Have you ever considered the type of firewood you use for your fireplace or grill? The quality of your firewood can significantly impact your fire experience, whether it’s the ease of lighting the fire, the longevity and intensity of the burn, or even the aroma produced. Enter kiln-dried firewood, a premium firewood option that guarantees an optimal burn experience for any occasion.

In this illuminating journey, we will explore the advantages of kiln-dried firewood, the process behind its creation, its various types and uses, and even tips on how to properly store and handle it. Plus, we’ll guide you on where to find the best kiln-dried firewood on the market. Get ready to experience the best burn!

Key Takeaways

• Kiln-dried firewood offers optimal moisture content (below 20%), easy ignition, efficient combustion, and is free from bugs and mold, making it a superior choice for a clean and safe burn compared to air-dried wood.
• Various types of kiln-dried firewood, such as oak, hickory, and cherry, are ideal for different uses like indoor heating, grilling, and smoking, each contributing unique flavors and burning properties suited for specific purposes.
• Proper storage and handling of kiln-dried firewood, including stacking, organizing, and choosing indoor or outdoor storage, significantly affect its longevity and performance. Local and online sources offer various options for purchasing kiln-dried firewood, with delivery options ranging from local suppliers to nationwide shipping.

Why Choose Kiln Dried Firewood

When speaking of quality firewood, kiln-dried firewood is undeniably the gold standard. It undergoes a careful drying process in a high-temperature oven, resulting in optimal moisture content that allows for easy ignition and efficient combustion. Moreover, this drying process ensures that the wood is free from bugs and mold, guaranteeing clean and safe firewood for use.

The end result? Exceptional quality firewood that provides a more efficient, cleaner, and longer-lasting burn compared to green or ‘seasoned’ firewood, truly making it the best firewood option.

Optimal Moisture Content

The ideal moisture content for firewood is below 20%, and that’s precisely what kiln drying achieves. Users who value great service favor this optimal moisture content, as it results in less smoke when burning and facilitates convenient ignition.

Additionally, kiln-dried firewood minimizes the need for frequent relighting, a common issue associated with air-dried wood, thus making it a better choice for indoor use. In contrast, air-dried wood typically contains more moisture, leading to increased sizzling and reduced heat output during burning.

Every burn with kiln-dried firewood guarantees efficiency and cleanliness.

Bug, Disease and Mold-Free

The high temperatures employed in the kiln drying process serve a dual purpose. They not only ensure optimal moisture content but also eliminate any existing bugs, diseases and mold in the wood. This cleanliness extends to even the smallest details, with the process efficiently eliminating mold spores, insects, and various other potentially harmful contaminants that can be inside of the wood before the drying process.

Being bug and mold-free, this wood offers a clean-burning advantage, presenting itself as a safer and cleaner alternative to air-dried wood, especially for fire pit use & indoor fireplaces. This is yet another reason why kiln-dried firewood is superior to its air-dried counterpart.

Efficient and Long-Lasting Burn

Kiln-dried firewood, also known as kiln dried wood, is designed to provide an efficient and long-lasting burn. Its ability to burn hotter and longer, and its uniformly cut size for consistent performance, contributes to a superior fire experience.

The secret behind this efficiency lies in the moisture content of the wood. Logs with high moisture content burn less efficiently due to the water boiling off. However, kiln drying effectively reduces the wood’s moisture content, leading to longer burning time.

Therefore, kiln-dried firewood offers not only easy ignition but also a longer burn duration.

Types of Kiln Dried Firewood for Different Purposes

Having established the superiority of kiln-dried firewood, we can now explore its various types and their ideal applications. Just as a chef chooses the right ingredients for a meal, knowing the right type of firewood for your specific purpose can greatly enhance your fire experience. Here are some types of kiln-dried firewood and their ideal applications:

• Oak: Ideal for indoor fireplaces
• Hickory: Great for smoking and grilling
• Maple: Provides a sweet aroma and is good for cooking
• Cherry: Adds a mild, fruity flavor to food, also great for ambiance burning
• Apple: Perfect for smoking pork and poultry
• Mesquite: Gives a strong, smoky flavor and is great for grilling

Each type of kiln-dried firewood has distinct characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications.

