There is nothing quite like the glow of a real fire on a cold evening. However, if you are used to burning traditional house coal or wood, making the switch to smokeless coal or ovals can sometimes feel like a challenge.

Smokeless fuel - like manufactured ovals - is denser than wood. This means it packs an incredible amount of heat and burns for much longer, but it also requires a little more patience to get started.

At Dawsons Fuels, we want you to get the most out of your purchase. Here is our step-by-step guide to lighting smokeless fuel successfully every single time.

Why is Smokeless Fuel Different?

Before you strike the match, it helps to understand the science. Because smokeless fuel is so dense, it requires a higher temperature to "catch" than a standard log. You cannot simply hold a match to a smokeless oval and expect it to burn.

To get a roaring fire, you need to build a hot bed of embers first. The secret ingredient? Airflow.

What You Will Need

Don't start until you have your toolkit ready. To light the perfect fire, you need:

• High-quality Smokeless Fuel: (like our premium ovals here).

• Dry Kindling: Sticks must be dry (seasoned) to create the initial heat.

• Firelighters: Natural or petroleum-based cubes here.

• Matches or a Lighter.

• A clean grate.

Step-by-Step: Lighting Your Fire

1. Clear the Grate

Smokeless fuel requires oxygen to burn, and unlike wood (which likes air from above), coal and smokeless fuels generally prefer air from below.

• Task: Empty your ash pan and clear the grate. If the grate is clogged with old ash, air cannot circulate, and your fire will suffocate before it starts.

2. Set the Air Vents

• For Multi-Fuel Stoves: Open the bottom air vent (primary air) fully. This feeds the fire from underneath. You can also leave the door slightly ajar for the first few minutes to maximise the draught.

• For Open Fires: Ensure the damper is fully open.

3. Build Your Base

Place two or three firelighters on the bed of the grate. Avoid using paper if possible, as it creates excess ash which can block the airflow you just cleared!

4. The "Jenga" Method

Build a tower of kindling around and over the firelighters.

• Use about 6–8 sticks.

• Stack them in a crisscross pattern (like a Jenga tower) or a teepee shape.

• Crucial: Leave gaps between the sticks so the flames can breathe.

5. Light it Up

Light the firelighters. Wait for the kindling to catch fire vigorously. You want the wood to be burning well and starting to turn into glowing embers. This usually takes about 5–10 minutes.

6. Introduce the Fuel

This is where most people go wrong. Do not dump a bucket of fuel onto the flames immediately. This will smother the fire and cool it down instantly.

• The trick: Gently place a single layer of smokeless coals over the burning kindling.

• Wait for these coals to glow red.

• Once the first layer is glowing, you can add more fuel to fill the grate or stove box.

Top Tips for Success

• Don't Poke it Too Early: Smokeless fuel works best when left to settle. Poking it constantly breaks the structure and lowers the temperature.

• Refueling: When you add new fuel, open the air vents fully for a few minutes to help the new fuel catch, then turn them down to your desired temperature.

• The "Bottom Up" Rule: Remember, wood burns best on a flat bed of ash with air from the top. Smokeless fuel burns best on a clean grate with air from the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my smokeless fuel keep going out? This is almost always due to a lack of airflow from below. Ensure your ash pan is empty and the bottom vents are fully open. Unlike wood, smokeless coal needs air to pass through the grate to stay lit.

Can I burn wood and smokeless fuel together? Yes, you can. This is often called a "sandwich." Start with a base of smokeless fuel, and once it is glowing, add a log on top. The dense heat from the coals helps the wood burn efficiently.

How long does smokeless fuel take to light? It typically takes 15–20 minutes to establish a good temperature. While it is slower to start than house coal, it lasts significantly longer (often 4–6 hours more) once established.

Why Choose Smokeless Fuel?

It might take five extra minutes to light, but the rewards are worth it. Smokeless fuel from Dawsons Fuels offers:

1. Higher Heat Output: Keeps your home warmer for longer.

2. Longer Burn Time: Fewer trips to the coal bunker.

3. Cleaner Air: Releases significantly fewer particulates than traditional house coal.

Ready to stock up? Shop Our Smokeless Fuel Range Here and get ready for a cosy winter.