Most of us reach for a firelighter without a second thought about what is in it. But what are firelighters actually made of, and does it matter? Here is a clear guide to what goes into them, how they work, and why the natural kind is worth the switch.
What are standard firelighters made of?
The familiar white firelighter cubes you find in most supermarkets are usually made from compressed sawdust or wood pulp soaked in a petroleum product such as kerosene or paraffin. That fuel is what makes them catch so easily. The trade-off is the strong chemical smell as they light, fumes you would rather not breathe in indoors, and residue that can taint food if you use them on a BBQ or in a pizza oven.
What are natural firelighters made of?
Natural firelighters take a different approach. Ours are made from just two simple things: sustainable wood wool, which is fine, curled wood shavings, dipped in natural wax. There is no paraffin and no harsh chemicals. The wood provides plenty of surface area to catch a flame quickly, and the wax gives a steady, even burn. The result lights first time and burns cleanly, with none of the chemical odour of the petroleum kind.
How do firelighters work?
A firelighter has one job: to burn long and hot enough to get your kindling going. It needs a fuel that catches easily from a single match, and enough surface area for the flame to take hold fast.
With a natural wood wool firelighter, the loose strands catch almost instantly, and the wax keeps them burning steadily for around 8 minutes. That is ample time for the kindling stacked above it to catch and establish a proper fire, without you having to fuss or relight.
Why choose natural firelighters?
- No chemical smell: they light cleanly, so they are safe to use indoors and perfect for BBQs and pizza ovens where you do not want fumes near food.
- No paraffin: made from wood and wax rather than petroleum.
- Reliable: they catch first time and give a steady burn, so your fire gets going without a struggle.
- Versatile: ideal for log burners, open fires, wood stoves, fire pits, chimineas, BBQs and pizza ovens.
How to use them
Place two to four firelighters under a small pile of dry kindling, light them, and let the kindling catch before adding your logs. With 200 firelighters in a box and only a few needed per fire, a single box lasts a long way through the season.
Frequently asked questions
What are white firelighters made of?
Standard white firelighters are typically compressed sawdust or wood pulp soaked in a petroleum product such as kerosene or paraffin, which is what gives them their smell.
Are natural firelighters better?
For most people, yes. They light just as reliably, burn cleanly with no chemical odour, and are safe to use indoors and for cooking fires like BBQs and pizza ovens.
How long does a firelighter burn?
Our natural wood wool firelighters burn for around 8 minutes, which is enough time for kindling to catch and a fire to establish.
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