Smokeless Coal vs Traditional Coal – Which Burns Better?

Which Burns Better?

When the nights start drawing in and there’s a bite in the air, many homes across Sunderland, Durham, Seaham and Easington turn to their fires or multi-fuel stoves for a bit of comfort. There’s something about that steady glow and crackle that makes winter evenings feel right. But one question we hear again and again at DG Supplies North East is: what’s better – smokeless coal or traditional coal?

It’s not just about heat. It’s also about efficiency, cost, and even local regulations. Let’s dig in and look at what really matters when choosing your fuel this winter.

A Bit of Coal History in the North East

Coal runs deep in the history of our region. From the mines around Durham and Wearmouth to the small pits near Seaham and Easington, coal once powered just about everything. Even though the old mines are long gone, that legacy still warms our homes today. Many of our older customers tell us stories of their grandads bringing home sacks of coal straight from the pit – and how it would burn all night in the old range.

These days, though, times have changed. Environmental rules and cleaner heating tech have shifted things towards smokeless fuels. But that doesn’t mean traditional coal’s vanished completely.

Traditional Coal – The Classic Choice

Traditional house coal is what most people think of when they picture a roaring fire. It burns bright, gives off a deep red glow, and throws out instant heat.

Pros:

Quick to light and burns hot
Familiar look and smell
Often cheaper per bag

Cons:

Creates more smoke and soot
More frequent chimney sweeping needed
Restricted in smoke-control zones (many around Durham and Sunderland)

For those who live a bit further out – say, in smaller villages like Shotton Colliery or Castle Eden – traditional coal might still be an option. But for built-up areas, smokeless fuels are becoming the go-to choice.

Smokeless Coal – The Cleaner Option

Smokeless coal, sometimes called ovals or briquettes, is a modern take on solid fuel. It’s made to burn hotter and longer, with less smoke and fewer emissions.

At DIY Supplies North East, we’ve noticed a big shift over the last few years – customers from Seaham, Easington and even up toward Houghton-le-Spring are switching over once they see the difference.

Pros:

Up to 80% less smoke
Longer burn time, great for overnight fires
Less ash and soot (means less cleaning!)
Approved for smoke-control zones

Cons:

Slightly higher upfront cost
Doesn’t have quite the same “crackle” as coal
Needs good airflow to burn efficiently

You’ll usually find that smokeless coals are made from anthracite or compressed materials, giving a consistent burn that’s perfect for modern stoves.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Now, the big question: which actually burns better?

If by “better” you mean hotter and longer, smokeless coal takes the crown. It produces a steady heat for hours without needing to top up constantly. That’s why a lot of our customers tell us they can keep a fire going overnight – just bank it down before bed and it’ll still be warm in the morning.

Traditional coal burns fast and gives strong, immediate heat, which can be handy if you just want a quick burst. But for long, cosy evenings in front of the telly, smokeless is hard to beat.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Smokeless coals create far less ash, so you won’t be emptying your ash pan every morning. They’re also kinder to your chimney – less tar and soot means less chance of a blockage.

We’ve seen customers in places like Murton and Haswell switch to smokeless purely because they were tired of cleaning up after traditional coal. And honestly, once you get used to how it burns (a bit slower to light but steadier), you’ll probably not want to go back.

Environmental Impact

This one’s a biggie. Traditional coal produces sulphur and particulates that contribute to poor air quality. Because of that, many councils – including Durham County Council – have introduced smoke-control zones where you’re legally required to use an authorised smokeless fuel.

Smokeless fuels release far less CO₂ and particulates, which means you can enjoy your fire without feeling guilty about the smoke billowing out the chimney. For families in more built-up areas like Sunderland or Seaham Harbour, it’s really the only practical choice these days.

The Cost Question

At first glance, smokeless coal can look pricier – maybe £1-£2 more per bag depending on where you buy. But since it burns slower and hotter, you’ll often use less of it over the season.

For example, a customer from Easington Village told us last winter she got through 20 bags of smokeless instead of the 30 bags of traditional coal she used the year before. That’s a solid saving once you add it up.

So, while traditional coal might seem cheaper on the day, smokeless wins out long-term.

Compatibility with Your Stove

Before you choose, check your stove or fire grate. Most modern multi-fuel stoves work brilliantly with smokeless coal, but open fires might need a slightly different type or size. If you’re unsure, bring a photo of your fire grate when you pop into DG Supplies North East – we can tell you what’ll work best without damaging your setup.

Storage Tips

Coal’s not too fussy, but still needs dry conditions. If you keep your bags in a damp shed, they’ll absorb moisture and won’t burn as well. A small coal bunker or sealed storage bin is ideal – we’ve even seen customers repurpose wheelie bins! Just make sure there’s no water getting in from underneath.

Smokeless coal, being denser, tends to handle moisture slightly better, but it’s still worth keeping it somewhere dry.

Community Choices Across the North East

We love hearing what our regulars are using. Around Durham City, smokeless coal dominates now thanks to air-quality rules. Down by the coast in Seaham and Easington, it’s a mixed bag – plenty of folks still using traditional coal for nostalgia or the “proper fire smell.” And further inland, in smaller spots like Wingate or Thornley, you’ll find people experimenting with blends – mixing a few smokeless ovals with a bit of coal to get the best of both.

Our Honest Verdict

If you want long, even heat, a cleaner chimney, and less smoke in your living room, smokeless coal wins hands-down. It’s the modern choice for North East homes. But if you’ve got a soft spot for the traditional crackle and you live outside smoke-control areas, traditional coal still has its charm.

At DIY Supplies North East, we stock both options all year round, with delivery across Sunderland, Seaham, Durham and the smaller villages in between. If you’re still unsure what’s best for your fire or stove, come in and have a chat – we’re always happy to help, and we’ll make sure you leave with the right fuel for your home.