Knowing which logs are best depends on your appliance and the purpose you have in mind. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about selecting the best logs for different uses, including log burners, pizza ovens, and fire pits.
Jump to:
Which logs are best for my log burner? Why should I use hardwood logs in my log burner? What species of wood should I use in my log burner? What size logs will fit in my log burner? What else should I consider when buying firewood? Which logs are best for my pizza oven? Which logs are best for my fire pit?
Which logs are best for my log burner?
The best logs for a log burner are hardwood logs that have been kiln-dried to less than 20% moisture content and are cut to the right size for your specific stove.
Using dry hardwood logs ensures they will light easily, burn hotter, and produce less smoke, which is much better for you and your log burner.
Why should I use hardwood logs in my log burner?
Softwood logs might seem tempting as they’re often cheaper than hardwood logs, but they are a false economy as softwood logs will burn through more quickly than hardwood so you’ll use more.
Softwood has a higher sap content than hardwood so softwood logs will be smokier and leave more sooty deposits compared to hardwood logs which is not good for air quality or your log burner!
What species of wood should I use in my log burner?
When deciding which logs are best for your log burner, you might want to try different species of hardwood. Whilst any hardwood will work in your log burner, they do all have slightly different burn properties. Here's a quick rundown:
- Ash : An excellent all-rounder that lights easily and burns well.
- Beech : Burns very hot and leaves a good bed of embers, keeping the heat going.
- Oak : Densely packed and burns for the longest time, though it’s harder to light.
The most important factor is that your logs are hardwood and dried to below 20% moisture, regardless of the specific species.
At Love Logs, most of our Kiln-Dried British Logs and Hobbit Logs are a mix of ash and beech.
What size logs will fit in my log burner?
The next thing you need to consider when choosing the best logs for your log burner is size – what is the maximum length log that will fit in your stove?
At Love Logs, we do three different lengths – our ‘Box of British Kiln-Dried Logs’ are approx. 25cm long and fit around 90% of wood burning stoves. However, if you have a smaller stove such as a Salamander, Anevay or Outbacker stove, you’ll want to look for a shorter log. Our Hobbit Logs come in two lengths – 20cm and 15cm so you can find the one that’s right for you and your log burner.
Once you’ve chosen the best logs for your log burner, don’t forget you need kindling and decent, natural firelighters to get your fire started without any hassle. Our Wood Burner Fuel Kits contain both.
What else should I consider when buying firewood?
When deciding which logs are best for your needs, you should also consider factors like storage space and budget. Check out our guide 7 Things You Need to Know When Buying Firewood
Which logs are best for my pizza oven?
The best logs for most pizza ovens are hardwood logs cut to the right size.
Softwood will burn too quickly and leave too much ash which is not what you want when you're cooking!
The best size logs for your pizza oven depend on which type and model of oven you have. An Ooni Fyra takes different fuel to the Gozney Dome which is totally different to a large, custom built oven. We cover them all in our article Which Wood Is Right for My Pizza Oven
Which logs are best for my fire pit?
Hands up who’s had a fun night around the fire pit ruined with smoke billowing in your face?
🤚🤚🤚🤚🤚
That was probably due to soggy logs.
When wood is burned with too high a moisture content, it’s hard to get a good fire going. Wet or damp logs don’t burn as hot and they emit a lot more soot and smoke than dry wood – why would you bother??
The best logs for your fire pit are any hardwood logs, dried to below 20% moisture so they burn with very little smoke. There will always be some smoke when burning wood, but you should be able to sit close to the fire and carry a conversation without coughing or your eyes streaming.
Logs burned outside will burn through more quickly than in an indoor fireplace or log burner due to the wind, so make sure you have plenty of logs on hand to keep your fire topped up and roaring throughout the night.
At Love Logs, our Fire Pit Fuel Kits contain a mix of ash and beech hardwood British logs, dried to below 20% moisture, and enough kindling and firelighters for a few nights around the fire pit.
Conclusion: Which Logs Are Best?
In summary, which logs are best depends on your appliance and intended use. Whether it’s a log burner, pizza oven, or fire pit, the answer is nearly always hardwood logs, dried to below 20% moisture content for optimal burning. Choose the right size and species for your specific needs, and you’ll have a fire that’s efficient, long-lasting, and enjoyable.
Found this useful?
We'd love it if you shared it with your fellow fire enthusiasts!