Mercedes Mullins
Solid fuel Rayburns are iconic traditional-style stoves that can be used for efficient cooking and central heating. They can be fuelled by wood, coal, or anthracite. The cost of running a solid fuel Rayburn is estimated to be around £25-30 a week. However, some people have expressed concerns about the work involved in using solid fuels, such as endlessly carrying coal indoors and cleaning out the stove. As a result, some people have converted their solid fuel Rayburns to oil or gas. Reconditioned Rayburn range cookers are also available at a fraction of the price of a new stove.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel options | Wood, coal, anthracite, coke, oil, electricity |
| Fuel cost | £8 for 25kg of anthracite, £16 for 500kg of 'Burnwell' |
| Fuel efficiency | Anthracite is the most efficient fuel in terms of thermal output by weight |
| Eco-friendly | Solid fuel is considered more eco-friendly than oil or gas |
| Ease of use | Requires regular riddling and emptying, can be time-consuming |
| Temperature control | Easier to control temperature with oil than solid fuel |
| Cost of running | £25-30 per week |
| Size | Height: 32.250″ (820mm), Width: 33.000″ (840mm), Depth: 20.000″ (510mm) |
| Features | Can be used for cooking, central heating, and domestic hot water |
| Alternative | Oil-fired Rayburn, which is cleaner and less hot |
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What You'll Learn
Cost of running a solid fuel Rayburn
The cost of running a solid fuel Rayburn varies depending on the fuel type, frequency of use, and the size of the space being heated.
Solid fuel Rayburns can be fuelled by wood, coal, coke, or anthracite. The choice of fuel can impact the overall cost of running the Rayburn. For example, one user reported that they switched from wood to anthracite due to the higher thermal output of the latter, which may result in lower overall costs. Additionally, the cost of fuel can vary; for instance, the price of coal has been reported to have more than doubled. Users have also reported supplementing their chosen fuel with other types, such as mixing anthracite with wood or furnicite.
The frequency of use and the length of time the Rayburn is active will also impact the cost of running it. Some users report that their Rayburn is active for most of the day, while others only use it during specific times of the year or when there is no electricity or oil available. The size of the space being heated is another factor, as a larger space will likely require more fuel to heat, increasing the overall cost.
While specific cost estimates for running a solid fuel Rayburn are limited, one user reported that their solid fuel AGA, which is similar to a Rayburn, costs around £25-30 per week to run. Another user stated that their Rayburn, which runs on coke, can stay lit for 10-12 hours with a single stoking.
It is worth noting that some users have opted to convert their solid fuel Rayburns to oil or electric models, citing convenience, efficiency, and a reduction in the burden of sourcing and preparing solid fuels as reasons for the switch.
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Fuel options
Firewood should be thoroughly dried before use. This can be done by purchasing kiln-dried wood or allowing it to dry naturally. Dry firewood has cracks at the ends, is lighter, and produces a hollow sound when knocked against another piece of wood. It is easier to light, produces less smoke, and is an environmentally responsible fuel.
Some Rayburn owners opt for manufactured smokeless fuel ovals, which can be purchased from coal yards. These can be mixed with anthracite, which is considered the most efficient fuel in terms of thermal output by weight. Anthracite is also available in manufactured oval shapes, which burn slowly and produce little ash.
Other fuel options include coal, coke, and oil. Oil-fired Rayburns are considered cleaner and less hot than solid fuel options. Some Rayburn stoves can be automated with Eco-connect, which links the appliance to a plumbing system and other devices, prioritising renewable energy sources.
The choice of fuel depends on various factors, including availability, cost, convenience, and environmental considerations.
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Efficiency
Solid fuel Rayburns are considered an efficient and reliable method of fuelling and heating homes. They can be fuelled by wood, coal, or manufactured smokeless fuel options. The cost of running a solid fuel Rayburn varies depending on the fuel type, with some sources claiming a weekly cost of £25-30. The stove may consume around 6kg of coal or wood per day, depending on the weather.
Wood is a traditional fuel option for Rayburns, but it requires careful selection and preparation. Dry wood is essential for efficient burning and reduced smoke production. Users should look for dry cracks at the ends of the logs, lighter weight, and a hollow sound when knocked together. Kiln-dried wood is also available for purchase.
Coal is another popular fuel choice for Rayburns, with anthracite being the most efficient in terms of thermal output by weight. It is a dense and clean-burning fuel, making it a popular choice for those seeking high heat output. However, coal-based fuels, including anthracite, are facing scrutiny due to their environmental impact.
Some Rayburn owners opt for a combination of wood and coal, such as a mix of wood and anthracite or furnicite. This can provide a balance between cost and heat output. Additionally, manufactured smokeless fuel alternatives, such as oval-shaped fuel blocks, are available from local coal yards or online stockists.
