We always had a rayburn in our house which heated the kitchen (no radiator in there) and also heated the water. I do like solid fuel rayburn, but they are a bit messy when it comes to cleaning out. No more so than an open fire I suppose. Great for baking, but as Sandy says the seal is good- it is possible to pop something in and forget it!
The rail on the front is great for perching on in the winter, all members of our family used to fight over it!
Beth