For those new to the idea of wood burning, it can be easy to initially overlook the many benefits of using alternative methods of heating such as wood stoves or log burners. These are powered by kiln dried firewood which generates fantastic heat output and can be very efficient — particularly when paired with modern eco-design stoves.
Aside from the obvious benefits that wood fuel brings to the table such as affordability and great heating capability, there are other hidden benefits that you may be surprised to learn about. Let’s dive into learning about wood fuel and discovering its hidden benefits.
A stock of wood fuel ready for use
Before we explore the hidden benefits of wood fuel, let’s first cover some of the basics that everyone should know.
What is wood fuel?
Wood fuel is a fuel source that can be used for heating or cooking. The term encompasses materials such as firewood, charcoal, briquettes, wood chips or even sawdust. There are many variations of wood fuels, briquettes for example are made from applying 10,000psi of pressure to wood chips and sawdust to make a very efficient and affordable fuel source.
Watch our YouTube video – The Hidden Benefits of Wood Fuel
Briquettes
Briquettes are popular due to the affordability they offer. This type of wood fuel frequently contains additives to aid the ignition process which may limit the usage case for some. Briquettes tend to have a steady burning temperature with good longevity resulting in them being a go-to option for heating.
Kiln dried wood
Kiln dried wood is known as a versatile premium all-rounder making it suitable for both cooking and generating great heat output. Our customers regularly choose “Ready to Burn” kiln dried logs for these reasons, in addition to the fact we provide them in a variety of wood types. We also offer firewood in either bags, nets, or crates through our website.
The best wood fuel for heating
Kiln dried and seasoned wood are very popular options for those looking to heat their home. There are many different types of kiln dried wood. Oak is a popular option and is great for generating more heat. It is worth mentioning that all our firewood has a moisture content below 20% so you never have to worry about wet wood burning.
As mentioned previously, briquettes are a good affordable option for generating high heat levels with the convenience of being easy to light.
You may be surprised to learn that each type of kiln dried wood that we sell has its own characteristics such as unique aromas, spark level, and longevity.
Kiln dried wood is commonly used for wood fuel heating in wood burners, fireplaces and outdoor chimineas.
The best wood fuel for cooking
It is important that the wood you choose for cooking has been dried correctly and is also free from any harmful chemicals. This is why using virgin timber is a safe option as the wood hasn’t been coated with anything prior to use.
To state the obvious, the best wood fuel to choose for cooking depends on what exactly you are cooking. For BBQs, Alder is a popular option due to its mild, sweet, and smoky aroma.
Are you wondering which wood type suits your needs best? Let’s explore the unique characteristics of the different types of wood fuel that we provide.
| Wood type | Cooking characteristics | Heat output | Other heat attributes | Aroma |
| Alder | Mild, sweet, and smoky aroma – great for BBQs | Good | Quick burning, can be used for kindling | Sweet and Smoky |
| Ash | Mild flavour, good for grilling and smoking. Minimal smoke | Excellent | Slow burning | Neutral |
| Beech | Sweet aroma, good for smoking and slow cooking | Good | Slow burning | Sweet |
| Birch | Sweet aroma, suitable for quick cooking | Moderate | Quick burning, ideal for kindling | Sweet |
| Hornbeam | Intense heat, good for grilling | High | Slow burning, like oak | Earthy |
| Oak | Mild aroma, steady burn, low smoke. Suitable for open fire cooking | Excellent | Slow burning, ideal for long-lasting open fires | Mild |
