What is Smokeless Fuel?

Smokeless fuel is a fuel that burns efficiently with high heat output, while producing significantly less smoke and fewer harmful emissions.

Why Choose Smokeless Fuel?

• Cleaner Burning: Better for air quality and your chimney.

• High Heat Output: Often burns hotter and longer than regular coal.

• More Efficient: Provides a better long-term value.

• DEFRA-Approved: Authorised for use in all UK smoke control zones.

How This Guide Will Help

Choosing the right smokeless fuel can be tricky with so many options available. This guide compares five popular choices - Oxbow Newheat, Oxbow Excel, Burnwell Blend Plus, Oxbow Glow, and Oxbow Red - to help you make an informed decision.

Comparing Our Top 5 Smokeless Fuels

Let's dive deeper into each fuel:

Oxbow Newheat: The Powerhouse 

Pros: Exceptional heat output, very low ash, long burn time, DEFRA approved.
Cons: Premium price.
Ideal for: Those who prioritise maximum heat and minimal cleaning, especially those with stoves.

Oxbow Excel: The All-Rounder 

Pros: High heat output, very low ash, long burn time, versatile for various appliances, DEFRA approved.
Cons: Premium price.
Ideal for: Those seeking a balance of performance, convenience, and cleanliness.

Burnwell Blend Plus: The Stove Specialist 

Pros: High heat output, low ash, long burn time, designed specifically for stoves, DEFRA approved.
Cons: May burn faster than other smokeless fuels.
Ideal for: Open fires and stove owners looking for a high-performing fuel.

Glo Therm: The Value Option 

Pros: Good heat output, medium ash, decent burn time, more affordable than Excel, DEFRA approved.
Cons: Not as powerful or long-lasting as premium fuels.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious users who still want a decent smokeless fuel.

Oxbow Red: The Budget-Friendly Choice 

Pros: Affordable, decent heat output, easy to light, DEFRA approved.
Cons: Higher ash content than other options.
Ideal for: Those on a tight budget or who prefer a traditional coal-like experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing:

Appliance type: The fuel you need depends on whether you have an open fire, a multi-fuel stove, or a closed appliance. Some fuels, like Burnwell Blend Plus, are more versatile and perform well on open-fires and multi-fuel stoves. Always check the fuel is compatible with your appliance to ensure safety and efficiency.

Heat output: Consider the size of your room and how much warmth you need. Fuels like Oxbow Newheat provide exceptional heat, making them perfect for large spaces or very cold nights. For smaller rooms, a fuel with a standard 'good' heat output, like Glo Therm, might be more than enough.

Ash content: Less ash means less cleaning. A low-ash fuel (like Newheat or Excel) is more convenient and keeps your stove or fireplace cleaner for longer. Budget-friendly options may have a higher ash content, requiring more frequent emptying.

Burn time: A fuel with a long burn time is great value and saves you the effort of constantly refuelling. If you want a fire to last through the evening or even overnight, look for fuels specifically noted for their long-lasting performance.

Budget: We offer fuels for every budget. While premium fuels cost more upfront, their higher efficiency and longer burn time can offer better value in the long run. Balance your desired performance with what you are comfortable spending.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between smokeless fuel and traditional house coal? The main difference is emissions and efficiency. Smokeless fuel produces approximately 80% less smoke and 25% less CO2 than traditional house coal. It is also cleaner to handle, creates less ash, and has a higher calorific value, meaning it burns hotter and longer for every kilogram used. Crucially, it is legal to use in UK Smoke Control Areas, whereas traditional house coal is banned.

Which smokeless fuel produces the most heat? Based on calorific value (energy density), Burnwell Blend Plus and Oxbow Excel are widely considered the hottest burning smokeless fuels in our range. They can reach calorific values of over 32,000 kJ/kg, making them significantly hotter than standard kiln-dried logs or economy fuels.

Can I use smokeless fuel on an open fire? Yes, but you should choose a fuel with a larger shape to prevent it from falling through the grate. Burnwell Blend Plus and Oxbow Red are excellent choices for open fires because they are designed to catch the airflow easily. Always ensure your open fire has a grate that allows air to flow from underneath, as smokeless fuel requires bottom airflow to burn effectively.

How do I light smokeless coal? Unlike wood, smokeless coal requires a lot of air from underneath to get started. Visit our blog on How to Light Smokeless Fuel: A Masterclass for a Roaring Fire.

Is smokeless fuel better than kiln-dried logs? It depends on your goal. Smokeless fuel is better for consistent, long-lasting background heat (often burning overnight) and requires less refuelling. Kiln-dried logs provide a brighter, more aesthetic flame and heat up a room faster, but they burn down quicker. Many customers use a "multi-fuel" approach: starting the fire with logs for speed and adding smokeless coal later for longevity.

Why does my smokeless fuel smell? A slight sulphur smell is normal when first lighting the fuel, but a strong, persistent smell usually indicates poor airflow. If the smoke isn't being drawn up the chimney fast enough, fumes can leak into the room. Check that your chimney isn't blocked, your stove vents are open, and that you aren't "smothering" the fire by adding too much fuel too quickly.

How long does a 25kg bag of smokeless coal last? On average, for a standard 5kW multi-fuel stove used in the evenings, a 25kg bag should last between 5 to 7 days. High-quality fuels like Oxbow Newheat may last longer because they burn more slowly and efficiently than economy blends. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right smokeless fuel is a balance between your budget, your appliance, and your heating needs. Whether you need the maximum power of Oxbow Newheat or the budget-friendly consistency of Oxbow Red, the most important thing is to use a high-quality, DEFRA-approved fuel.

Ready to find your perfect fire? Browse our full range of DEFRA-approved smokeless fuels here.

04/12/25 - Reviewed by The Dawsons Fuels Technical Team. With over 100 years of experience fuelling the UK since 1895, our team are experts in solid fuel efficiency.