Basic advice about wood briquettes

Wood briquettes, also known as heat logs, are made from wood and comprised of pure substances such as wood chips and sawdust, which are pressed into blocks for solid fuel burning.

Manufacturers of this fuel source have cleverly engineered them to suit different purposes ranging from fire ignition to providing a steady hot burn. Manufacturers generally apply about 10,000 pounds per square inch in pressure, to make high quality briquettes.  One briquette will last you about four hours and it’s been reported that you can save £150 per year, compared to using normal logs.

Try different wood briquettes and see which is best for you. Don’t try and make a briquette though, out of bits of old timber because there could be hidden chemicals. Make sure the  briquettes are made to European Standards and, as above, they should have been highly compressed (low compression briquettes don’t burn at such a high temperature, which is less efficient, less environmentally friendly and costs you more money).

People in the UK tend to be a bit suspicious of briquettes but they’re popular in Europe. And for a good reason – they produce 50 per cent more heart, per pound, compared to logs. And the fact they’re made from pure waste wood meats they’re a lower carbon alternative. Be careful though, never enter an enclosed space with wood briquettes stacked up, or you risk carbon monoxide poisoning.

Food for thought! Or rather briquettes for your mind fire! If you feel a bit unsure about using wood briquettes, and want to ask further questions – just ask your friendly local chimney sweep – James the Sweep!