Can You Burn Wood and Smokeless Fuel Together?

Last updated: 20th March 2026

Can you burn wood and smokeless fuel together? Yes — if you have a suitable multi-fuel stove (or open fire) and do it in the right order. Start with Ready to Burn kiln-dried logs to build a hot fire, add a small amount of smokeless fuel to form a glowing heat base, then top with logs for flame and quick room warmth.

This gives you the bright flame and fast warmth of wood, with the longer-lasting, steadier heat of smokeless fuel beneath it. In this guide we explain the safest method, the best fuel types to use, and the airflow settings that help the fire burn cleaner and with more control.

Quick picks: what to buy for wood + smokeless burning

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 are new to smokeless fuel, it is 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 are ready for longer, steadier heat.
Want help choosing? Use the Smokeless Fuel Buying Guide or call us on 015396 20210.

Delivery information: View delivery options and details

Can you burn wood and smokeless fuel together safely?

Yes — you can burn wood and smokeless fuel together using the right method. The key is to light the wood first, get a strong hot fire going, then add a small amount of smokeless fuel to create a steady glowing base.

We call this a composite fire: a bright wood flame on top of a smokeless heat base. Done properly, it gives you faster room heat from the logs and longer-lasting warmth from the smokeless fuel.

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 bright flame and quick room heat, while the smokeless base delivers steadier warmth for longer.

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

Why mix wood and smokeless fuel?

Wood gives 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 is easier to manage without constant refuelling.

Before you start

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 and creosote risk.

Choosing between birch, ash, oak or hornbeam?
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 and 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 are unsure, check local guidance and make sure you are using a suitable appliance and fuel.

Step-by-step: the composite fire method

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 method below instead.

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. Let it 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 fuel? If you would rather trial the method before a pallet order, see Cash & Carry and 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” for steady heat, while the logs give you the 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 and secondary open
When smokeless fuel is fully lit and glowing: reduce primary slightly so it does not 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 is not dry enough, secondary air is too low, or too much smokeless fuel was added too early.
Fix: use Ready to Burn wood, open secondary air slightly, and add smokeless fuel in smaller stages.

My smokeless fuel will not stay lit

Most common causes: the firebed was not hot enough, or there is not enough primary air through the grate.
Fix: build a stronger ember base with dry logs or 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 or slumbering too early with very low air settings.
Fix: use dry wood and keep enough secondary air for clean flames.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — if you have a suitable multi-fuel stove or open fire and you build the fire in the right order: wood first, then a small smokeless heat base, then logs on top for flame.

Can you burn smokeless coal and wood together in a multi-fuel stove?

Yes — that is exactly what many multi-fuel stoves are designed for, provided the appliance is rated for smokeless fuel and you use the correct airflow settings.

Can you burn wood and coal together on an open fire?

Yes — on a suitable open fire, smokeless fuel can provide a long-lasting heat base while logs on top add flame and quick warmth. Always burn safely and follow local rules.

Do I need a grate to burn smokeless fuel?

Yes — for best airflow. Unlike wood, smokeless fuels do not burn well buried in their own ash, so a grate helps keep the fire alive and efficient.

What order should I add wood and smokeless fuel?

Start with kiln-dried logs to build a hot ember base. Add a small amount of smokeless fuel once the fire is established, then top with 1–2 logs for flame and quick room heat.

What type of wood should I use?

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