Best Firewood UK: Kiln-Dried Logs and Wood Briquettes (2026)

The best firewood in the UK is not one product but two: kiln-dried logs for a traditional, lively flame, and compressed wood briquettes or heat logs for dense, long, low-smoke heat. Both beat cheap “seasoned” logs that are still too wet to burn cleanly. This guide compares the main options, names the brands worth your money, and explains the one label that matters more than any other when you buy small quantities: Ready to Burn. Prices change constantly, so we do not quote figures; check the current price before you buy.

First, the rule that governs what you can buy

Since the Ready to Burn rules came in, firewood sold in the UK in volumes under 2 cubic metres must be certified with a moisture content of 20% or less (see the gov.uk guidance on solid fuels). That is the single most important thing on the bag. Wet wood is the biggest cause of poor burns, tar build-up and a smoky, inefficient fire. Any reputable brand below will carry the Ready to Burn logo. If a listing does not, walk away. Our guide to the Ready to Burn firewood rules explains the law in full, and what moisture firewood should be covers why 20% is the line.

Kiln-dried logs vs briquettes: which is best for you

• Kiln-dried logs give the crackle, movement and look of a traditional wood fire. They light easily and are ideal for shorter evening fires and for the visual appeal of an open flame.
• Wood briquettes and heat logs are compressed sawdust with no added binders. They are denser and drier than logs, so they release more heat, produce far less smoke, and burn longer. Night briquettes are designed to hold a fire overnight.

Most wood-burner owners end up using both: logs to get going and for a bright fire, briquettes for sustained heat and overnight burns. For a full breakdown, see our comparison of kiln-dried logs vs briquettes.

Best kiln-dried logs

Lekto kiln-dried logs

Lekto is one of the most widely available online wood-fuel brands in the UK, with kiln-dried oak, birch and ash and a very strong independent review record. The logs are Ready to Burn certified and sold in manageable boxes as well as larger quantities, which makes them a practical choice if you do not have space for a bulk load. Check price on Amazon UK.

Homefire kiln-dried hardwood

Homefire’s kiln-dried hardwood is a well-known, consistent option, sold in bulk bags in several sizes for people who get through a lot of wood over a season. A good pick when you want a large, dependable supply from an established name. Check current price.

Certainly Wood

Certainly Wood is one of the largest dedicated kiln-dried log producers in the UK and helped pioneer the Ready to Burn standard. If you want a specialist firewood producer rather than a general fuel brand, it is a strong choice. Check current price.

Best wood briquettes and heat logs

Lekto Hardwood Heat Logs

Lekto’s Hardwood Heat Logs are a hot-burning compressed log popular for their heat output and clean burn. A good all-round briquette for daytime heat. Check price on Amazon UK.

Lekto Night Briquettes

The night briquette category exists to keep a fire in overnight, and Lekto’s are the best known, designed for a slow, long burn of up to around eight hours when damped down correctly. Ideal for keeping a stove ticking over through the night. Check price on Amazon UK. Our full Lekto Night Briquettes review puts the burn-time claim to the test.

Ecoblaze RUF blocks

Ecoblaze RUF blocks are neat, brick-shaped compressed sawdust briquettes that are easy to stack and store and give a steady, hot burn. A dependable value option for regular heat. Check current price.

How to choose and store

• Buy Ready to Burn certified fuel every time for quantities under 2m³.
• Match the fuel to the job: logs for a bright evening fire, briquettes for heat and overnight burns.
• Store it dry and airy. Even kiln-dried logs will reabsorb moisture if left damp; keep them off the ground and under cover.
• Check moisture yourself if in doubt, with a meter, aiming below 20%. See how to use a moisture meter.
• Do not overload the stove. Briquettes are dense and can over-fire a small stove if you pack it, so build up gradually.

The verdict

For most UK wood-burner owners, the best approach is kiln-dried logs plus a supply of briquettes: Lekto covers both well and is easy to buy online, Homefire and Certainly Wood are strong for bulk logs, and Ecoblaze RUF blocks are a solid value briquette. Whatever you choose, the Ready to Burn logo and dry storage matter more than the brand on the bag.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best firewood to buy in the UK? There are two winners: kiln-dried hardwood logs for a traditional flame, and compressed wood briquettes or heat logs for dense, long-lasting, low-smoke heat. Most owners use both. Whatever you buy, make sure it is Ready to Burn certified.

Are wood briquettes better than logs? They are denser and drier, so they give out more heat, less smoke and a longer burn, and night briquettes can hold a fire overnight. Logs give a livelier, more traditional flame. Many people use logs to start and brighten a fire and briquettes for sustained heat.

What does Ready to Burn mean? It is a UK certification showing the fuel has a moisture content of 20% or less. Firewood sold in volumes under 2 cubic metres must be certified. It is the best guarantee that wood will burn cleanly and efficiently.

Which wood briquettes burn the longest? Night briquettes are designed for the longest burn, up to around eight hours when the stove is damped down correctly. Standard heat logs burn hot but for a shorter time, making them better for daytime heat.

Can I burn briquettes in any wood burner? Yes, in any wood-burning stove, but do not overfill. Briquettes are very dense and can over-fire a small stove, so add them gradually rather than packing the firebox.

Is kiln-dried wood worth the extra cost? Yes. Kiln-dried logs are reliably below 20% moisture, so they light easily, burn hotter and cleaner, and cause less tar build-up than cheaper “seasoned” wood that is often still too wet.