As the evenings get longer and temperatures rise, more people across Barnstaple and North Devon start spending time outdoors around fire pits, pizza ovens, chimineas and BBQs. But one question we hear regularly at Lange Firewood is:
“What are the best logs to use for outdoor fires and cooking?”
Not all firewood burns the same. The type of wood you choose affects heat output, smoke levels, flavour for cooking and how enjoyable your outdoor fire experience is.
In this guide, we explain the best firewood for:
- Fire pits
- BBQs
- Pizza ovens
- Chimineas
- Outdoor entertaining
- Sauna stoves
We’ll also answer some common questions about using seasoned logs and kiln dried firewood outdoors.
Why Choosing the Right Firewood Matters
Using poor-quality or wet logs outdoors can cause:
- Excessive smoke
- Difficulty lighting
- Low heat output
- Unpleasant smells
- More ash and sparks
- Sooty pizza ovens and BBQs
That’s why dry, properly prepared firewood logs are essential for outdoor use.
At Lange Firewood, we recommend either:
Kiln Dried Hardwood Logs
or
Well-Seasoned Hardwood Logs
Both provide cleaner burning and more reliable heat than wet or freshly cut wood.
What Are the Best Logs for Fire Pits?
For garden fire pits, the best option is usually:
Kiln Dried Hardwood
Hardwood logs burn:
-
- Hotter
- Longer
<li”>Cleaner
- With less smoke
This makes them ideal for sitting around outdoors during summer evenings.
Best Hardwood Types for Fire Pits
- Ash
- Oak
- Beech
- Birch
Kiln dried logs are especially good because their low moisture content helps them ignite quickly and maintain a steady flame.
Are Kiln Dried Logs Better for Outdoor Fires?
Yes — especially in the UK climate.
Even during summer, North Devon evenings can become damp, which affects outdoor burning. Kiln dried firewood contains around 15–20% moisture, helping it:
- Light faster
- Produce more heat
- Burn with less smoke
- Reduce sparks and soot
This is particularly important for:
- Chimineas
- Garden fire pits
- Outdoor entertaining areas
- Covered seating spaces
What Firewood Is Best for BBQs?
When cooking outdoors, hardwood logs are always the best choice.
Why Hardwood Is Better for BBQs
Hardwood burns steadily and produces high cooking temperatures without excessive smoke or resin.
Softwood should generally be avoided for cooking because it can:
- Burn too quickly
- Produce more smoke
- Create popping sparks
- Affect food flavour
Best Firewood for Pizza Ovens
Pizza ovens need:
- Very high heat
- Consistent flames
- Low smoke output
That’s why kiln dried hardwood is ideal.
Best Woods for Pizza Ovens
- Ash
- Oak
- Beech
These woods create strong, sustained heat capable of reaching the temperatures needed for authentic pizza cooking.
Many North Devon customers now use kiln dried logs specifically for outdoor pizza ovens during summer.
Can You Use Seasoned Logs in Fire Pits and BBQs?
Absolutely.
Good-quality seasoned logs are still excellent for:
- Fire pits
- Chimineas
- Outdoor stoves
- Casual BBQ use
Seasoned logs provide:
- Great value for money
- Long burn times
- Traditional wood-fire warmth
The key is ensuring the logs have dried properly for at least 12 months.
At Lange Firewood, our seasoned firewood is naturally dried and stored ready for efficient burning.
What Are the Best Logs for Saunas?
Sauna stoves require dry wood that burns consistently without creating excessive smoke.
For sauna use, kiln dried hardwood is often preferred because it:
- Produces steady heat
- Burns cleanly
- Creates less ash
- Helps maintain even temperatures
Hardwood logs also tend to last longer, reducing how often the sauna stove needs refuelling.
How to Store Firewood During Summer>
Even dry logs can absorb moisture if stored incorrectly.
Summer Firewood Storage Tips
- Keep logs off the ground
- Cover the top only
- Allow airflow around the sides
- Avoid sealed plastic coverings
- Store in a dry shed or log store if possible
Proper storage keeps your firewood ready for instant outdoor use.
Why Buy Local Firewood in North Devon?
Buying from a local firewood supplier means:
- Fresher stock
- Faster delivery
- Better quality control
- Local woodland sustainability
- Lower transport miles
At Lange Firewood, we supply seasoned and kiln dried firewood across:
- Barnstaple
- Braunton
- Fremington
- Instow
- Bideford
- South Molton
- And surrounding North Devon villages
People Also Ask
What logs produce the least smoke?
Kiln dried hardwood logs produce the least smoke because of their low moisture content.
Can I use normal firewood in a pizza oven?
Yes, but dry hardwood logs work best for cooking performance and flavour.
What wood burns the longest in a fire pit?
Dense hardwoods such as oak and ash burn the longest and produce the most heat.
Are kiln dried logs worth it for BBQs?
Yes. They light quickly, burn cleanly and help maintain stable cooking temperatures.
Order Summer Firewood in North Devon
Whether you need logs for a fire pit, pizza oven, BBQ or sauna, Lange Firewood supplies high-quality seasoned and kiln dried logs delivered throughout North Devon.
Our hardwood firewood is sustainably sourced, properly dried and ready for summer outdoor use.
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