The first type of solid fuel heater was, of course, the open fire. Since then, modern solid fuel heaters have developed with all the advantages of an open fire but burning smokeless fuels. Traditional open fires had only an open grate, with no means of controlling the rate at which the f fuel was burnt. Modern versions provide for a controlled air supply and sometimes, automatic ignition and other features. Some solid fuel heaters are intended for installation into a wall but most are free standing.
Although often less expensive to fuel than other types of heating, they do require regular maintenance, even though they have few, or no moving parts. Flues need regular cleaning depending on the kind of fuel in use, and how often the heater is in operation.

Solid fuels.
Like oil, solid fuel must be delivered in bulk at frequent intervals. Generally, the larger the amount of fuel you have delivered at once, the lower will be the overall cost. Storage space must also be planned with care. For example, if you are using coal, you will need storage facilities with access from outside your property for coal deliveries, and from inside for convenience of operation.

The usual solid fuels are wood, coal, coke, anthracite and composition fuel bricks called briquettes. Which you choose will depend largely on availability of continued supply, cost and personal preference.

Pot Bellied Stoves.
Variations on the pot bellied stove, designed in the nineteenth century, are returning to popularity today. They are recognised as one of the most efficient solid fuel heating systems ever devised. These stoves burn any solid combustible material and the efficiency of the air intake means unlikely fuels such as newspapers, sawdust and rags can also be used. Made of cast iron, the stoves, although invented over a century ago, incorporate some of the most modern heating principles in use today.