A wood burning stove is only as good as the fuel you put in it. Choose the right logs and you get a clean, efficient burn, less soot in the flue and a warm, comfortable home. Choose the wrong fuel and you waste money, create excess smoke and could even damage your stove or chimney.
With recent changes to UK regulations on domestic solid fuel, it is more important than ever to know what you can and cannot burn.
Below is a simple guide to the best fuels for your wood burning stove, what to avoid, and how to get the most from every fire.
Why fuel choice matters
The fuel you burn affects:
Heat output – dry, dense wood gives more usable heat.
Efficiency – good fuel helps your stove work as designed, so you use fewer logs.
Smoke and pollution – damp or unsuitable fuel creates more smoke, tar and fine particles.
Stove and flue lifespan – poor quality fuel can coat the flue with tar and soot, increasing the risk of chimney fires and corrosion.
Getting the fuel right is one of the easiest ways to look after your wood burning stove and keep running costs under control.
What you should burn in a wood burning stove
Kiln dried logs
Kiln dried logs are widely regarded as the ideal fuel for modern wood burning stoves. They are dried in a controlled environment to a moisture content under 20%, so they:
Light easily
Burn hot and steadily
Produce less smoke and tar
Look for hardwood species such as ash, oak or beech. Hardwoods are denser than softwoods, so they burn for longer and give better heat for their size.
Seasoned hardwood logs
If you cut or buy your own logs, they must be properly seasoned. That means being split and left to air dry for at least 12–24 months, ideally under cover with good airflow.
For seasoned logs:
Aim for moisture content below 20% (a simple moisture meter is useful).
Logs should look and feel dry, with cracks at the ends and bark that peels away easily.
Ready to Burn certified fuel
In England, small loads of wood (under 2m³) sold for immediate use must be certified as Ready to Burn.
When you see this logo on bags of logs or briquettes, it means:
Moisture content is 20% or less
The fuel meets current air quality regulations
You can use it straight away without extra drying
Choosing Ready to Burn fuel is the simplest way to make sure you are compliant and protecting both your stove and local air quality.
Wood briquettes / heat logs
Compressed wood briquettes (sometimes called heat logs) are made from sawdust and wood waste. Good quality briquettes:
Have very low moisture
Burn hot and consistently
Take up less space in storage
They are an excellent option for topping up a fire or when you want strong, steady heat for a few hours.
What you must not burn
Some materials create excessive smoke, tar or toxic fumes and can damage your stove or get you into trouble with local regulations.
Avoid the following:
Wet or unseasoned wood
Wet wood hisses and sizzles as the water boils off. This wastes heat, creates smoke, and deposits sticky tar in the flue. It is also now effectively banned from sale for immediate use in England.
House coal
Traditional house coal is no longer permitted for domestic sale in England because of its high smoke and pollutant levels. It should not be used in wood burning stoves.
Treated, painted or manufactured wood
Never burn:
- Painted or varnished wood
- Pressure treated timber or decking
- MDF, plywood, chipboard or other manufactured boards
These can give off toxic fumes and produce heavy deposits in the flue.
Rubbish and household waste
Items like cardboard, glossy magazines, plastic, packaging and clothing should never go into a wood burner. They are not designed as fuel and can be both dirty and dangerous when burned.
Fuel rules in Smoke Control Areas
Many towns and cities in the UK are designated Smoke Control Areas. If you live in one of these areas, you must:
Use an approved appliance (often called DEFRA-exempt or Ecodesign stoves)
Burn only authorised fuels such as Ready to Burn wood or approved smokeless products
Burning the wrong fuel in the wrong appliance can lead to fines of up to £1,000.
If you are not sure whether you live in a Smoke Control Area, you can check via DEFRA’s online resources or ask your local council
Storing your stove fuel correctly
Even the best logs will suffer if they are stored badly. To keep fuel in good condition:
Store off the ground – use pallets or a raised base so logs are not sat in damp.
Keep rain off – a simple log store with a roof and open sides works well.
Allow airflow – do not wrap stacks tightly in plastic; they need to breathe.
Rotate your stock – burn older logs first so the newest ones have time to dry.
Good storage keeps moisture levels low, which means easier lighting, more heat and less soot.
Getting the best from your wood burning stove
A few small habits make a big difference to how your stove performs:
Use plenty of kindling and small, dry pieces to light the fire – this helps the flue warm up and draw properly.
Run the stove hot for the first 20–30 minutes – a lively flame helps burn off gases cleanly.
Do not slumber the stove overnight with the vents nearly closed – this creates more smoke and tar.
Have the chimney swept regularly – at least once a year, more often if you use the stove heavily.
When to call in a professional
If you are unsure whether your stove is suitable for certain fuels, or you are thinking about installing a new wood burning stove, it pays to talk to a specialist.
The team at Multifuel Cooking & Heating Ltd can:
Advise on the right type and size of stove for your home
Install and commission wood burning stoves and flue systems correctly
Check existing installations, flues and chimneys for safety issues
Offer guidance on fuel choice, storage and day-to-day operation
Used with the right fuel, a modern wood burning stove can be an efficient, cosy and compliant way to heat your home. If you would like professional advice on stove installation or servicing in Shropshire and the surrounding areas, get in touch with Multifuel Cooking & Heating Ltd and we will be happy to help.
