Once you’ve successfully lit your wood burner fire, the next step is to keep it burning steadily. This involves knowing when and how to add fuel to the firebox. Here’s what you need to know:

The only thing I’ll say is that these ones do have a slight smell when they’re not in use but having burnt them I can say they don’t carry a chemical smell once actually burning. There are two main methods of lighting a log burner: the traditional method and the 'upside down' method. The traditional method is the one you are likely to be most familiar with, involving building a pyramid of kindling over a nest of screwed up newspaper or firelighters. However, with today's more efficient appliances, the upside down method is often favoured.

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Woodcycle Natural Firelighter Bags are just that: bags of recycled wood in the form of nuts (I think of them like Tea bags) and recycled wax. The bags are made of plastic-free paper, so they burn cleanly. The combination of these materials allows the fire starters to burn for over eight minutes when you light them, and after testing these, I did find they did burn for 7-8 minutes. This is plenty of time to get the kindling. Steady Flames: A well-maintained fire will have steady, bright flames. If you notice the flames diminishing or becoming smoky, it’s time to add more wood or adjust the damper to increase airflow. Close the Damper: Start by closing the damper fully. This restricts the flow of oxygen to the fire, reducing combustion. When leaving a fire overnight, do not shut off your air flow as this will ruin your flue liner. From opening the box, they seem bigger than average which is great so you only need one or two to start a fire. The one thing I’d note is that they are all slightly different sizes but that isn’t really an issue as even the smaller ones are still a very decent size. Clear the Ashes: Before you start, make sure the firebox is clean. Remove any ashes or debris from previous fires but ensure you leave atleast a 1cm bed of ash. This will ensure proper airflow and efficient combustion.

Priced sensibly for a good few bbq’s, the Homefire Twizlers are a great first option at really good value for money. Small pieces of wood brought together, these firelighters have a wax coating to keep them from shedding. Opting for natural firelighters that are made from eco-friendly materials means that you can do your bit for the green cause as well as benefit from safe, non-toxic firelighters for your home. They’re very easy to light and last a good amount of time – enough to get a good fire started! These ones also carry no chemical smell. At Logs Direct, we specialise in supplying a variety of coal and wood fuel across the UK. As a leader in specialist wood products, we also work with companies around the word to source innovative wood fuel solutions, such as the highly practical Burner firelighters. Supplied by Copenhagen-based Burner International, the Burner firelighter is a unique sachet firelighter that is reliable in all seasons and weather conditions. If you want to use a couple of softwood logs to get the fire blazing, cedar is a good option. How to Light a Log Burner in 10 Easy StepsAvailable in two different quantities, the Feniks Firelighters for Fireplace, Stoves, Barbecues and Campfires are near the cheapest out of the selection in terms of what you pay for and how many you get. I went for the smaller box which was approximately 500 pieces for similar money compared to the Flamers Natural Firelighters For Woodburners, Stoves, Barbeques and Campfires.

Reload Before It’s Out: It’s best to add more wood to the fire before the flames die down completely. This ensures a consistent heat output and minimizes the risk of having to relight the fire. Understanding and managing the airflow in your wood burner is crucial for maintaining the right temperature and preventing smoke issues.

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If you tend to use them a lot, it is well worth paying more for a larger quantity where available, as this can save you money in the long run. You can then just store them as directed until they are needed. Once you’ve basked in the warmth of your wood burner, it’s time to safely extinguish it. You can put your log burner out by following these steps:

The orange peel, or any of the satsuma, tangerine, or clementine group of citrus fruits, is peeled carefully into a starfish shape and dried beside my wood stove. Clean the Stove: Regularly clean your wood burner, removing ash and soot buildup to maintain its efficiency and safety. A stove service and chimney sweep will be required annually dependant on usage.Place your firelighters into the centre of your wood burning stove, surrounded by four pieces of kindling in a closely knit “square”. Kindling generally consists of small, thin pieces of wood designed to burn easily. Your kindling will increase the heat of the fire inside your stove so it’s ready for your main fuel. Kindling should be completely dry, and ideally all pieces should be a similar size. Kiln-Dried Logs