If you love the comfort of a real fire but want lower smoke and a smaller environmental footprint, smokeless fuels are a smart choice. Here is a simple guide to what they are, how they work, and how they can help you enjoy warmer rooms with cleaner air.
What is a smokeless fuel?
Smokeless fuels are solid fuels that produce very little visible smoke when burned. In the UK, they are commonly used in modern stoves and open fires, and are allowed in many Smoke Control Areas when used correctly.
Manufactured solid fuels can be made from a mix of ingredients such as mineral fuel, biomass by-products and binders. To be sold legally for home use in England they must meet emissions standards and carry the Ready to Burn certification, so you know they are suitable.
Why do smokeless fuels burn “cleaner”?
There are two main reasons. First, the ingredients and pressing process create dense, uniform briquettes that burn hot and steady, which helps complete combustion and reduces smoke. Second, certified products are tested against limits for emissions and sulphur content before they can carry the Ready to Burn mark. Look for the logo on the bag to make a compliant choice.
Where can you use them?
If you live in a Smoke Control Area, you must use authorised fuels or an approved appliance that is designed to burn with very low smoke. Smokeless fuels that are certified Ready to Burn meet this need when used in the right appliance. If you are unsure whether you are in a controlled area, check your local council pages or DEFRA guidance.
Examples of smokeless fuels
Homefire Ecoal is a great example of a smokeless fuel. Ecoal is an ecofuel made with crushed olive stones, a natural by-product of olive oil production that is replenished each year without chopping down trees. Designed for open fires and multi-fuel stoves, its larger shape promotes airflow for vivid flames and plenty of heat.
Another example of a smokeless fuel is Homefire Brazier. A clean-burning, compact fuel for open fires and multi-fuel stoves, Brazier delivers a reliable heat for longer than house coal. As a great-value economy option, it is suitable for use in smoke control areas, lasts longer than standard coal and produces less smoke, leaving very little unburned residue compared with traditional coal.
Homefire Smokeless is also a highly performative smokeless fuel. It’s been the nation’s number-one choice of smokeless fuel for over 50 years, earning a reputation as the best-performing smokeless coal in our range. It burns with an attractive flame, delivers more heat than house coal, and lasts through the night so you wake to a warm, cosy room, with almost all reviewers rating it good or excellent.
Smokeless fuel vs kiln-dried logs
Smokeless fuels and kiln-dried logs can both be part of a cleaner, greener setup. Kiln-dried logs have low moisture, so they light quickly and burn hotter with less smoke than wet or unseasoned wood. Pair them with modern smokeless briquettes for long, steady heat, and use kiln-dried logs when you want a bright flame and quick cosiness. Look for the Ready to Burn mark and store fuel dry to keep emissions down and performance up.
How to get the best from smokeless fuel
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Use the right appliance. Check that your stove or fire grate is suitable for smokeless fuels and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
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Build the fire correctly. Start with kindling and firelighters, then add a few smokeless pieces. Once the base is glowing, add more fuel for a steady burn.
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Keep air flowing. Good airflow helps complete combustion and reduces smoke. Set your vents according to your appliance instructions.
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Store fuel well. Keep bags dry and off the ground in a shed, garage or indoor store so they light easily and burn cleanly.
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Look for the logo. Choose Ready to Burn certified products for confidence on quality and compliance.
Smokeless fuels make it easier to enjoy real-fire comfort while reducing smoke and supporting cleaner air. Look for the Ready to Burn mark, keep your fuel dry, and build your fire well. You will get dependable warmth, fewer refuels and a greener way to stay cosy.
