A log burner provides an unparalleled, cosy atmosphere and plenty of heat - provided you know how to start and maintain the flames.
Here’s Log Delivery’s practical information and troubleshooting tips for getting the most out of your new purchase.
Read on for our all-you-need-to-know guide on how to light and maintain a log burner.
What You Need to Light a Log Burner:
Aside from the log burner, a handful of tools are needed to ignite the fire and keep it burning away.
Here are some essential bits of equipment to get you started. Feel free to customise your tools and equipment as you discover what works best for you.
Firelighters
To get the flames in your log burner going, use firelighters, which are quick to catch alight.
Our Log Barn Natural firelighters are untreated, odourless and don’t contain any nasty chemicals, making them ideal for outside cooking on pizza ovens.
You only need one firelighter to light your fire. However, If you are using a compressed log for your pizza oven or an eco log, use around three to start with and see how your eco log lights.
Kindling Wood
To warm the flue quickly, add a little kindling to the firelighters.
Kindling consists of small pieces of wood which burn fast and contribute to the heat of the fire before adding the wood, coal or fuel. For maximum success, it’s crucial that the kindling is extremely dry.
Shop our reliable Kindling and Accessories for your log burner, fire pits, ovens, and stoves.
Logs
If you’re looking for fuel for your fire, you’re in the right place. When burning wood, logs must have a moisture content of 20% or less; that’s why Log Delivery's options are specially dried, cured and cut to size ready to burn.
Shop all our wood-burning logs, including kiln-dried and seasoned hardwood logs, for fuel that’s ready to go.
Matches or a Lighter
A pack of matches or a lighter is crucial for that initial flame unless you fancy rubbing sticks together.
We’re partial to Extra-Long Matches, as they maintain a safe distance from the flame and are thick to prevent snapping.
Fire Poker or Tongs
To keep the fire burning longer, use a fire poker or tongs to adjust the wood fuel in your log burner to stir up the fire.
How to Light a Log Burner:
One of the most crucial things to remember about lighting a fire in a log burner is the importance of airflow.
Your log burner or stove should have air vents that allow you to control air and safely maintain the fire.
Open the air vents before starting to maximise oxygen which will help the fuel catch flame.
Use kindling and one or two firelighters to build a small pyramid-shaped arrangement in the middle of the stove. Place a log bark side down on the top.
Leave space between the components so air can pass through to feed the fire.
Strike a match (or ignite your lighter) and torch the firelighter. As it takes to the flame, begin to close the door, leaving a gap of about an inch to still let in air.
Regardless of the gap size, don’t leave a log burner with open doors unattended.Once the kindling begins to burn intensely, you can add two or three larger logs, though be careful not to smother the fire.
At this point, you can begin to secure the log burner door. When the logs are fully aflame, adjust the air vents to half-open or less. Doing so lowers the oxygen level and controls the fire size, so your fuel burns longer.
Adjust the vents again if the fire goes out or if you want to add fresh logs for an efficient burn.
How to Put out a Log Burner:
Knowing how to extinguish your log burner fire safely is just as important as learning how to get it burning in the first place.
Close the doors of your stove completely to starve the flames of oxygen.
Then, close the air vents fully. Gradually, the fire will die down to embers.
Once only embers remain, carefully open the door and spread them out using a fire poker or tongs to prevent burning your hands.
How to Maintain A Log Burner
Keeping your log burner in good working order is essential for extending the appliance’s lifespan and preventing accidents. After all, we are dealing with fire.
Before attempting maintenance on your log burner, please ensure that the stove has thoroughly cooled and that you wear protective gloves to avoid any nasty burns or scolding.
Tips for Maintaining your Wood-Burning Stove
Remove the Ash:
A minimal layer of around one inch of ash can benefit your stove by retaining heat. However, a build-up over a long period can damage and warp the burner.
If you use your wood-burning stove regularly, you’ll need to remove the ashes more frequently. Take the ashes outside before disposing of them.
Clean the Glass:
Seeing the flames helps you gauge how well your fire is burning and if there’s a need to intervene. Plus, it keeps your stove looking tidy in your home or garden.
Check the Baffle or Throat Plate:
You should remove the baffle plate and check the flue for soot build-up and potential blockage. If this is something you’re unsure about, contact a professional.
Schedule a Chimney Sweep:
Your chimney should be swept annually at the very least to eliminate any blockages that might stop smoke from exiting the home. Consider a sweep twice a year if you use your log burner frequently.
We’d suggest relying on a registered industry professional to take care of this since it’s an important job. Professional sweeps should also assist with further safety issues, such as ventilation and carbon monoxide alarms.
So there you have our insight into how to make the most of your purchase. Now all that’s left to do is kick back and admire your hard work around the comfort of a glowing fire.
If there’s anything we failed to cover in this extensive guide, or there’s something you would like further details about, don’t hesitate to contact our team for expert advice and guidance.
Log Delivery distributes orders seven days per week, so choose us for a reliable fuel supply.