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Best Low Smoke Firewood for Fire Pits: A Guide to a Cleaner Burn

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Image of firewood stacked to optimize seasoning for a blog post about the best low smoke firewood.

When it comes to enjoying your fire pit, finding the best low-smoke firewood can make all the difference.

Whether you’re a seasoned fire pit enthusiast or a homeowner just getting started, choosing the right wood is crucial for a pleasant, smoke-free experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore the world of low-smoke options and help you find the perfect fuel for your next cozy gathering around the fire.

Image of a stack of green and seasoned firewood.
Green firewood vs. seasoned firewood: The seasoned firewood
on the right is characterized by split ends and it grayish color

I. Factors Affecting Firewood Smoke Production

Before we dive into specific wood types, let’s understand what causes smoke:

  • Moisture content: Wet wood produces more smoke as the fire struggles to evaporate the excess moisture.
  • Wood density: Denser woods tend to burn hotter and produce less smoke.
  • Resin and sap content: Woods high in resin or sap create more smoke and can even cause dangerous flare-ups.

Knowing these factors will help you identify the best low smoke firewood for your needs.

Image of a lone maple tree in autumn.
A lone maple tree in autumn: Maple is among the hottest and cleanest burning firewood types

II. Top Low-Smoke Firewood Options

Now, let’s explore some of the best low smoke firewood options:

A. Hardwoods:

  • Oak: A classic choice, oak burns hot and long with minimal smoke. Hottest and cleanest type(s): Red or White Oak
  • Maple: Another excellent option that produces a steady, low-smoke flame. Hottest and cleanest type: Sugar Maple
  • Ash: Known for its low moisture content, ash is one of the best low-smoke firewood choices available. Hottest and cleanest type: Black Ash
  • Locust: Burns exceptionally hot with minimal smoke and produces long-lasting coals. Hottest and cleanest type: Black Locust
  • Hickory: Dense and slow-burning, hickory is an excellent low-smoke choice. Hottest and cleanest type: Shagbark Hickory
  • Beech: Often overlooked, beech is one of the best low-smoke firewood options for a long-lasting fire. Hottest and cleanest type: Blue Beech

B. Fruitwoods (also hardwoods):

  • Apple: Not only does it produce little smoke, but it also adds a pleasant aroma.
  • Cherry: Another aromatic wood that burns cleanly and is a favorite among fire pit enthusiasts.
Image of a homemade covered firewood rack is critcal for seasoning the best low smoke firewood.
A homemade covered firewood rack ideal for seasoning

III. Preparing Wood for Minimal Smoke

To ensure you’re using the best low smoke firewood, proper preparation is key:

  • Seasoning: Allow freshly cut wood to dry for at least 6-12 months. The timeframe depends on the wood type.
  • Optimal moisture content: Aim for wood with less than 20% moisture content before burning.
  • Storage: Keep your wood elevated (off the ground) and covered to prevent moisture absorption.
Image of a log cabin stack in a Solo Stove Bonfire.
A log cabin stack in a Solo Stove Bonfire: the log cabin stack allows for optimal airflow

IV. Tips for a Low-Smoke Fire

Even with the best low smoke firewood, proper fire management is crucial:

  • Start with a hot fire using small, dry kindling.
  • Maintain good airflow by arranging logs with space between them.
  • Keep your fire at a moderate size – bigger isn’t always better when it comes to reducing fire smoke.
Image of stacked pine logs for a blog post covering the best low smoke firewood.
Stacked pine logs awaiting cutting and splitting: Pine is
great for getting fires started but it is known to smoke

V. Wood to Avoid for Low-Smoke Fires

While we’ve covered the best low smoke firewood options, it’s equally important to know what to avoid:

A. High-resin softwoods like pine or cedar:

  • These woods contain a lot of sap and resin, which can create excessive smoke and creosote buildup.
  • They tend to burn quickly and at lower temperatures, reducing the efficiency of your fire.
  • The strong odor can be overwhelming and may not be pleasant for everyone.

