Fuel Logs vs Wood. What's Better for Me?
November 16, 2020
Fuel Logs vs Wood. What's Better for Me?
For many, the difference between standard logs and fuel logs (often called briquettes) is not instantly obvious. This means that many homeowners across the UK are not fully optimising their open fire or stove with the best quality fuel. With so many more people and homeowners choosing to have wood burners, wood boilers and biomass heating systems, the demand for different wood fuels is increasing without people fully knowing how to utilise them.
There are actually many differences between these types of fuel, with each one providing people with different outcomes for their fires. If you’re looking to learn more about the difference between traditional wood and fuel logs, keep on reading!
Dawsons Fuels are leading experts in the fuel industry and heave a wealth of knowledge on types of fuels and their benefits, and this includes wood-based fuel such as fuel logs. We’re here to give you all the insight you need to be able to make the most of your fire by using reliable and high quality fuel solutions.
Fuel Logs (Briquettes)
Here we’re going to talk about the scientific makeup of fuel logs and the advantages and disadvantages of using these as your source of fuel for your fire. Firstly, before we delve into the benefits and uses of heat logs, it's important to know exactly what they are.
Heat logs, fuel logs or briquettes are manufactured logs. They are made from compressing scrap chippings of wood and compressing them together to make logs in different shapes and sizes. Essentially, the higher level of compression, the high quality the fuel log is.
Materials that are often used in fuel logs include hardwood sawdust to peat, straw, paper, rice husk and even rapeseed. The common denominator here is that fuel logs are made mostly of biomass. These materials ensure the consistency of fuel logs as well as providing people with an easy-to-use option for their fires or stoves.
Facts About Fuel Logs
● Compact, dense, dry and clean - this structure allows fuel logs to be easily burnt without any hassle in the lighting process. It also means they’ll produce a better quality fire and flame.
● Consistent - one of the main benefits of fuel logs is that they are consistent. That means you’ll always be able to find them in the same size, weight, moisture content and burn time.
● Easy to store - due to their consistent weight, you can easily and effectively store these logs when not in use. This also means you can buy more in bulk and store them away for when you need to use them.
● Recycled - fuel logs are mostly made from waste wood that comes from the manufacturing industry. If you’re someone who is conscious about their impact on the environment, fuel logs may be the perfect option for you.
● Variation - fuel logs are actually available in different varieties and burning characteristics. This means you can choose the perfect fuel logs for a variety of different uses and make the most out of your fire or stove.
● More heat for your money - if heat output from your fire is particularly important to you, you'll be pleased to know that fuel logs provide a fantastic heat output for far less money.
Traditional Wood Logs
Traditional logs are much different to fuel logs for a variety of different reasons. Many people often just use regular, traditional wood in their fires or stoves without knowing all the benefits and disadvantages involved.
There is so much more to wood logs than you may be aware of. We’re talking different densities, moisture levels and burning characteristics. If you have a stove or fire and you’re considering using wood logs, here are some of the things you should know.
Facts About Wood Logs
● Widely available - you can get wood logs in a variety of different options including semi-seasoned, seasoned or kiln dried. This allows you to find the ideal wood logs for the purposes you need it for.
● Variables of wood logs - wood logs can come in a whole host of different shapes and sizes as well as varying levels of density, moisture and burning characteristics. This means they can be used for all kinds of uses whether in the home or for business.
● Visually attractive - leading on from the above point, the different visual traits of wooden logs makes them aesthetically pleasing options for many homes. This is due to the rustic and traditional appearance.
● Potentially damaging to biodiversity - if wood is felled specifically for burning, it can be potentially damaging to natural biodiversity.
● Expensive - good, high quality, dry logs are becoming harder to come across. This means their market value is rising making them harder and more expensive to source. You’ll also need to keep in mind that some providers will try and sell you less than satisfactory wood for the price of high quality wood, so always make sure you get your logs from a reputable source such as Dawsons Fuels.
Conclusion
Both fuel logs and standard wooden logs have their benefits. From ease of use and lighting to aesthetic purposes, both types of logs can offer homeowners with effective fuel solutions. Depending on the type of stove you have or the uses of your stove will impact the type of firewood you need. For example, kiln dried logs, with less than 20% moisture, are a popular choice of firewood for easy lighting and rapid heating.
Get High Quality Logs Today
Dawsons Fuels have a huge range of logs that are ideal for a variety of different uses and stoves. Ranging from kiln dried Ash and Birch logs to Hotmax heat logs, we strive to provide our customers with high quality logs that can be used for a variety of different uses.
Do you have any further questions about our range of logs? If so, please feel free to get in touch with a member of our team today. We are all experts on the different types of logs and wood fuels and can help you to pick the one that is most suited to you.
