Starting a fire may seem straightforward, but if you’ve ever struggled to get one going, you’ll know it’s not as simple as it first seems. For most, the critical component you may be missing is quality kindling firewood. So, whether you’re setting up a cosy fire as the frosts come in, firing up a wood-burning stove for a pizza party, or going back to nature and kickstarting a campfire, you’ll need kindling!
In this blog post, we will explore what it is and why it’s essential – believe us when we say it will make all the difference to your experience.
What Is Kindling?
Kindling refers to small, dry pieces of wood that catch fire quickly thanks to their size and dry nature. Essentially, it’s the intermediary between the initial spark and flame and the larger firewood that will keep your home fire burning.
Back in the hunter-gatherer days, it was typically small twigs and sticks and, whilst this is still a great option for a campfire, nowadays the majority of kindling firewood is available to buy in nets. This means that it’s dry and the perfect size – which is imperative too. Too small and it will burn out before the larger logs catch, too big and it won’t catch as easily as it should.
Why Is Kindling Essential For Starting A Fire?
- Quick Ignition: By design, kindling is created to catch fire quickly and easily. When you strike a match to kindling firewood its small surface and low moisture levels allow it to ignite quickly with little effort.
- Heat Generation: Once kindling is lit, it burns hot and fast. This intense heat is necessary to ignite the larger logs that would struggle to catch fire without kindling as they require more heat.
- Building A Stable Fire: Kindling acts as the bridge between the initial spark and the firewood. By catching fire quickly and generating enough heat, it ensures the transition from a small flame to a roaring fire that you’ll want to relax with. Without kindling, you would risk your fire dying out before it even has a chance to grow.
- Efficiency: Using kindling reduces the amount of effort and time needed to start a fire. With the right kindling, you avoid the frustration of repeatedly trying to light a larger log that just won’t catch.
Choosing The Best Kindling For Your Fire
Believe it or not, not all kindling is the same. The best kindling you can buy is dry, lightweight and free of resin or sap, which can produce excessive smoke. Some popular choices include:
- Softwoods: Pine, cedar, and spruce make excellent kindling due to their low moisture content and fast-burning nature.
- Wood Splinters: Splitting larger dry logs into smaller pieces creates great kindling, it can be time-consuming but it is a great option if you have the tools available.
- Sticks and Small Branches: A great option if you are outdoors and enjoy foraging, but as the United Kingdom often basks in glorious damp weather, you’ll want to give them some time to dry out as they will be much harder to ignite and won’t burn as efficiently.
How To Properly Use Kindling
When building your fire, kindling will be your basis. Add it to the fire in a tepee shape over a piece of newspaper or firelighter, then light away and make sure there is enough airflow around the kindling to feed the flames. Once it’s lit and burning steadily, you can gradually add your larger logs, being careful not to smother the flame.
Kindling really is the unsung hero of a successful fire. Without it, even the best and most high-quality firewood won’t burn in the way you want it. By understanding what kindling is and why it’s essential, you can make fire-starting easier, quicker, and more efficient.
Get in touch to stock up on good-quality kindling – you and your fire will thank you for it.