The Best Logs for Log Burners vs Open Fires — What Should You Choose?

At Empress Fencing in Clitheroe, we help customers across Lancashire choose the best firewood for their setup, whether that’s a modern log burner or a traditional open fire. When it comes to firewood, the choice of logs matters just as much as the fire itself. In this post, we explore The Best Logs for Log Burners vs Open Fires and help you decide What Should You Choose? for your home heating needs.

Why log choice matters

Heating with wood is a time-honoured practice, but not all wood is created equal. Log burners are designed to burn hot and efficiently, so they work best with kiln-dried hardwood logs delivered. Open fires, meanwhile, benefit from logs that burn consistently and are easy to light, since heat loss up the chimney is a common challenge. By understanding the differences between kiln-dried hardwood logs and other types, you can maximise heat, minimise emissions, and enjoy cleaner, more controllable fires.

In Lancashire, where homes vary from rural stone cottages to modern builds, the right logs can make a noticeable difference in comfort and running costs. For both log burners and open fires, kiln-dried hardwood is a reliable all-round option, but there are nuances to consider for each setup. Let’s break down the best choices for each fire type and highlight practical tips to get the most from your wood fuel.

Logs for log burners – high heat, clean burn, precise control

Log burners are engineered for efficient, high-temperature combustion. To get the most out of a stove, choose logs that promote clean burning and easy airflow management.

• Kiln-dried hardwood logs – The top recommendation for log burners. The kiln-drying process reduces moisture content, allowing the wood to ignite quickly and burn hotter with less smoke.
• Benefits of kiln-dried hardwood in a stove –
  • Strong heat output – A hotter, more consistent flame that heats rooms faster.
  • Clean combustion – Reduced creosote buildup and fewer particulates in the chimney.
  • Minimal smoke – Cleaner burn means less staining around the stove and better air quality.
  • Better control of airflow – Dry wood responds quickly to damper adjustments, giving you precise flame management.
• Practical tips –
  • Store logs off the ground and cover them to protect from rain, but allow some airflow to prevent moisture build-up.
  • Use good-quality kindling to start the fire smoothly, followed by kiln-dried hardwood logs.
  • Avoid damp logs in a stove, as they can cause soot buildup and poor performance.

If you’re unsure which logs to buy for a log burner, kiln-dried hardwood logs remain the safest, most versatile option that delivers reliable results across a wide range of stove models and sizes.

Logs for open fires – steady burn, easy lighting, and warmth that lasts

Open fires have a distinct charm, but they also face greater heat loss up the chimney. The goal is to choose logs that light easily and burn steadily with consistent heat.

• Kiln-dried hardwood still performs best – Even though an open fire can tolerate a wider range of woods, kiln-dried hardwood offers predictable ignition and a dependable burn profile.
• Benefits for open fires –
  • Easy lighting – Dry wood lights quickly with a small amount of kindling.
  • Consistent burn – Kiln-dried hardwood maintains a steady flame, reducing the need for constant tending.
  • Efficient heat transfer – A steady burn concentrates heat in the room rather than being lost to moisture and smoke.
  • Cleaner burn – While open fires inherently produce more smoke than modern stoves, dry hardwood minimizes soot and creosote when stacked and burned properly.
• Practical tips –
  • Pair hardwood logs with good-quality kindling to ensure a quick, reliable start.
  • Build a grate-friendly fire configuration to maximise airflow and combustion efficiency.
  • Keep a well-ventilated room and a properly sized chimney vent to reduce smoke in the living area.

In short, kiln-dried hardwood remains a smart choice for open fires, particularly when you prioritise ease of lighting and a steady, manageable burn.

One smart choice for both – kiln-dried hardwood logs

If you’re unsure which path to take, kiln-dried hardwood logs are the safest, most versatile option for both log burners and open fires. Their low moisture content and predictable burn characteristics translate into tangible benefits regardless of the fire type –

• Higher heat output with cleaner combustion
• Easier lighting and quicker ignition
• Improved control over flame and airflow
• Reduced creosote formation and maintenance needs

For households across Lancashire, this translates into better comfort, less maintenance, and more efficient energy use. If you’re aiming for a simple, reliable solution that suits a variety of fireplaces, kiln-dried hardwood logs are hard to beat.

Delivery and convenience – free delivery across BB postcodes

We understand that choosing the right logs is only part of the equation. Getting them to your home should be smooth and hassle-free. That’s why Empress Fencing offers free delivery on all orders over £150 across BB postcodes. This convenience helps you stock up on kiln-dried hardwood logs without worrying about extra delivery costs, ensuring you always have the right logs on hand when temperatures drop.

The practical approach – assessing your setup

To determine The Best Logs for Log Burners vs Open Fires for your home, consider the following factors –

• Fire type – Log burner or open fire? The choice of logs for sale will align with the fire’s design and operating requirements.
• Moisture content – Kiln-dried logs typically offer 10-20% moisture, compared with green or air-dried wood that can exceed 20-25%.
• Heating goals – Rapid heat vs. steady warmth? A stove benefits from quick ignition and high heat, while an open fire can thrive on a steady, Ready to Burn.
• Storage and handling – Kiln-dried logs are often denser and may be heavier; plan for safe storage and easy access.
• Maintenance considerations – Cleaner combustion reduces creosote buildup, which simplifies chimney maintenance over time.

By evaluating these aspects, you can tailor your log selection to achieve optimal heat, efficiency, and cleanliness.

Choosing the right firewood is a practical investment in comfort, efficiency, and home safety. Kiln-dried hardwood logs consistently prove themselves as the best choice for both log burners and open fires, delivering strong heat output, clean combustion, minimal smoke, and better control of airflow. Open fires benefit from logs that light easily and burn steadily, with kiln-dried hardwood once again offering reliable performance when paired with good-kindling practices. If you’re unsure, kiln-dried hardwood logs provide a safe, versatile option that covers most setups.

For residents across Lancashire and especially in Lancashire’s BB postcode area, Empress Fencing in Clitheroe stands ready to help you select the best logs for your specific fireplace. And with free delivery on orders over £150, stocking up on the right logs is easier than ever. Whether you’re upgrading a modern log burner or reviving a traditional open fire, the right logs can transform warmth, efficiency, and cleanliness in your home.

What should you choose? Kiln-dried hardwood logs are the sensible default that delivers reliable results for both setups, making them a smart, future-proof choice for any fireplace hobbyist or serious heater.

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