By Wes Dodd, WD Wood Burner Installations – Poole, Bournemouth & Dorset

If you’ve been researching stoves for your home, you’ve probably noticed that some people talk about log burners and others about wood burners. You might be wondering – are they the same thing, or is there actually a difference?

As a professional installer covering Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wareham, Wimborne and the wider Dorset area, I hear this question all the time. The answer is simple: in most cases, a log burner and a wood burner are exactly the same thing. The two terms are used interchangeably – but there are a few subtle differences worth knowing about.

In this article, I’ll break it down clearly so you can make the right choice for your home.

What Is a Log Burner?

A log burner is a stove designed specifically to burn logs – usually seasoned hardwood like oak, ash, or beech. These stoves are fitted with an enclosed firebox, a glass door, and an air control system to make sure the logs burn efficiently.

Log burners are hugely popular in Dorset homes because:

• They provide a cosy, traditional feel with visible flames.
• They are eco-friendly, especially when you use sustainably sourced logs.
• They give off excellent heat and can reduce reliance on central heating.

When people in Poole or Bournemouth say “log burner,” they’re usually referring to a standard wood-burning stove that burns logs only.

What Is a Wood Burner?

A wood burner is another name for a stove that burns wood. It can refer to:

• Log-burning stoves (the same as above).
• Multi-fuel stoves that can also burn wood alongside coal or smokeless fuels.

So while a log burner is always a wood burner, not every wood burner is a log burner. That’s where the small distinction lies.

For example, a homeowner in Swanage might say they have a wood burner, but it may actually be a multi-fuel stove with the option to burn coal as well as logs.

Log Burner vs Wood Burner – The Key Differences

Feature	Log Burner (Logs Only)	Wood Burner (General Term)
Fuel Type	Designed for burning logs only	Covers stoves that burn logs or other types of wood fuel
Efficiency	Highly efficient when burning logs	Efficiency varies depending on design
Flexibility	Limited to logs	May include multi-fuel options (wood + coal)
Terminology	Commonly used in the UK	Broader term, sometimes used globally
Look & Feel	Classic log fire appearance	Same appearance, unless multi-fuel

In short: if you’re in Dorset looking for a “log burner,” what you’re really looking for is a wood-burning stove that runs on logs. The two terms are interchangeable for most people.

Which Is Best for Dorset Homes?

Whether you call it a log burner or a wood burner, the right stove for you depends on:

• Room size and heat output needed
• Fuel availability (seasoned logs, smokeless fuels, etc.)
• Property type (modern house in Bournemouth vs traditional Dorset cottage)
• Personal preference – traditional look vs flexible fuel choice

At WD Wood Burner Installations, I always carry out a detailed site survey to help you choose the perfect stove. Many of my Dorset customers simply want a log burner that runs on wood only, as this gives the classic real flame look. Others prefer the flexibility of a multi-fuel wood burner.

Local Expert Advice

Because the terminology can be confusing, some homeowners in Poole and Bournemouth end up buying the wrong stove for their needs. That’s where using a local, HETAS-approved installer makes all the difference.

I’ll guide you through:

• The differences between log burners, wood burners, and multi-fuel stoves.
• Which size stove is right for your space.
• Installation that complies with Building Regulations for safety and efficiency.

FAQ: Log Burner vs Wood Burner

1. Is there really any difference between a log burner and a wood burner?

In most cases, no – both terms describe the same type of stove. However, a wood burner can sometimes also mean a multi-fuel stove, while a log burner is specifically for logs.

2. Which is cheaper to run: a log burner or a multi-fuel stove?

If you have access to affordable seasoned logs in Dorset, a log burner is usually cheaper to run. Multi-fuel stoves give you flexibility but can cost more depending on the fuel.

3. Do I need a different chimney liner for a log burner vs a wood burner?

Both require a suitable flue liner, installed to HETAS standards. At WD Wood Burner Installations, we’ll make sure your chimney is fully prepared for whichever stove you choose.

4. What’s better for the environment – log burners or wood burners?

Both terms generally refer to stoves burning wood, which is a renewable fuel source. Modern log burners are Ecodesign compliant, making them far more eco-friendly than open fires.

5. Where can I buy logs for my burner in Dorset?

There are many local suppliers around Poole, Bournemouth, and the wider Dorset area offering seasoned hardwood logs. I’m happy to recommend trusted suppliers to my customers.

Final Thoughts

So, is there a difference between a log burner and a wood burner? In most cases – not really. A log burner is simply a type of wood burner designed for logs, and in the UK the terms are often used interchangeably.

The most important thing is choosing the right stove for your home – and making sure it’s installed professionally, safely, and to the highest standard.

👉 If you’re in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wareham, or anywhere in Dorset and you’re considering a log burner (or wood burner), contact WD Wood Burner Installations today for friendly expert advice.