Best Logs for Wood Burning Stoves: Types, Burn Rates and Efficiency

The way logs burn in a wood burning stove depends on several factors, including log size, wood type, stove efficiency, moisture content, and airflow. Choosing the best logs for wood burning stoves correctly can improve efficiency, reduce smoke, and maximise heat output.

Log Size Matters

The size of your logs directly affects how quickly they burn:

• Larger logs burn more slowly, providing long-lasting heat.

• Smaller logs ignite faster but burn down quicker.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended log size for your stove. Overloading with large logs can damage the stove, while using logs that are too small may reduce heat output.

Hardwood vs Softwood Logs

When choosing firewood, hardwood logs are generally a better choice than softwood logs.

• Hardwood logs (Oak, Ash, Sycamore, Birch, Maple, Cherry, Apple):

  • Denser, so they burn longer and produce more heat.

  • Lower smoke output.

  • Ideal for wood burning stoves and fireplaces.

• Softwood logs (Pine, Spruce, Larch):

  • Burn faster and hotter.

  • Cheaper but less efficient as you’ll need a higher volume.

  • Best used as kindling or mixed with hardwood logs.

For best results, many households in the West Midlands use a mix of hardwood and softwood logs – hardwood for heat, softwood for easier ignition.

Stove Efficiency and Burn Rate

Your stove’s efficiency plays a big role in how long logs last.

• Eco design stoves are highly efficient, requiring less fuel and producing lower emissions.

• Airflow control is key:

  • Too little airflow = smouldering fire, soot build-up, wasted heat.

  • Too much airflow = logs burn too quickly.

• Many modern stoves include a single air control slider for easy adjustment.

Tip: Smaller stoves are often more efficient, but always size your stove correctly to the room you want to heat.

Moisture Content of Logs

The moisture content of firewood is one of the most important factors in burn quality.

• Wet or green logs (over 25% moisture):

  • Create steam instead of heat.

  • Cause excessive smoke, tar, and creosote build-up.

  • Can damage stoves and flues, increasing chimney fire risk.

• Seasoned or kiln-dried logs (below 20% moisture):

  • Burn cleaner and hotter.

  • Produce minimal smoke.

  • Safer for your chimney and more eco-friendly.

Use a moisture meter to check your logs. For best results, bring logs indoors a few days before burning to allow extra drying.

Recommended Logs for Wood Burning Stoves

Here are some of the best logs to use:

• Oak – Slow burning, high heat, minimal smoke.

• Ash – Reliable, high output, easy to light.

• Birch – Fast burning, lots of heat, clean flame.

• Maple – Long burning, consistent heat, low smoke.

• Cherry – Burns cleanly with a pleasant aroma.

• Apple – Slow burning, sweet-smelling smoke.

• Pine – Fast burning, but smoky and sparky (best avoided in stoves).

Final Thoughts

For the best results, always choose seasoned or kiln-dried logs for your wood burning stove. The right log size, wood type, and moisture content will give you cleaner combustion, more heat, and a safer burn.

If you’re looking for hardwood logs, kiln-dried logs, or logs for sale in the West Midlands, Woodshire provides Ready to Burn certified firewood with local delivery direct to your door.