Time to move on from house coal
For years, house coal was a popular fuel for open fires and stoves — but times have changed. Coal is one of the dirtiest fossil fuels available, producing high levels of smoke, carbon emissions, and harmful particulates. That’s why traditional house coal has now been phased out for domestic use in England under the UK Clean Air Strategy, with similar restrictions in Wales and Scotland.
If you're still using coal or looking for a better alternative, fire logs and wood briquettes are two of the cleanest, most effective options available today.
Why coal is no longer allowed
The UK government banned the sale of traditional house coal for domestic burning in May 2021, following guidance from the Environment Bill and Defra’s Clean Air Strategy. The reasons are clear:
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High levels of PM2.5 particulates, harmful to health
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Produces significant carbon dioxide and sulphur
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Leaves behind sooty residues and heavy ash
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Non-renewable and linked to carbon-heavy extraction methods
Smokeless coal alternatives do exist — but many still rely on fossil-derived fuel blends and don’t offer the sustainability or air quality benefits of wood-based fuels.
Why briquettes are a clean alternative
Briquettes are made by compressing sawdust, wood chips, or other biomass by-products — often waste material from sawmills — into dense, uniform blocks. They're 100% natural, chemical-free, and offer a much cleaner burn than coal.
Here’s why they outperform house coal:
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Low moisture content: Typically under 10%, which means higher heat and less smoke
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High energy output: Around 4,800–5,100 kWh per tonne, similar to or better than hardwood logs
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Virtually no sulphur or toxins: Just clean, sustainable heat
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Minimal ash and mess: Easier to clean and safer for stoves
Many briquettes — including those we sell at The Logsmith — are certified Ready to Burn, meeting legal standards for moisture and air quality.
Why fire logs are better too
Fire logs, especially ultra kiln dried hardwood like our oak, ash or birch, are another excellent choice. They:
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Burn with a steady, efficient flame
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Have moisture content below 15%, making them ideal for modern stoves
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Are carbon neutral when sourced sustainably
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Can reduce wood consumption by up to 10–15% compared to standard logs
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Produce fewer pollutants and meet DEFRA and EcoDesign requirements
Plus, you can use them in a wide range of appliances — from log burners and fireplaces to hot tubs and pizza ovens.
Make the switch — easily
If you're switching from coal, fire logs and briquettes can be used in most appliances that previously took coal — just check with the manufacturer or a qualified installer. They’re safe for use in:
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DEFRA approved stoves
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Open fires
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Multi-fuel burners
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Outdoor fireplaces and chimineas
For extra ease, use our natural firestarters and kindling to get a clean, fast light without chemical fumes or paraffin blocks.
Better for you, your appliance and the environment
Making the move to wood-based fuels isn't just about following new laws — it’s about:
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Cleaner indoor and outdoor air
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Healthier lungs and fewer pollutants
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Longer-lasting stoves and less maintenance
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A smaller carbon footprint
At The Logsmith, we only supply fuels that meet the highest performance and sustainability standards. Our briquettes and hardwood logs are ultra kiln dried, plastic-free packaged, and certified Ready to Burn.