Seasoned vs kiln-dried logs: what to burn

The biggest factor in how well your stove burns isn’t the stove — it’s the wood. Wet wood wastes energy boiling off moisture instead of heating your room, and it coats your glass and flue in soot.

Aim for under 20% moisture

Both properly seasoned and kiln-dried logs can get you there. Seasoned wood has been air-dried for a year or two; kiln-dried wood is dried quickly in a kiln and is reliably low in moisture straight away, usually at a higher price.

• Look for logs at 20% moisture content or below
• A cheap moisture meter tells you in seconds
• Store logs off the ground, covered on top but open at the sides

Burn dry wood and you’ll get more heat, cleaner glass, and far less to sweep out of the chimney later.