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STOVE-USE GUIDE • 8 MIN READ

How to Burn Wood Correctly

A clean, controllable fire starts with dry fuel, enough air and a hot firebox. This practical UK guide explains the routine from lighting to the final embers.

The short version

BurnBetter recommends dry, untreated logs at 18% moisture or below. Ready to Burn certification permits up to 20%, but the drier target gives more margin for clean combustion. Start small with plenty of air, let the stove reach a clean operating temperature, then add modest fuel loads and adjust the controls in line with the appliance manual. Never try to make a stove last all night by shutting the air down until the fire smoulders.

A reliable seven-step routine

  1. Check the fuel. Split one log and test the freshly exposed centre with a moisture meter. Aim for 18% or less. Ready to Burn certification allows up to 20%, but BurnBetter recommends the drier target.
  2. Clear excess ash. Follow the manual: some stoves need a thin ash bed; others do not.
  3. Open the air controls. Give the new fire the oxygen it needs.
  4. Build small. Use a suitable firelighter and dry kindling, with one or two small logs above. A top-down stack often lights cleanly.
  5. Warm the flue. Close the door and let bright flames establish. Do not leave the stove unattended with its door open unless the manual explicitly instructs this.
  6. Add fuel gradually. Move to normal-sized logs only when the kindling is burning well and the stove is hot.
  7. Set a lively burn. Reduce the controls only as the manual directs. Keep visible flames and avoid a smoky, lazy fire.

Using the air controls

Controls vary by model, so your manual always comes first. Primary air usually helps a cold fire establish; secondary or airwash air supports cleaner combustion and keeps the glass clearer. Make one small adjustment at a time and wait for the fire to respond. A bright, stable flame is a better target than a fixed lever position.

When and how to refuel

Refuel on a bed of glowing embers, before the stove has gone completely cold. Open the air control first, then open the door slowly to reduce smoke spillage. Add only the manufacturer’s recommended load, leave space around the logs and allow the new fuel to flame before settling the controls again. Never overfill or overfire the appliance.

Five common mistakes

  • Burning damp, painted, glued or treated wood.
  • Loading large logs onto a weak flame too early.
  • Closing the air controls until the fuel smoulders.
  • Overfilling the firebox or exceeding the manual’s fuel load.
  • Ignoring persistent smoke, tar, damaged seals or a carbon-monoxide alarm.

Safety first

Keep permanent ventilation clear, use a compliant carbon-monoxide alarm and arrange professional sweeping and annual servicing. Stop using the stove if smoke enters the room, the flue appears blocked or damaged, or an alarm sounds. Ventilate, leave the property if necessary and seek qualified or emergency help. This guide is general information, not a substitute for your stove manual or a competent person’s inspection.

Continue learning

Next, read the moisture-meter guide, stove-thermometer guide, fuel guidance and maintenance and aftercare advice. You can also see Darren’s recommended stove products: moisture meter, stove thermometer, heat-resistant gloves, cleaning kit, stove fan and natural firelighters. Official background: Defra’s Burn Better guidance.
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