How to light and use heat logs safely in a wood burner

Switching from natural firewood to compressed heat logs is a brilliant way to maximise the efficiency of your wood-burning stove. Because they contain practically zero moisture and are incredibly dense, they generate intense heat very quickly.

However, because they behave differently from standard wood, treating them exactly like a regular log can lead to frustration or, worse, expensive damage to your appliance. In this practical guide, we cover the golden rules of burning heat logs safely and effectively.

The most critical safety rule when using heat logs is understanding expansion. Because these briquettes are manufactured under immense pressure, they expand dramatically as they heat up and catch fire.

A standard heat log can expand by up to 30% or more of its original length while burning. If you pack a wood burner completely full of heat logs, they will swell as they burn, pressing tightly against the sides of the stove and potentially shattering the glass door.

To manage the heat output and prevent dangerous expansion, never put a whole, unbroken heat log into a small domestic stove.

• Take the log and firmly snap it into halves or thirds. They are designed to break relatively easily by hand or by tapping them against a hard surface.

• Place just two or three small sections into the grate to start. You will be surprised by how much heat a small piece generates.

Because they are extremely dense and lack the loose bark found on natural wood, heat logs can take a minute longer to catch a flame.

1. Prepare the bed: Place a natural firelighter in the centre of the grate. Do not use glossy newspaper, as it creates excessive ash and poor airflow.

2. Build a pyramid: Arrange small pieces of dry kindling in a teepee or pyramid shape around the firelighter.

3. Add the briquette: Place one or two broken sections of the heat log carefully on top of the kindling.

4. Ignite: Light the firelighter and leave the stove door slightly ajar to provide maximum oxygen during the initial combustion phase.

Heat logs require plenty of oxygen to get going. Leave the primary and secondary air vents fully open until the briquettes have caught fire and are burning with a bright, robust flame.

Once the logs begin to glow red and expand, you can slowly close the primary air vent. Because they have such low moisture, heat logs do not need roaring flames to produce warmth; they are at their most efficient when glowing intensely like hot coals.

One of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of both fuels is to mix them.
Many homeowners start their fire using traditional kiln dried logs for the fast, bright flames and natural crackle. Once a strong bed of hot embers has formed, they add a section of a heat log. The briquette acts as an 'overnight log', burning slowly and maintaining a high background temperature for hours without needing constant attention.

Heat logs are a fantastic, high-energy fuel, but their density demands respect. By always breaking them into smaller pieces, allowing plenty of initial airflow, and never overfilling the stove, you can enjoy a safe, incredibly warm, and highly efficient fire all winter long.