Aspect 5 Compact Eco Wood Burning Stove vs Aspect 5 Eco Multifuel Stove: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing the right stove for your home heating can be challenging, especially when comparing two popular models like the Parkray Aspect 5 Compact Eco Wood Burning Stove and the Aspect 5 Eco Multifuel Stove. Both stoves by Hunter Stoves offer EcoDesign 2022 compliance, DEFRA smoke control exemptions, and impressive 5kW nominal outputs, yet they differ in fuel compatibility and design nuances. This detailed comparison explores their specifications, usability, installation requirements, and best applications to help you decide which stove is the perfect fit for your space and lifestyle.
Overview of the Aspect 5 Compact Eco Wood Burning Stove
The Aspect 5 Compact Eco Wood Burning Stove is designed to deliver efficient, eco-friendly warmth for medium-sized rooms. It provides a nominal heat output of 5kW with an energy efficiency rating of A and 80% efficiency on wood fuel. Its compact dimensions (H-590 x W-494 x D-330mm) make it suitable for smaller living spaces without compromising on heat delivery.
This stove features Cleanburn technology which optimises combustion, reducing emissions and increasing efficiency. The Airwash system helps keep the viewing glass clear, enhancing the aesthetic appeal when enjoying the fire. An optional Direct Air Kit allows fresh air to be drawn from outside, improving combustion efficiency especially in well-sealed homes.
Overview of the Aspect 5 Eco Multifuel Stove
The Aspect 5 Eco Multifuel Stove offers exceptional versatility with its ability to burn multiple fuel types, including wood, biomass, and eco-pellets. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for users seeking an adaptable heating solution. It shares the same nominal heat output of 5kW and similarly impressive 80% efficiency rating as the wood burning model.
Its slightly deeper dimensions (380mm depth vs 330mm) accommodate the features necessary for multifuel operation, including a grate system to manage different fuels. The stove incorporates Cleanburn technology and an Airwash system to maintain clean glass and maximise combustion. Like the wood burner, it is DEFRA exempt and EcoDesign 2022 compliant.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Aspect 5 Compact Eco Wood Burning Stove | Aspect 5 Eco Multifuel Stove |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Heat Output | 5kW | 5kW |
| Heat Output Range | 4-6kW | 4-7kW |
| Energy Efficiency Rating | A | A |
| Efficiency on Wood | 80% | 80% |
| CO Emissions at 13% O₂ | 0.10% | 0.10% |
| Maximum Log Length | 350mm | 350mm |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 590 x 494 x 330 mm | 590 x 494 x 380 mm |
| Weight | 72 kg | 79 kg |
| Fuel Types | Wood only | Wood, biomass, eco-pellets |
| Flue Outlet | 5" top or rear | 5" top or rear |
| Optional Direct Air Kit | Yes | Yes |
| Installation Requirement | HETAS registered installer (Wood-Burning) | HETAS registered installer (Multi-Fuel) |
Installation Requirements
Installation is a critical consideration for all stoves and must comply with relevant regulations to ensure safety and efficiency. Both the Aspect 5 Compact Eco Wood Burning Stove and the Aspect 5 Eco Multifuel Stove require professional installation by a HETAS-registered installer, as they involve solid fuel combustion. Proper installation guarantees effective ventilation, compliance with smoke control zones, and maximised stove performance.
For installation of gas stoves, a Gas Safe registered engineer is required; however, neither of the two Parkray Aspect 5 models discussed here are gas stoves, so this does not apply.
Key Differences in Usability and Application
Fuel Flexibility
The most significant practical difference between these two models is fuel versatility. The Aspect 5 Compact Eco Wood Burning Stove is designed exclusively for wood logs, which appeals to users with access to sustainable wood supplies or those who prefer a traditional wood-burning experience.
In contrast, the Aspect 5 Eco Multifuel Stove can burn wood, biomass, and eco-pellets, giving users greater flexibility in fuel choice. This adaptability can be an advantage in areas where different fuel types vary in price or availability, or where users want to diversify fuel sources for environmental or economic reasons.
Dimensions and Weight
While both stoves share the same height and width, the multifuel stove is slightly deeper and heavier due to the additional grate and fuel management components. This impact on space is minor but may influence placement decisions in very compact rooms.
Heat Output Range
Though both stoves offer a nominal 5kW heat output, the multifuel stove's output range extends slightly higher (up to 7kW), providing a bit more flexibility for heating larger spaces or for colder conditions.
Best For
- Aspect 5 Compact Eco Wood Burning Stove: Ideal for households committed to wood fuel, who want a classic wood burning stove with excellent efficiency and low emissions. Suitable for medium-sized rooms and those prioritising a compact footprint.
- Aspect 5 Eco Multifuel Stove: Best for users who require flexibility in fuel sources, or those wanting to use eco-friendly biomass and pellets alongside wood. Suited to environments where fuel availability may vary or for users seeking a slightly higher heat output range.
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- Aspect 6 Eco Wood Burning Stove Review
- Aspect 5 Compact Eco Wood Burning Stove Review
- Aspect 4 Gas Stove Review
- Aspect 14B Eco Boiler Stove Review
- Aspect 4 Eco Wood Burning Stove Review
- Aspect 4 Compact Eco Wood Burning Stove Review
- Aspect 8 Eco Wood Burning Stove Review
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- Aspect 5 Eco Multifuel Stove Review
