Dispose of Ashes: Once the fire is completely extinguished and the stove is cool to the touch, safely remove the ashes from the firebox using a metal scoop and place them in a non-combustible container. Store the container outside away from any flammable materials. My scraps bin could easily be mistaken for a rubbish basket. It does not enhance the aesthetics of my fireside, but I cannot resist a magpie-like urge to collect the many and varied little bits of clean inflammable material that will help to start my fire. Optional Extra– Only required if the opening to the fuel bed (grate) is more than 31cm (12″) above the hearth.

Create an Air Gap: Leave a small space between the logs to allow air to circulate. This promotes combustion and prevents smothering the fire. Understanding and managing the airflow in your wood burner is crucial for maintaining the right temperature and preventing smoke issues.I’d suggest maybe getting hold of another box (perhaps fireproof) to store a smaller amount near the fire or barbecue if you’re a seasoned fire starter so you don’t have to keep the large box anywhere. With the great choice of firelighters that are available these days, you can easily find the right ones for your needs at a reasonable price.

These firelighters are very easy and convenient to use, so you can get your fires started in next to no time. Now that you understand the role of kindling, let’s explore some lighting techniques that can help you ignite your wood burner fire effectively: They’re eco friendly as well, so they don’t give off a nasty chemical smell when they’re burning which is a big plus when dealing with fire products. I love how you don’t get any smell on your hands as well. Also great that they are made of natural materials for the environment – just wood and wax – completely environmentally friendly as I cover in the buying guide if you’re interested.Install a Spark Guard: A spark guard or fire screen can prevent sparks or embers from escaping the wood burner and causing accidents. A clean wood burner functions better and is safer to operate. Learn how to properly maintain and clean your stove. Proper Ventilation Like the last products, these ones light in seconds and they create a very strong, long-lasting fire with only one or two of the firelighters. They have no chemical smells, again made from natural, sustainable materials, which we love! Especially as it means they don’t leave a smell on your hands. Good airflow is essential for combustion and preventing smoke buildup in your home. We’ll cover the basics of ventilation.

Burn Zone: To maintain an efficient and controlled fire, you need to maintain a burn zone within the firebox. This is the area where combustion occurs. As the wood burns, push the unburned wood toward the center of the firebox, ensuring it remains in the burn zone.

Buy your UK Burner original Firestarters today

I have almost finished building a small cottage for my retirement. It is super insulated and will be heated by an 8 kW wood-burning stove in the living room and a wood-burning range in the kitchen. The range is plumbed in to provide my hot water and supply the underfloor heating for the whole of downstairs. It is my dream that soon I will be able to walk about barefoot all through the winter too! Use Draft Stoppers: Placing draft stoppers at the bottom of doors can prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. Taking these safety measures seriously ensures that your loved ones are protected while enjoying the warmth and comfort of a wood burner. Maximising Efficiency Heat Distribution