Burning Wood and Smokeless Fuel Together | Best Method – Dawsons Fuels

Last updated: 18th February 2026

Burning wood and smokeless fuel together: How to get the best of both worlds. If you have a multi-fuel stove (or an open fire), you may be wondering: 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 picks: what to buy for a composite fire (wood + smokeless)

1) Logs for quick flame and fast warmth

2) Choose ONE smokeless heat base

Oxbow Newheat – 20 × 25kg (500kg total):View product
Glo Therm – 25 × 20kg (500kg total; easier-handling bags):View product

Not ready to commit to a 500kg pallet?

If you’re new to smokeless fuel, it’s sensible to try the method first—then stock up once you know it suits your appliance and burn pattern.

Local to us? You can try smaller quantities via Cash & Carry or our local delivery service.
Nationwide customer? Start with kiln-dried logs or heat logs/briquettes now, then add a smokeless pallet when you’re ready for longer, steadier heat.
Want us to help you choose? Use the Smokeless Fuel Buying Guide or call us on 015396 20210.

Not sure which smokeless fuel is best for your appliance? Use our guide:
Smokeless Fuel Buying Guide

Delivery information:View delivery options and details

Yes—here’s how to burn wood and smokeless fuel together safely

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.
Once the fire is established, add a small amount of smokeless fuel to create a glowing heat base.
Top with 1–2 logs for a bright flame and quick room heat, while the smokeless base delivers steady warmth for longer.

Shop as you read:
Kiln-dried logs | Heat logs & wood briquettes | Smokeless fuels

Why mix wood and smokeless fuel?

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.

Before you start: set yourself 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.

Choosing between birch, ash, oak or hornbeam? This guide makes it simple:
Birch, Ash, Oak or Hornbeam: choosing the best kiln-dried logs

Helpful wood guides:

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 your manufacturer’s instructions for permitted fuels and air settings.

Appliance suitability (quick check)

Works best:

Multi-fuel stoves with a grate + primary air control
Open fires when using a suitable smokeless fuel

Avoid:

Wood-only stoves not rated for mineral fuels
Burning fuels not permitted by the manufacturer

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 step-by-step method 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 firelighters and kindling. Add small pieces of kiln-dried wood and build a bright, stable flame. The aim is a hot ember bed before introducing smokeless fuel.

Buy this step:
Shop kiln-dried logs | Shop heat logs & briquettes

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. Allow it to catch properly and form a consistent glowing base. Add more gradually once you can see it is burning well and airflow is maintained.

Buy this step (choose one heat base):

Oxbow Newheat – 20 × 25kg: View product
Glo Therm – 25 × 20kg: View product

New to smokeless? If you’d rather trial before a pallet order, see Cash & Carry / local delivery options.

Need help choosing?Smokeless Fuel Buying Guide

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. Top up little and often rather than overloading.

Buy this step:
Shop kiln-dried logs | Shop heat logs & briquettes

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 and avoid “slumbering” too early.

Troubleshooting: common issues (and quick fixes)

“My fire gets smoky when I mix fuels”

Most common causes: wood isn’t dry enough, secondary air too low, too much smokeless too early.
Fix: use Ready to Burn wood, open secondary air slightly, add smokeless in smaller stages.

“My smokeless fuel won’t stay lit”

Most common causes: firebed wasn’t hot enough, 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 is glowing.

“My stove glass goes black quickly”

Most common causes: wet wood, slumbering 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.

Do I need a grate to burn smokeless fuel?

Yes, for best airflow. Unlike wood, smokeless fuels don’t burn well in their own ash—without a grate the fire can smother itself.

How much smokeless fuel should I add?

Start small. Add a few pieces to establish the heat base, then increase gradually once it is clearly burning well and airflow is maintained.

What type of wood should I use?

Use Ready to Burn kiln-dried logs for cleaner burning and better heat output. If you’re choosing between species, use:
Birch, Ash, Oak or Hornbeam guide