Why moisture content matters
Moisture is one of the most important factors in how your firewood burns. Wood that’s too wet creates more smoke, less heat, and more soot — all of which can clog up your appliance, harm indoor air quality, and even increase the risk of chimney fires.
That’s why the UK’s Ready to Burn scheme requires all firewood sold for domestic use to have a moisture content of under 20%. At The Logsmith, we go even further — every log we sell is ultra kiln dried to below 15% moisture for a hotter, cleaner burn.
But how can you test the moisture content of logs at home? That’s where a moisture meter comes in.
What is a moisture meter?
A moisture meter is a small handheld device that measures the amount of water inside wood. It gives you a percentage reading that tells you whether your logs are ready to burn.
Most use two metal pins that you press into the log — the device measures electrical resistance between the pins, which changes depending on how much moisture is present. The wetter the wood, the lower the resistance and the higher the reading.
What type of moisture meter should I choose?
There are two main types of meters used for firewood:
1. Pin-type meters
These have two sharp probes that you push into the wood. They’re affordable, reliable and widely available.
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Best for: Domestic users, wood stove owners, log suppliers
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Price range: Around £10–£30
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Accuracy: Usually within ±1–2%
2. Pinless (non-invasive) meters
These use electromagnetic sensors to scan the wood without puncturing it. They’re more expensive and better suited to larger logs or finished timber.
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Best for: Professionals, woodworkers, large volume checks
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Price range: £50+
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Accuracy: Similar or slightly lower than pin meters depending on wood type
For most firewood users, a basic pin-type meter is the best balance of cost and reliability.
How to use a moisture meter correctly
To get an accurate reading, follow these steps:
1. Split the log
Moisture varies between the surface and the core. For best accuracy, split a log and test the freshly exposed inner face.
2. Insert the pins firmly
Push the pins of the meter into the grain (not across it) and ensure full contact with the wood fibres.
3. Take multiple readings
Try testing 3–5 logs from different boxes or stacks. This helps spot any outliers or inconsistencies.
4. Look for readings below 20%
Firewood with moisture above 20% is not Ready to Burn. The ideal range is between 7–18%, with logs under 15% offering up to 10% more heat output than logs at 18% (HETAS & Forestry Commission).
Common mistakes to avoid
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Don’t test the outside of the log only — this dries faster than the centre
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Don’t test frozen wood — cold temperatures can skew results
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Avoid testing painted, treated or bark-covered areas
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Always check your meter’s manual and calibrate if needed
Why it matters for you
Using a moisture meter gives you confidence that your firewood is safe, clean and efficient to burn. It helps:
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Protect your stove from tar and soot
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Reduce emissions and smoke
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Ensure compliance with UK smoke control laws
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Save money by getting the most heat from every log
All firewood from The Logsmith is independently tested to meet and exceed Ready to Burn standards, with moisture content below 15% for optimal heat and performance. But if you’re storing firewood long term or sourcing logs from elsewhere, a moisture meter is a simple way to check quality before you burn.
Stay in control of your firewood
Whether you're running a stove, pizza oven or sauna, knowing your logs are properly dried is essential. A moisture meter is an easy, affordable tool that helps you stay safe, efficient, and within the law — all with a 10-second test.