Fuel Comparison Guide
Not sure which fuel is right for your fire?
There isn’t one fuel that’s best for everyone. Logs are easy to light and give a traditional flame, while wood briquettes generally give more heat and can burn for longer. If you have a suitable multi-fuel appliance, coal and smokeless fuels offer very high heat and a long burn.
About our ratings: These comparisons are based on our experience with the fuels we sell and the product information on our website. Every stove, fire and flue behaves differently, so use the ratings as a practical guide rather than an exact measure of performance.
Kiln Dried Logs
Kiln Dried Hardwood Logs
Traditional fires, good flame & everyday burning
Suitable for: Stoves + open fires
Wood Briquettes & Heat Logs
Smokeless Fuels & Coal
Superheat
Multi-purpose solid fuel
Suitable for: Multi-fuel stoves, open fires, room heaters + boilers
* Burn duration is a general guide. Actual burn time varies depending on the appliance, amount of fuel and airflow.
All wood briquettes in this guide can be burned on an open fire with care. Add them gradually, avoid overloading the fire, use a suitable fireguard and never leave an open fire unattended.
† House coal: Check the individual product page before buying. Availability and use are subject to geographical and Smoke Control Area restrictions.
Choosing between logs, briquettes and solid fuel
Logs or briquettes?
Logs are easy to light and give a traditional flame. Wood briquettes generally give more heat and can burn for longer, so they are useful when you want more output from the same amount of storage space.
Which briquettes are easiest to light?
UK Hardwood, Woodlets Briquettes, Hotmax, Goldies and Roastie Toasties are among the easier options to get going. Denser long-burning fuels generally need a well-established firebed.
What if I want a long burn?
For longer burning, look at RUF Oak, Hardwood Pini-Kay, Beech Nestro, Envi8, Envi XL or RUF Long Burn. Which works best depends on your stove size and how much air you give the fire.
Can I use briquettes on an open fire?
Yes. The wood briquettes in this guide can be burned on an open fire, but care should be taken because briquettes can produce a lot of heat and some expand as they burn.
What about smokeless fuel and coal?
If you have a suitable multi-fuel appliance, these fuels can give very high heat and a long burn. Always check the individual product page for appliance suitability and any geographical or Smoke Control Area restrictions.
Decided on briquettes?
If you’re not sure which one to choose, our Briquette Finder compares your stove size and the way you like to use your fire.
