In this guide
Alongside logs, you will find briquettes and heat logs on sale. They look different and they behave differently, so it helps to know what you are buying and how to use them well.
What they are
Briquettes and heat logs are made by compressing dry material, usually sawdust and other wood residues, under high pressure into a dense block. The compression holds the material together, and the finished fuel is dense and very dry. The label should tell you what the fuel is made from, so check it. Not all products are made the same way.
- Briquettes are typically shorter blocks, often with a hole through the middle to help air reach the centre.
- Heat logs are larger, log-sized pieces, usually sold in packs.
How they differ from logs
| Seasoned or kiln-dried logs | Briquettes and heat logs | |
|---|---|---|
| Density | Varies by species | Dense and uniform |
| Moisture | Varies; should be 20% or less | Typically low, as made |
| Size and shape | Irregular | Uniform, easy to stack |
| Burn | Varies with species | Often long and steady |
| Ash | Varies | Often less than logs, but check |
Because they are uniform and dense, they are easy to store and handle, and the burn tends to be consistent.
When they are useful
- Keeping a fire going: adding a briquette or two to hot embers can hold the heat for a long time.
- Overnight or long burns: the density helps them last.
- Tidy storage: they stack neatly and are less mess than bark-covered logs.
- A good partner to logs: many people light with kindling and logs, then add briquettes to extend the burn.
What to check before you burn them
- Your stove manual. Some manufacturers recommend them, some limit how many you burn at once, and some advise against them in certain stoves. Dense fuel can burn hotter than logs and can damage a stove if overused.
- Your smoke control status. If you live in a smoke control area, check that both the fuel and your appliance are allowed; see smoke control areas and what you can burn.
- How the product is described. A fuel that suits an open fire may not suit an enclosed stove.
How to burn them
- Light the fire as usual with kindling and logs; see how to light a fire in a stove.
- Once you have a bed of glowing embers, add one or two briquettes, not a whole load.
- Leave the air controls open for a few minutes, then adjust as your manual advises.
- Add more gradually rather than packing the stove.
Storing them
Keep briquettes and heat logs dry. They absorb moisture and can swell or crumble if they get damp. Store them indoors or under cover, off the floor. See how to store firewood for the general approach.
Choosing quantities
They are usually sold in packs and by the pallet. Think about how often you burn and where you will keep them; see how much firewood do I need for a way to work out your rate.
