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Which wood burns best? Tips for the optimal choice of firewood


Brennender Kaminofen vor Herbst Kulisse

A crackling fire not only creates a cozy atmosphere, but also provides pleasant warmth within your own four walls. But it's not just the aesthetics that count – choosing the right firewood has a decisive influence on heat output, combustion quality and the environment. In this blog post, you will find out which wood is best suited for burning in wood-burning stoves and which wood you should not burn. We also explain how important the degree of dryness of the wood is.


 

The best firewood for fireplaces and stoves

When it comes to the ideal wood for stoves, beech is at the top of the list. This type of wood is considered the best firewood for several reasons


  • High heat output: Beech has a high calorific value and gives off a lot of heat, making it the ideal choice for cold winter evenings.

  • Long burning time: The wood burns evenly and for a long time, which ensures a lasting and pleasant warmth.

  • Minimal flying sparks: Beech produces few sparks and soot, which ensures clean combustion in your fireplace.

  • Good availability: Beech is readily available in many regions, making it a practical choice.

  • Flame pattern: Beech creates a particularly appealing flame pattern. The even combustion ensures a lively, flickering flame that creates a cozy atmosphere.



Gelbe Blätter der Buche


Alternatives to beech

Although beech is the best choice, there are also some alternatives that are well suited for burning:

  • Oak: Similar to beech, oak has a high calorific value but requires a longer drying time before it burns efficiently.

  • Birch: It burns quickly and generates a lot of heat, but is better suited for rapid fire ignition.

  • Maple: Maple wood also has a good heat output, but is less common than beech or oak.



Types of wood that you should not use for burning

Some types of wood are less suitable for combustion as they contain high amounts of resins or have a low calorific value:


  • Softwoods (e.g. spruce, fir): In principle, softwoods are also suitable as firewood because they release a lot of heat. As the name indicates, they are softer than hardwoods and usually contain a lot of resin, which can lead to increased soot and pollutant emissions. We therefore advise you to use softwood only in exceptional cases and for kindling.

  • Freshly felled wood: This wood has a high water content and burns poorly. It is important to use wood that has been dried for about two years.

  • Plastic-treated wood: This should never be burned due to the harmful emissions and environmental impact.




What does dry wood actually mean?

Drying the wood is crucial for efficient combustion. Wet wood (with a water content of over 20 %) burns poorly, produces a lot of smoke and increases soot deposits in the chimney. Dry wood, on the other hand, ensures clean and efficient combustion. Here are some important tips for drying wood:

Brennholz gestapelt



  • Storage: Store your wood in a dry, well-ventilated place to promote drying. Ideally, the wood should be stored in a dry place for at least 2 to 3 years before it is burned.

  • Kiln-dried wood: A practical alternative is to buy kiln-dried wood. This wood has a low water content (less than 20 %) and is ready for immediate use.






Conclusion: Optimal firewood for cozy hours


Choosing the right firewood is crucial for the quality of the fire in your fireplace or stove. Beech is the best choice, followed by oak, birch and maple. Use softwoods in exceptional cases and avoid using wet wood to ensure a clean burn. Make sure you store your wood properly and use kiln-dried wood if necessary.


With these tips, you are well equipped to light a warming and comforting fire in the cooler months. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere that only a real wood fire can provide!










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