Burn Wood & Smokeless Fuel Together | Best Method – Dawsons Fuels

If you have a multi-fuel stove (or an open fire), you might be asking: Can I burn wood and smokeless fuel at the same time? Yes—when you do it correctly, you get the bright flame and fast warmth of logs with the long-lasting, steady heat of smokeless fuel.

This guide explains the proven “composite fire” method, the best fuel choices, and the airflow settings that help you burn cleaner, hotter, and with more control.

Quick answer

You can burn wood and smokeless fuel together using the “composite fire” method: light a hot fire with Ready to Burn kiln-dried logs first, then add a small amount of smokeless fuel once the fire is established to create a glowing heat base, and top with logs for a bright flame and quick room heat.

Why mix wood and smokeless fuel?

Used correctly, wood + smokeless fuel combines the strengths of both:

Wood creates quick flames and that classic “real fire” feel
Smokeless fuel provides a dense, glowing core that delivers steady heat for longer
Together, you get a fire that’s easier to maintain without constant refuelling

Shop the fuels mentioned in this guide:

Kiln-dried logs & heat logs: https://dawsonsfuels.co.uk/collections/kiln-dried-logs-and-heat-logs
Smokeless fuels: https://dawsonsfuels.co.uk/collections/smokeless-fuels

Before you start: make sure you’re set up for success

1) Only use genuinely dry wood

For the cleanest burn, use logs that are Ready to Burn (20% moisture or less). Wet or unseasoned wood wastes heat boiling off water, produces more smoke, and can increase tar/creosote risk.

Helpful guides:

What is the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme?
https://dawsonsfuels.co.uk/blogs/guides/what-is-the-woodsure-ready-to-burn-scheme
What is wet wood? The hidden dangers of unseasoned logs
https://dawsonsfuels.co.uk/blogs/guides/what-is-wet-wood-the-hidden-dangers-of-unseasoned-logs
How to store kiln-dried firewood properly
https://dawsonsfuels.co.uk/blogs/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-storing-kiln-dried-firewood

2) Check your appliance is suitable

Smokeless fuel should be burned in appliances designed for it (typically multi-fuel stoves with a grate). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for permitted fuels and air settings.

3) If you live in a smoke control area

Rules can differ depending on appliance and fuel type. If you’re unsure, check local guidance and ensure you’re using a suitable appliance and fuel.

The correct technique: building a “composite fire”

The key is airflow:

Wood tends to burn best with air from above (secondary / airwash)
Smokeless fuel tends to burn best with air from below (primary air through the grate)

If you add smokeless fuel too early—or smother the firebed—you can restrict oxygen and end up with a smoky, sluggish burn. Use the steps below instead.

Step-by-step: the composite fire method

Step 1: Start with kiln-dried logs (or heat logs)

Light your fire as normal using kindling and firelighters. Add small pieces of kiln-dried wood and build a bright, stable flame. You want a hot ember bed before introducing smokeless fuel.

A reliable “easy start” option is heat logs (wood briquettes), which ignite quickly and burn consistently:

Hotmax Heat Logs: https://dawsonsfuels.co.uk/collections/kiln-dried-logs-and-heat-logs/products/1-2-x-pallet-of-hotmax-heat-logs

If you want to compare logs vs briquettes, this guide helps:

Heat Logs / Wood Briquettes: benefits, best uses, and which to choose
https://dawsonsfuels.co.uk/blogs/guides/heat-logs-wood-briquettes-benefits-best-uses-and-which-to-choose

Step 2: Add smokeless fuel once the fire is established

Once your logs are burning strongly and the firebed is hot, add a small amount of smokeless fuel (a few ovoids/briquettes). Allow it to catch properly and form a consistent glowing base.

Shop smokeless fuels here:

https://dawsonsfuels.co.uk/collections/smokeless-fuels

If you’re still learning how to get smokeless fuel going quickly, read:

How to Light Smokeless Fuel: A Masterclass for a Roaring Fire
https://dawsonsfuels.co.uk/blogs/guides/how-to-light-smokeless-fuel-a-masterclass-for-a-roaring-fire

Step 3: Top with logs for flame and fast warmth

Once the smokeless fuel is glowing, add 1–2 kiln-dried logs on top. The smokeless fuel becomes your “engine” (steady heat), while the logs give you that lively flame picture.

Air controls: a simple approach that works in most cases

Most multi-fuel stoves have:

Primary air (bottom / grate air)
Secondary air / airwash (top air for flames and cleaner glass)

A good baseline approach:

During lighting: primary + secondary open
When smokeless fuel is fully lit and glowing: reduce primary slightly so it doesn’t burn too fast
Keep enough secondary air to maintain clean flames (and reduce blackened glass)

Every stove and chimney draw is different, so adjust gradually.

Common issues (and quick fixes)

“My fire gets smoky when I mix fuels”

Most common causes:

Wood isn’t dry enough
Secondary air is too low
Too much smokeless fuel added too early

Fix:
Use Ready to Burn wood, open secondary air a little more, and add smokeless fuel in smaller stages.

“My smokeless fuel won’t stay lit”

Most common causes:

Firebed wasn’t hot enough before adding smokeless fuel
Not enough primary air through the grate

Fix:
Build a stronger ember base with dry logs/heat logs first, then open primary air briefly until the smokeless fuel is glowing.

“My stove glass goes black quickly”

Most common causes:

Wet wood
Slumbering the stove too early with low air settings

Fix:
Use dry wood and keep sufficient secondary air for clean flames.

FAQs

Can I do this on an open fire?

Yes. Smokeless fuel can form a long-lasting hot base, while logs on top provide flame and ambience. Always burn safely and follow local rules.

What type of wood should I use?

Use Ready to Burn kiln-dried logs for cleaner burning and better heat output.
https://dawsonsfuels.co.uk/blogs/guides/what-is-the-woodsure-ready-to-burn-scheme

How much smokeless fuel should I add?

Start small. A few ovoids/briquettes is usually enough to establish the heat base. Add more gradually once you can see it’s burning well and airflow is maintained.