Oak: Perfect for Indoor Fireplaces

Oak firewood, whether it’s red or white, is a favorite for wood indoors, particularly in indoor fireplaces. It's cleaner burning properties reduce the emission of fine particles into the atmosphere, and its minimal smoke production makes it a preferable choice for maintaining indoor air quality.

Moreover, the scent of oak firewood enhances its appeal for indoor settings. Well-seasoned red oak emits a soothing and almost mesmerizing fragrance, while freshly split white oak can exude a sweet cookie dough aroma. Combine that with its moderate to long burn time, the generation of hot flames that burn evenly, and minimal ash production, and you have the perfect firewood for your indoor fireplace.

Hickory: Great for Smoking and Grilling

If you’re a fan of smoking or grilling, hickory firewood is your best bet. Known for its:

• fragrant aroma
• traditional crackling sound
• clean burn
• intensified flavor
• extremely hot burn

Hickory firewood, in the form of wood chunks, enhances the taste of smoked and grilled meats.

When burned, it produces flavor compounds in the form of smoke that imbue the meat with a robust, smoky flavor, particularly enhancing the taste of beef and pork. For gas grills, charcoal grills, or electric smokers, using hickory wood chips or chunks can guarantee that the meat can fully enjoy the distinctive flavors hickory wood provides.

Cherry: Ideal for a Cozy Atmosphere

If your aim is to create a cozy atmosphere, cherry firewood is the perfect choice. When burned, it emits a fresh, subtly sweet aroma that enhances the ambiance of a space. Moreover, cherry firewood is renowned for its minimal smoke output, instant ignition and low ash production, making it clean and appropriate for smaller spaces.

Although it doesn’t burn as hot as oak or hickory, it is suitable for use with indoor fire places and open fires, and is less likely to produce excessive sparks. Plus, it provides a lower-intensity burn, resulting in a more subdued heat that is well-suited for creating a cozy atmosphere.

Kiln Drying Process Explained

A deeper understanding of the kiln-dried firewood production process can further enhance your appreciation of its quality. From how kiln drying works to the role of high-temperature ovens, let’s dive into the science behind the creation of this premium low moisture content firewood.

How Kiln Drying Works

The kiln drying process involves:

• Loading non-dried logs into a kiln
• Subjecting them to controlled air circulation, relative humidity, and temperature
• Heating the firewood kiln to approximately 255°F for 30 hours, with constant high pressure circulation fans, which force the heated hair into the wood, to eliminate moisture from the wood.

This process of using heated air to raise the temperature leads to the evaporation and expulsion of the moisture contained within the logs, ultimately producing drier wood with less moisture content that is appropriate for combustion. The temperatures employed in kiln drying firewood typically range from 176°F to 255°F, which are properly regulated to facilitate optimal drying of the wood without causing damage. An average piece of firewood can lose 30% of it's pre dried weight, after the kiln drying process is complete.

This method is notably shorter than traditional air drying techniques, usually only 24-30 hours.

The Role of High Temperature Ovens

High-temperature kilns play a vital role in the kiln drying process. These ovens operate within the range of 200°F to 255°F to facilitate the drying of wood without causing damage.

The elevated temperature in kiln drying ovens, effectively exterminates bugs, their eggs, larvae, mold, and fungi, and tree diseases. Thereby guaranteeing the cleanliness and freedom from such impurities in the wood. These ovens can be as varied as batch ovens, industrial drying ovens, and drying kilns, and can make use of different heat sources, including electricity, gas, steam, hot water, and wood.

How to Store and Handle Kiln Dried Firewood

The longevity and performance of your kiln-dried firewood can be significantly impacted by its proper storage and handling. Whether you’re wondering about storing your firewood indoors or outdoors, or looking for tips on how to stack and organize your firewood, we’ve got you covered.

Storing Indoors or Outdoors

The question of whether to store your firewood indoors or outdoors often comes down to personal preference and available space, and safety. On the flip side, kiln-dried firewood provides the advantage of safely storing your firewood indoors, eliminating concerns about unwelcome critters or the presence of mold and fungus. Embracing the practice of stacking dry firewood indoors comes with a range of benefits, including...

• Consistently dry firewood
• Improved burning convenience
• Reduced smoke and creosote due to the lack of water on the exterior of the wood
• Elimination of risks associated with attracting vermin, mold, or insects around your property

Outdoor storage however, allows it to be potentially subject to excess moisture, rendering it vulnerable to fungus and decay.