While solid fuel Rayburns offer efficient heating, they require regular maintenance and refuelling. Users should consider the time and effort involved in loading fuel, riddling, and emptying the stove daily. For those seeking a more convenient option, converting to oil or installing an electric cooker may be preferable. Oil-fired Rayburns provide similar functionality but with less heat output and less mess from soot and ash. Electric cookers, especially those powered by renewable energy, can be a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.
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Safety
Firstly, solid fuel Rayburns should always be installed by a qualified professional. For wood-burning or solid fuel Rayburns, this should be a Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS) engineer. Oil-fired Rayburns, on the other hand, should be installed by an Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) registered engineer. A completion certificate is required to certify that the cooker has been installed properly and is safe for use. It is also recommended to have a fully trained engineer service your Rayburn once or twice a year to ensure it remains in safe working order.
When using a solid fuel Rayburn, it is important to use the correct type of fuel. While traditional solid fuel was firewood, there are now several manufactured smokeless fuel options available. If using wood, it is essential to ensure that it is thoroughly dried before burning. Burner-ready firewood can be purchased, or wood can be dried using a kiln. Using dry firewood is important as it produces less smoke and is easier to ignite. It is also important to regularly sweep the chimney and clean the flues when using a wood-burning Rayburn.
In terms of fuel efficiency and safety, anthracite is considered the best option for solid fuel Rayburns. It offers the highest thermal output by weight compared to other solid fuels. However, for those seeking a more environmentally friendly option, there are alternatives to consider. Rayburn has developed an automated panel called Eco-connect, which prioritises energy from renewable sources. Additionally, a condensing oil combi boiler and an electric Aga on a renewable energy tariff can be more efficient and safer for the environment.
While solid fuel Rayburns have their advantages, some people choose to convert them to oil or install alternative heating systems. This can be due to the work involved in sourcing and maintaining solid fuel, as well as the environmental impact. Oil boilers are considered more efficient and require less maintenance. Electric cast iron ranges are also emerging as a potential future alternative, offering a greener and more efficient option.
Overall, while solid fuel Rayburns can be a safe and effective heating and cooking solution, it is important to prioritise safety by ensuring proper installation, using the correct fuel types, and maintaining the appliance through regular servicing.
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Eco-friendly alternatives
The cost of a solid fuel Rayburn varies depending on the specific model and other factors. Some users have mentioned prices ranging from £8 for a 25kg sealed bag of fuel to £16 for 500kg.
Electric Alternatives
Electric alternatives are a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional solid fuel Rayburns. Electric heat pump water heaters can significantly reduce energy consumption and are more efficient than standalone gas water heaters. Electric heaters that rely on electric resistance have a maximum heating efficiency of 100%. If you're looking for a non-toxic space heater, consider low-EMF options like infrared or oil-filled heaters. These options are safer and healthier, as certain space heaters with Teflon-coated elements can release toxic fumes.
Solar Thermal Water Heating Systems
Solar thermal water heating systems capture energy from the sun to heat water. While solar panels generate electricity, solar thermal systems directly transfer heat from the sun's radiation, making them more efficient. These systems usually include a backup electric heater for cloudy days.
Wood Fuel
While wood fuel is a traditional option for Rayburns, it's important to ensure that the firewood is thoroughly dried before use. Dry firewood produces less smoke and is easier to ignite. Additionally, firewood is considered an environmentally responsible fuel as it releases the same amount of carbon dioxide as it would during natural decomposition.
Eco-Connect by Rayburn
Rayburn has developed an automated panel called Eco-Connect, which intelligently links solid fuel appliances with plumbing systems and other automatic devices. Eco-Connect prioritizes renewable energy sources and will only enable alternative sources, such as electricity, when the renewable source cannot meet the demand.
Oil-Fired Rayburns
Oil-fired Rayburns are another alternative to solid fuel models. While oil is a fossil fuel, it is more efficient and economical for central heating, cooking, and water heating. Oil-fired Rayburns provide cleaner and more controllable heat compared to solid fuel options.
Remember, when considering eco-friendly alternatives, it's important to weigh factors such as efficiency, environmental impact, and your specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of a solid fuel Rayburn varies depending on the model and the fuel type. Reconditioned Rayburn Range Cookers are available at a fraction of the price of a new stove.
Solid fuel Rayburns can be fuelled by wood, coal, anthracite, or manufactured smokeless fuel alternatives. It is important to ensure that firewood is thoroughly dried before use.
Solid fuel Rayburns are efficient and reliable for fuelling and heating homes. They can also be used for cooking. However, they may require frequent fuelling, cleaning, and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
