The Best Firewood: Heat Values and Wood-Burning Tips (2024)

FAQs

What firewood gives off the most heat? ›

When asking which wood burns the hottest the answer is still ash, even if the wood isn't completely dry. Beech: As one of the best fire logs for fireplaces and also topping the best firewood for heat, this is second to ash only because it needs to be seasoned. Hawthorn: Very much like beech.

Wood burns best at a moisture content of less than 20 percent. Test wood with a wood moisture meter before you burn it. Start fires with newspaper, dry kindling, or all natural fire starters, or install a natural gas or propane log lighter in your open fireplace.

Hardwoods are generally more dense than softwood and therefore burn for longer and produce more heat. Hardwoods are also less resinous than softwoods and are therefore less likely to result in a build up of tar deposits in your flue, reducing its efficiency or increasing the risk of a flue fire.

But, if given the choice, oak, black locust, and maple are high on the list in terms of heat per cord. Green ash and sycamore may be less energy efficient, but they're very lightweight if you plan on hauling the wood yourself. Whichever type you choose, be sure to store and season your wood properly.

Typed of Wood That Don't Burn Well in Your Fireplace

Alder: This wood is just a lot of work for no results. Alder burns quickly and doesn't produce much heat. Chestnut: Produces a lot of smoke and a weak flame. Gum: Prone to producing sparks, which can become a fire hazard.

Wood from toxic trees and woody shrubs - some trees and shrubs are just not meant to be burned (e.g., cherry, elder, horse chestnut, laburnum, oleander, rhododendron, and yew, etc.,) Wood with vines or ivy - these plants are toxic, and burning them is a bad idea.

Most types of hardwood, for instance Ash (generally regarded as the best), Birch, Beech, Oak and Elm can be used. However, avoid burning woods with a high resin content. As a rule of thumb, the heavier the wood, then the greater the heat output and the longer burn time – the time between refills.

Softwoods and resinous (oily) woods can burn inefficiently. A pine would be considered both soft and oily. Resinous woods also create thick black smoke which can dirty your interior or glass if burning inside.

Not only does fir and pine smell like Christmas trees, these types of logs create a pleasant crackle and pop in your fire. These are softwoods which dry quickly, are easy to split, and create lovely crackling fires. Before burning fir or pine, be aware that the popping throws a lot more sparks than other firewood.

What wood causes the most creosote? ›

Contrary to popular opinion, the hardwood's, like oak and poplar , created MORE creosote than the softwoods, like tamarack and pine. The reason for this, is that if the softwoods are dry, they create a hotter, more intense fire. The draft created by the hotter fire moves the air up the chimney faster!

Additionally, briquettes burn longer and hotter, delivering a consistent and steady source of heat. This efficiency means fewer interruptions to refuel your fire, making your heating experience more enjoyable and less cumbersome. Woodlets Briquettes and Roastie-Toasties burn 20% hotter than kiln-dried wood.

Ash – Excellent burning wood, gives great heat and flame output and also burns when green. The best heat output is gained when the wood is dry. Beech – Good heat output but only fair when the wood is green. The wood is prone to shoot embers whilst burning.

At 88% efficiency (82% HHV) the King Ultra is the most efficient wood stove in the world. This allows you to get the most heat out of your wood to reduce your heating costs. The King has the largest and deepest firebox of any stove on the market and is for serious wood burners.

Wood fire – A household wood fire burns at around 600°C. Temperature can change depending on the type of wood and its condition. Bonfire – The temperature of a bonfire gradually heats up to around 600°C, but bonfires can reach 1000-1100°C.