Storing kiln-dried firewood indoors in a dry, low-humidity environment can help maintain its quality. Utilizing a rack, stacking it in a shed or box, or placing it on a pallet off the ground are effective ways to preserve its quality.

Stacking and Organizing Tips

Ensuring safety and maintaining quality, proper stacking and organization of your kiln-dried firewood is crucial. Appropriate stacking aids in maintaining the firewood’s dryness and readiness for burning, by facilitating proper airflow and preventing moisture accumulation and mold formation.

Moreover, the method of stacking has a significant impact on the longevity and quality of firewood. Adequate airflow in the stack, achieved by leaving space between logs and keeping ends even, facilitates the drying process and helps maintain quality. Tools such as racks or kiln-dried log crates and cinder blocks to elevate the firewood off the ground can be helpful in achieving this.

Where to Buy Premium Kiln Dried Firewood

Having become well versed in the benefits and care of kiln-dried firewood, you may be thinking about where to purchase this superior firewood. Whether you prefer shopping locally or online, there are plenty of options available to ensure you get the best kiln-dried firewood for your needs. Some options to consider include:

• Local firewood suppliers (like us!)
• Online retailers
• Home improvement stores
• Garden centers
• Farmers markets

When searching for kiln dried firewood near me, take the time to research and compare prices, quality, and delivery options to find the best source of kiln-dried firewood for sale near you.

Local and Online Sources

Local suppliers such as Best Burn Firewood and big box stores like Sam's Club across the country, are excellent sources for high-quality kiln-dried firewood. A lot of other companies may claim to sell kiln dried firewood, but make sure to read up on their past reviews to see for yourself what other customers are saying about their firewood for sale, along with the moisture content.

While prices can vary widely depending on where you're located, the average price range is often $600 to $900 per full cord from local suppliers and can range up to $400 per face cord through online suppliers. With these options, you can shop around and find the best deal that suits your needs.

Delivery Options and Areas

Delivery of kiln-dried firewood is a convenient option for many homeowners. You’ll be glad to know that kiln-dried firewood can be delivered nationwide, and the availability of online vendors for firewood delivery indicates the potential for global reach.

Local vendors such as Best Burn Firewood in Wisconsin, offer firewood delivery directly to your home, with easy to use and convenient online ordering process. Let's be honest, no one wants to pick up the phone and call for a firewood delivery! Benefits of ordering your firewood locally vs nationwide shipping companies include

• Supporting small business
• Trust between the customer & supplier
• Easy communication
• Product backed by a refund

Upon delivery, remember to:

• Stack the split wood loosely off the ground
• Maintain a distance of at least two feet from any walls for air circulation
• Ideally store it on the south or west side of your property to maximize the drying effect of the sun.

Summary

Kiln-dried firewood provides a superior burn experience, whether you’re looking to cozy up by an indoor fireplace, enjoy a barbecue using a grill, or simply create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kiln drying process ensures optimal moisture content, bug and mold-free wood, and an efficient and long-lasting burn.

Whether you choose oak for your indoor fireplace, hickory for smoking and grilling, or cherry for a cozy atmosphere, the right firewood can enhance your fire experience. Remember, proper storage and handling are key to maintaining the quality of your firewood, and with a variety of local and online sources, getting your hands on premium kiln-dried firewood has never been easier. Here’s to experiencing the best burn!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kiln dried firewood better?

Yes, kiln dried firewood is better because it is more efficient, quicker to light, and provides a consistent fire every time, making it perfect for wood burning stoves or indoor fires.

Is it OK to burn kiln dried wood?

Yes, it is absolutely okay to burn kiln dried wood as it results in a cleaner and hotter burn, and the drying process also eliminates mold & insects, making it safe for use.

What is kiln firewood?

Kiln firewood is actually kiln-dried wood that is artificially dried in a large kiln to reduce its moisture content, replicating the natural air-drying process. This makes it a high-quality, low-moisture option for use in fireplaces and stoves.

How much should I spend on firewood?

You should expect to spend between $500 and $700 for a cord of firewood, depending on the location, wood type, and season. Premium hardwoods during winter can cost $800 or more.

Which type of firewood is best for indoor fireplaces?

Oak firewood is the best choice for indoor fireplaces because it burns cleanly and produces minimal smoke.