Traditional vs. Top Down Method
Lighting a fire might seem simple, but the method you choose can make all the difference when it comes to how well it burns. It may surprise you, but many people do not know how to properly light a fire and it’s a question we are often asked.
Two of the most common methods are the traditional way and the increasingly popular top-down method.
The Traditional Firelighting Method
This is the method most people are familiar with:
- Place your firelighter at the bottom of the stove or in your grate
- Add kindling in a cross-cross Jenga tower or in a teepee shape.
- Place one or two small kiln dried logs on top
- Light the base and let the flames rise through the kindling and wood.
- Add more logs as the fire builds
The Top-Down Method
This method reverses the process:
- Place two or three larger kiln dried logs at the base of your stove
- Add a layer of kindling on top of the logs
- Put your firelighter at the very top
- Light your firelighter and let the flame burn downwards
This method is becoming increasingly more popular as it proves a cleaner and more efficient way to go, with less smoke and fewer adjustments needed.
Why the Top-Down Method is Ideal for Ecodesign Stoves
Modern Ecodesign stoves are designed to burn fuel as cleanly and efficiently as possible and the top-down method helps them perform at their best. By placing the kindling and firelighters above the logs, the fire burns downwards, drawing air through the stove in a steady, controlled
Why firelighting method should you use?
Both methods work, but many stove owners find the top-down approach delivers a more reliable, efficient burn with less smoke. Whichever you choose, always use quality fuel and firelighting accessories, such as kiln dried logs, kindling and natural firelighters
Lighting a fire with Heat Logs or Briquettes
If you are using heat logs or briquettes instead of traditional kiln dried logs, there are a few small tweaks to make when it comes to your firelighting process:
- Use less kindling - Heat logs and briquettes are made from compressed wood with very low moisture, so they catch more easily. You can often use fewer firelighters and less kindling compared to a regular log.
- Break them down - larger briquettes or heat logs can be split by hand or tapped with a poker before lighting. This helps them catch more quickly and give you more control over the fire.
- Stack carefully - ensure small gaps between pieces so air can circulate. This is particularly effective with the top-down method, where briquettes ignite cleanly from the top layer down.
- Burn steadily - Heat logs produce a consistent burn, so you may find you need to reload less often.
Tip: Avoid overloading your stove - briquettes burn hot, start with a small amount and add more gradually as needed.
Whether you choose the traditional firelighting method or prefer the efficiency of the top-down method, the key to a successful fire comes down to the right fuel and technique. Using kiln dried logs or briquettes will ensure your stove lights quickly, burns cleanly and provides a consistent heat output.
At Calido, we supply everything you need to get the most from your stove - from kiln dried logs and briquettes, to natural firelgihters and kindling. With the right combination of method and fuel, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a perfectly lit fire every time.
About the author: John Farrell is a qualified forester with over 10 years of experience in sustainable timber and firewood production. He founded Calido Logs to bring premium quality firewood directly to homes across the UK.
