Have you ever pressed pause on the daily vortex and looked at a pencil? It’s basic, unassuming and yet highly functional. We obtain so much from something so simple. We think log burners are cut from a similar cloth. These hardworking feats of engineering heat our homes, cook our food and even provide an aesthetic flourish to our interiors. Sure log burners aren’t the epitome of glam – unlike the classic fireplace for example – but they do have functional value. This is what counts in our book. It’s time to get up close and personal with log burners.
What is a log burner?
Ok baby steps to begin with guys and gals. Log burners (AKA wood burners) are super nifty heating and cooking appliances. They burn wood fuel and wood-derived biomass fuel. Once we ignite the fuel in the log burner, heat is released and used for different reasons.
How to light a log burner?
We already touched on this in the above para. Basically you take your wood pop it into your log burner’s firebox and light your wood. Job done. Taking a closer look at your firebox, this ingenious chamber is surrounded by fireproof walls. What do these do? Well, the walls enclose the wood and the fire in one defined space – maximising efficiency. There are air vents too. These can be open or closed to control the airflow into the firebox. Once we control the air, we can control the oxygen level – meaning we can control the burn. Essentially we can choose between fast and hot or slow and steady.
What are the benefits of log burners?
Ok so you know the foundation. But what rewards will you reap? Read on dear friend. Wood-burners are super-efficient. Basically they use less energy than a radiator to produce the same quantity of heat.
The planet enjoys a smaller carbon footprint. Lovely log burners possess a lower carbon output; meaning we use a smaller amount of energy to harvest wood compared to the mining of fossil fuels like coal.
Heats a singular space with ease.
Power cuts? No problem. Log burners are analogue.
Log burners work a treat with low carbon heating options such as heat pumps.
A stove versus a log burner? What’s the difference?
Many people use both terms synonymously. However there are defo some differences that you must know. Log burners have an ashpan and a fixed grate, whereas multi-fuel stoves have an elevated grate system. This increases the available air for fuel combustion under the fuel.
How much do log burners cost?
If you want a basic burner without the bells and whistles, prices start at about £500. This money will provide you with a capable log burner, delivering a heat output of around 5kW. That’s more than enough firepower to heat a small to medium-sized room.
Perhaps you want a more multifaceted and hardworking piece of kit? Think a fully stacked burner or multifuel stove complete with all the gadgets and gizmos – such as a cook top, back boiler, or advanced combustion system. For one of these babies you could be shelling out anything between about £600 to £5000 depending on the make, model and level of integrated features and tech.
Is a chimney a must for a log burner or wood burning stove?
The answer is no. But here comes the caveat. Installing a log burner will be more complex without a chimney. This is because you might need to install a twin wall flue system via the roof or wall.
How much to install a log burner with a chimney?
Guys we can’t deliver Newtonian calculus level figures here. Ballpark you’re looking at about £1200 to £1400.
How much to install a log burner without a chimney?
Again, we cannot give a definitive answer. However, crunching the data we’d say the installation process could cost anything between £2300.
How long do log burners take to heat up a room?
We can’t offer NASA levels of calculation here. However we’d say anywhere between 3-6 hours should do the trick. This time variation is affected by the insulation and size of the particular space. Now, if your wood stove is your primary heat source, please get the fire lit at least fire going at least 3 hours before you need blistering heat throughout your home.
Is a log burner a good choice for me?
If you’re on the cusp of deciding that a log burner could be right for you, here’s a few more facts to help you make the move into action.
Where are you living?
No this isn’t a test in your mental faculties. Basically if you reside within a city or town, you need to find out if your place is situated within a Smoke Control Area. You can get the info from your local authority or checking out this site. If your home falls within a Smoke Control Area, then you can only burn DEFRA-approved smokeless fuel (think smokeless coal) — wood isn’t possible (massive sad face). However (massive grin face) there’s a solution. Get your hands on a DEFRA-exempt stove, then you can burn wood to your heart’s content. Most manufacturers and suppliers mark these models with special approval stamps – so keep your eyes peeled.
What’s your house like?
This isn’t a deco question. Although we’re sure your home looks fab! We’re talking about airflow here peeps. Basically stoves require a lot of air for efficient combustion. This also means the air in the room must flow and be replaced regularly. If not, you’ll soon be living life in an oxygen starved vacuum. News flash; this isn’t much life at all. In older homes with larger rooms, you’ll usually always have a draught and good airflow. But in various new build, contemporary homes (with strong insulation) you could have a much more limited airflow. If this is the case you’ll probably to install a mechanical ventilation system. And if you have a room-sealed stove, you will need a direct air supply from the exterior of the house. In summation, if your domicile is pretty much airtight, you need a log burner that extracts air from outside ,rather than inside, the room.
Your log burner needs TLC?
Ok you don’t need to read your stove a bed time story. You just need to keep it in tip top shape for optimal performance – thinking shifting logs about and cleaning ash pans. Not up for that? An electric log burner will sort you out. Same heat. No hassle.
Hunting for wood for a log burner? Big K has it covered!
Listen up; there’s no need to get your Googz on and search ‘wood for log burner’ or ‘log burner fuel’. Just head over to bigkproducts.co.uk and you’ll find all the wood you could possibly ned to feed your log burning beast. Feast your peep holes on our range and see for yourself.
Big K Kiln Dried Logs FSC®
A classic choice for your log burner. Think FSC certification, quality, performance and sub 20% moisture levels. We don’t need to wax lyrical about our Kiln Dried Logs – we’ll let the facts speak for themselves. Check out the product info below. Go large and save with pallets and bulk bags.
Kiln dried hardwood logs, 100% Grown in Britain
FSC® & GiB certified and Woodsure Ready to Burn accredited
Consistent moisture level of under 20%
Easy to light and long lasting
High heat output with less smoke and a better flame
Ideal for stoves, chimineas, fire pits, pizza ovens, cookers and open fires
Big K Compressed Heat Logs
Compression brings the ultimate in heat. These sustainable and totally ingenious heat logs bring mind-meltingly high temperatures – sub 8% internal moisture levels thank you very much. Basically the compression process removes a bucket load of internal moisture and this means that you can enjoy a more efficient and cleaner burn as well as mega temps. Meet the ultimate in log burner fuel.
100% natural compressed heat logs
Made with no additives or binders
Contains only by-products of managed forests and recycled wood
Suitable for fireplaces and stoves, leaves little ash
Under 8% moisture level with no sparks or spitting
12 logs per pack
Big K Instant Light Logs
No fuss. No prep. Just fire in an instant. With Big K Instant Light logs, simply light he wrapper and you’re golden. Plus they are sustainably made using saw dust and wax, so you’ll be doing your bit for the planet too.
Buy 9, get 1 free
Individually wrapped instant light fire log
Made from recycled saw dust and wax
Instant light with no firelighter or kindling required, just light the wrapper
Each log burns for approximately 2 hours
Authorised for use in smoke control areas
Ideal for stoves, open fires, fire pits and bonfires
Well that was an info dump of Wikileaks-esque proportions. What we’re saying is that you should now have a super-solid foundation of knowledge when it comes to log burners. You blog. See you on the flipside!
Fill your boots
