All fuel is not equal and there a few key things to look for when selecting good quality wood or solid fuel. If you pick the right fuel you can benefit from a stove that will burn better, last longer and won't become a sooty mess. 

Wood

It can often be tempting to throw some old wood from the garden on to the fire, but unseasoned wood can lead to a reduction in your stove's performance and even blackening of the glass.

The wood should have a moisture content of 20% or less and though you may not have a device to measure moisture to hand there are a few things to look out for. On a well seasoned log the bark will be beginning to lift and peel away and there should be deep cracks radiating out from the centre.

The logs should feel lighter than freshly cut wood and should sound hollow if you knock them together. If you notice fungus, moss, visible moisture or the logs are damp to the touch they have not been seasoned long enough.   

Solid fuel

Look for solid fuels which are approved for use with closed appliances and those carrying the Hetas logo. 

Hetas approved solid fuel

Hetas approved solid mineral fuels have been tested on behalf of the producer to ensure good performance. 

If an unsuitable fuel is chosen, the fire may be difficult to get going and burn badly with little flame showing. It can also dirty the firebricks and permanently blacken and stain the stove glass.