or plastic. They release toxic fumes, coat your flue in sticky deposits and are a common cause of chimney fires. Burning them can also break smoke control rules.
Can you mix coal and wood in a multi-fuel stove?
Many multi-fuel stove manufacturers advise against burning wood and smokeless coal together. Wood burns best on a bed of ash with air from above, while coal needs a grate and air from below, so neither burns at its best. The moisture from wood combined with the sulphur from coal can also form acidic deposits that shorten the life of your flue liner.
The practical answer: pick one fuel per burn, and follow your stove manual. If your manual says mixing is fine, use dry logs and approved smokeless fuel only.
How fuel affects how often you need a sweep
What you burn changes how quickly your chimney builds up soot and deposits. As a guide:
Smokeless fuel: once a year
At least once a year.
Wood: 1 to 4 times a year
At least once a year, up to every three months while in heavy use.
Bituminous coal: twice a year
At least twice a year, where it's still used legally.
Changed fuel recently or bought a house with a stove and don't know its history? Our chimney services include a sweep, smoke test and certificate, and we can tell you whether your stove and liner suit the fuel you want to use. Find a chimney sweep near me.
Common questions
Can you burn coal in a wood burner?
No. Wood-only stoves don't have a grate to supply air from below, which coal needs to burn properly. Burning coal in one can damage the stove, void the warranty and put extra strain on your flue.
Is it illegal to burn coal in a log burner?
Burning coal you already own isn't illegal in itself outside a smoke control area, but traditional house coal can no longer be sold for homes in England. Inside a smoke control area you can only burn authorised smokeless fuels unless you have a Defra exempt stove.
What is the best fuel for a log burner?
Dry, seasoned hardwood with a moisture content under 20%. Look for the Ready to Burn logo, or kiln dried logs. Wet wood produces more smoke, less heat and more creosote.
Can I burn smokeless coal on an open fire?
Yes, most open fires can burn approved smokeless fuel on a grate, and in a smoke control area it's usually the only fuel you can burn on an open fire. Check your fire and chimney are in good condition and swept first.
Related guides
How to light a log burner
The top-down method, step by step.
What is creosote?
The three stages and how to prevent them.
How often to sweep your chimney
Frequency by fuel, and how long it takes.
Book a sweep in your area
Book your chimney sweep
Sweep Sisters provides HETAS certified chimney sweeping across Essex and Hertfordshire. We'll check your stove, liner and fuel while we're there.