Wood logs have been used over the ages to heat our homes. However, in recent years, heat logs have become an appealing alternative. Find out more about the nature of heat logs, their benefits, and how to use them.

What are heat logs?

Heat logs are manufactured high-density wood by-product logs, usually cylindrical in shape. They’re generally made from various wood waste, such as softwood and hardwood sawdust, straw, paper, and almost anything that burns! The logs are formed through either compression or extrusion, which brings the moisture down to less than 10%. Kept together by the applied pressure and binding of the natural lignin in the wood, they do not contain any chemicals, additives, or firming agents. Their size varies between 6-8 inches long and 2-3 inches in diameter. The term ‘heat logs’ is sometimes used synonymously with ‘heat briquettes’, although the latter sometimes refers to smaller, rectangular-shaped products.

There are several types of heat logs:

• - Hardwood heat logs - One of the best heat logs in the UK, these premium products are made from compressed hardwood chips and wood shavings, providing the highest calorific value of all varieties on this list.
• - Eco briquette heat logs - These efficient logs are made from compressed softwood shavings with good energy output and a good bright flame. A favourite of many. 
• - RUF briquettes - These are wood briquettes with a convenient shape and size and high heat output. Also made with softwood shavings. 
• - Nestro Logs - although made with a slightly different type of extrusion process, is a reliable and high-performing heat log. 

Why you should try heat logs:

Homeowners choose this type of fuel for various reasons - many people call and ask us, “how long do heat logs burn for” and this is a question with many answers. Heat logs have a very high heat output due to their density and low moisture levels. Much higher than firewood, in fact. But how many you load and the type of briquettes will determine the burn time. They are consistent in composition and quality, making them more reliable, so you can usually predict how many you will need for a day or evening. Also, remember: 

• - They are a sustainable form of fuel made from recycled biomass that would otherwise go to waste.
• - They’re free from chemicals, additives or binding agents
• - You can use heat logs for fire pits, wood-burning stoves, multifuel stoves, chimeneas, etc.
• - They’re cost-effective and efficient, with many homeowners using log burners for central heating in combination with water boilers.
• - They require less storage room and are easier to transport.
• - They produce little ash and smoke.
• - At a minimum, all Heat logs should burn for up to 2-3 hours. 

Can you burn heat logs in a wooden stove?

The short answer is yes - you can definitely use heat logs for wood-burning stoves. Their properties, namely the low moisture content and high density, mean less smoke, tar and soot. This makes it easier to keep your wood-burning stove clean and in proper working condition. Ash production is limited as well, and you can even take the leftover ash and use it as a fertiliser in your garden.

Are briquette heat logs smokeless?

Some areas of the UK are designated as smokeless zones, where restrictions apply on the types of fuels and appliances that can be used for heating. Permitted smokeless fuels include anthracite, coke, and charcoal. However, if you wish to use heat log briquettes or eco heat logs, UK residents can only do so if they have a DEFRA-exempt appliance. If the permitted fuels for the appliance in question indicate “wood logs”, this includes heat logs.

All heat logs and briquettes offered by Luxury Wood are DEFRA-approved and have a Ready to Burn certificate, thus fulfilling government regulations. You can find some of the best heat logs for log burners made of 100% hardwood on our website as well as our equally popular eco wood briquettes.

Heat logs or firewood - pros and cons

To help you decide, we’ve prepared heat logs vs logs comparison, which outlines some of the main differences between the two.

• - Heat logs generally produce more heat per kg than wood logs. Therefore, while logs can appear cheaper, heat logs tend to be more cost-effective. 
• - All heat logs are consistent in their composition, homogeneity, moisture level, etc.
• - Heat logs have a moisture content below 10%, while kiln-dried logs generally contain up to 20% moisture.
• - Heat logs are lighter and easier to transport. They also occupy less space than logs and are easy to store in compact 10kg bags that can be stacked.
• - Heat logs are eco-friendly and sustainable as they are produced by giving a new purpose to biomass waste.
• - Heat logs are easier to light than firewood.
• - Heat logs burn more slowly, and your fire will need less tending to.
• - Many claims that heat logs have a better heat distribution, while the heat from traditional firewood is focused on the area immediately around your wood-burning stove or fireplace.
• - Heat logs cannot be bought loose in bulk like logs.
• - Heat logs can be very absorbent, so they need to be kept in dry areas in unopened bags.
• - Unlike logs, heat logs will expand when they are heated, so you need to be cautious not to overload your fire.
• - Some people believe that heat logs don’t give off the same aroma as wood logs.

Did you know?

Heat logs and wood logs are not mutually exclusive. In fact, a great option is to use both firewood and heat logs combined. That way, you can enjoy their unique benefits.

Heat logs have been gaining popularity for a reason. We hope our article has answered all of the most common questions about heat logs and briquettes and their application. And if it has helped you heat your home in a more budget- and eco-friendly way, then the research has certainly paid off.