What Are Heat Logs?

Whether you want to buy wood for a log burner, wood stove, open fire, chiminea or perhaps a pizza oven, you may find yourself deciding between real logs and heat logs. Fire logs have been used for millennia on our fires however, in recent years, heat logs have become an increasingly attractive option. But what exactly are heat logs?

Compressed Sawdust Logs

Heat logs are made from compressed sawdust. This may have been sourced from naturally felled timber or created from waste or recycled wood. Usually cylindrical in shape, the logs can be formed through compression or extrusion. If the logs you use have a hole down the middle, like our Hardwood Heat Logs, then they have been extruded, as this is the space left by the screw.

Compressed wood logs have a higher calorific value than traditional firewood and even than kiln dried logs. This means they heat up quickly and can release more energy in the form of heat. Logs with a high compression rate will also hold their shape better during burning.

What Are The Benefits Of Heat Logs?

Because of the way these logs are manufactured they present a number of benefits over other forms of fuel. Firstly, the consistent shape and size mean you know exactly what you are getting when you buy your firewood. They are also easier to store and can be stacked in a cool, dry place until needed.

Secondly, by compressing the wood a lot of the moisture is removed. Low moisture results in less smoke, tar and soot as well as the higher temperatures these logs can achieve.

These logs are also easy to split, so they can be used in a wide variety of appliances as well as on open fires. Lekto’s Hardwood Heat Logs can be split by hand so you don’t even need an axe.

Finally, these logs burn completely and leave very little ash. It can be as little as 3% and the ash can be used in the garden to enrich the soil and even protect delicate plants.

Are These Eco Logs?

Using heat logs has a number of green benefits over fossil fuels and traditional firewood. They are made from ‘waste’ products and produce lower containments, and the higher heat output could mean that you use less wood overall.

Can You Use Heat Logs On Open Fires?

Heat logs can be used on open hearths, fire pits, campfires and other types of open fire as well as in appliances like wood burners and log stoves. The low moisture content means the heat logs are less likely to spit and spark but remember they can expand significantly during burning so don’t overload your fire.

How Do I Try Heat Logs

If you want to try our heat logs the easiest way is to order one of our mini-packs. Each 20kg pack contains 10 fire logs, making it the perfect starter pack if you’re considering switching fuel types.

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