In what respect better? I'd imagine wood burners are harder work i.e. you have to light them, feed them, clean them out etc.
You can get stoves which will run domestic hot water and heating, you'd still need leccy to run the pump. http://www.rayburn-web.co.uk/57_64.htm
Good things to have if the fuel is free (check out the Hunters range) - but you'll need to fuel the thing constantly if you're using site timber. Hard wood logs are much better but they need drying for a few months. Multi fuel burners are good, but if you intend to use coal the fire bars have a limited life due to the acids produced. The chimney will need to be swept every 12 months too. They can run heating and dhw no problems and they can be combined to work with your 'ordinary' central heating system.