Heat logs—also called wood briquettes—are compressed, manufactured wood fuels designed to burn consistently, efficiently and cleanly when kept dry. If you want predictable heat, easy storage, and a fuel that works brilliantly in wood burners, multi-fuel stoves, chimineas and many open fires, heat logs are a smart alternative (or companion) to kiln dried logs.
Browse all options in one place: Shop heat logs & wood briquettes
What are heat logs?
Heat logs are made by compressing dry wood material (often sawdust/wood fibre) into dense briquettes. Because the moisture is tightly controlled and the shape is uniform, you typically get:
- Reliable burn behaviour (less variation from log to log)
- High heat output for the space they take up
- Simple stacking and storage (so long as they stay dry)
Tip: briquettes can burn very hot in controlled stoves, so start with one at a time until you learn how your appliance responds.
Heat logs vs kiln dried logs: what’s the difference?
Both can be excellent fuels. The best choice depends on what you value most: flame aesthetics, convenience, consistency, or controllable heat.
| Feature | Heat logs (briquettes) | Kiln dried logs |
|---|---|---|
| Burn consistency | Very consistent (uniform size/density) | More natural variation |
| Storage | Compact, stackable, must stay very dry | Bulkier, still needs dry storage |
| Ease of lighting | Often quick to light | Easy when properly kiln dried |
| Best for | “Set-and-forget” heat, regular users | Traditional flame and log-burn experience |
See our full wood fuel range: Shop heat logs & wood briquettes
Prefer a traditional flame? Shop kiln-dried logs
Key benefits of heat logs
1) Consistent heat with predictable burn times
Because briquettes are manufactured to consistent dimensions and moisture levels, many customers prefer them for steady room heat—particularly in stoves where airflow can be controlled.
2) Cleaner, lower-ash options are available
Different briquettes have different ash outputs. For example:
- Oak Pini-Kay lists low moisture (<5%) and low ash (varies by pack format).
- Hotmax lists moisture ≤7% and ash content 3%.
3) Compact to store (with an important rule)
Heat logs are space-efficient—but only if they’re stored correctly. Moisture ruins briquettes quickly, so airtight/covered storage matters (see storage section below).
How to use heat logs effectively (without overheating your stove)
General best practice:
- Start with a small, hot base (kindling + a small amount of dry fuel).
- Add 1 briquette at a time until you understand how your appliance responds.
- Avoid overloading—briquettes can burn very hot in controlled stoves.
Open fires:
Use heat logs more sparingly. Open fires have less controllable airflow, so briquettes may burn faster and hotter than expected.
How to store heat logs properly
Heat logs must be kept 100% dry:
- Store in a dry shed, garage, log store with a waterproof cover, or indoors.
- Keep off the ground (pallet, shelf, or battens).
- Reseal open packs when possible.
Hotmax specifically notes that any exposure to moisture can ruin the logs.
Which heat logs should I choose?
Below are three high-performance options available at Dawsons Fuels, each suited to slightly different use cases.
Hotmax Heat Logs (high heat, very low moisture)
Made in the UK from recycled softwood dust with no additives, and described as an approved HETAS fuel.
Best for: stove owners who want fast, powerful heat and compact storage.
Shop Hotmax:
Oak Pini-Kay Heat Logs (dense hardwood briquettes, ideal for open fires)
Pini-Kay briquettes are noted as not expanding while burning, which can make them a strong choice for open fires (reduced risk of briquettes rolling forward).
Best for: customers who want a dense briquette and a format that suits open fires and stoves.
Shop Oak Pini-Kay:
Woodlets Briquettes (Ready to Burn certified, strong all-rounder)
Woodlets briquettes are described as:
- Certified Ready to Burn
- Moisture ≤10%
- Approx. 4.8 kWh/kg heat output
- May expand by ~30% when burning (so don’t overfill)
Shop Woodlets:
Ready to Burn and what it means for your fire
When you see Ready to Burn, it indicates wood fuel that is certified to meet moisture and quality requirements for cleaner, more efficient combustion. Want the full explanation? Read: Ready to Burn explained
Delivery and ordering
Delivery details: Delivery information
Frequently asked questions
Are heat logs better than kiln dried logs?
They’re different. Heat logs excel at consistency, compact storage and predictable performance. Kiln dried logs are great for the traditional log-burn experience and flame aesthetics.
Can I burn heat logs on an open fire?
Many customers do, but use them sparingly — open fires have less controllable airflow and briquettes can burn hotter than expected. Dense formats like Pini-Kay can be a sensible choice for open fires because they tend to hold their shape well as they burn.
Do heat logs need to be kept dry?
Yes — absolutely. Moisture can ruin briquettes and seriously reduce performance. Keep packs sealed where possible and store them somewhere completely dry. If you’re buying Hotmax, be especially careful — exposure to moisture can spoil the logs.
How many heat logs should I add?
Start with one at a time until you learn how your stove responds — especially with higher-heat briquettes.
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