B. Green or unseasoned wood of any type:

  • Freshly cut or “green” wood contains a high moisture content, often over 50%.
  • This excess moisture creates a lot of smoke as it evaporates during burning.
  • Unseasoned wood burns inefficiently, producing less heat and more smoke.
  • It can also lead to increased creosote buildup in chimneys or flues.

C. Treated or painted wood, which can release toxic fumes:

  • Wood treated with chemicals for preservation (like pressure-treated lumber) can release harmful toxins when burned.
  • Painted or varnished wood can emit dangerous chemicals and heavy metals into the air.
  • These toxic emissions can be harmful to your health and the environment.

D. Driftwood or wood collected from beaches:

  • This wood often contains salt, which can corrode your Solo Stove over time.
  • When burned, it can release chlorine gas, which is harmful to breathe.

E. Particleboard, plywood, or other manufactured wood products:

  • These contain glues and resins that can release toxic fumes when burned.
  • They often don’t burn efficiently and can leave behind harmful residues.

F. Moldy or rotten wood:

  • While not necessarily toxic, moldy wood can release spores into the air when burned.
  • It often doesn’t burn efficiently and can create unpleasant odors.

By avoiding these types of wood, you’ll ensure a cleaner, more efficient burn in your Solo Stove, reducing smoke and potential health hazards while maximizing your enjoyment of the fire.

Image of a firewood moisture meter.
A simple low-cost moisture meter can quickly tell you how dry your firewood is

Image Credit: Klein Tools

VI. Product Recommendations: Best Low Smoke Firewood

For those looking to simplify their search for the best low smoke firewood:

  • Pre-seasoned options: Brands like Cutting Edge Firewood and Smoak Firewood offer kiln-dried, ready-to-burn wood delivered <—– links go to the respective manufacturers
Image of a pile of freshly chopped firewood.
Freshly chopped firewood split into quarters

VII: Wrap-up: Best Low-Smoke Firewood

Finding the best low smoke firewood doesn’t have to be a challenge.

By choosing dense hardwoods or fruitwoods, ensuring proper seasoning, and following our fire management tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying cleaner, more pleasant fires in your pit.

Remember, the best low smoke firewood for you might depend on local availability and personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different types.

Happy burning, fire pit enthusiasts!

Image of an apple tree in an orchard for a blog post covering the best low smoke firewood.
Apple is arguably the best smelling low smoke firewood if you can find it

VIII. FAQs: Best Low-Smoke Firewood

1. What firewood smells the best?

When it comes to the best-smelling firewood for your fire pit, fruitwoods are often the top choice among enthusiasts.


Apple wood is particularly prized for its sweet, mild fragrance that adds a pleasant aroma to your outdoor experience.


Cherry wood is another excellent option, offering a subtle, fruity scent that’s not overpowering.


For those who prefer a stronger, more distinctive smell, hickory is a popular choice, imparting a rich, bacon-like aroma that’s perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere.


Cedar, while not ideal for cooking, can provide a wonderful, spicy fragrance for ambiance fires. Maple is another great option, offering a light, sweet smell that many find appealing.


It’s important to note that while these woods smell great, some may produce more smoke than others, so it’s wise to balance fragrance with smoke production when choosing the best wood for your fire pit.


Always ensure your chosen wood is well-seasoned for the best burning experience and aroma.




2. Why should I avoid burning pine and other softwoods in my fire pit?

While pine and other softwoods may seem convenient for your fire pit, they’re generally best avoided for several reasons.


Softwoods contain high levels of sap and resin, which create excessive smoke and lead to rapid creosote buildup in chimneys or flues.


This diminishes air quality around your fire pit and can pose a fire hazard if used regularly in enclosed spaces.


These woods tend to burn quickly and at lower temperatures than hardwoods, reducing your fire’s overall efficiency and longevity.


The rapid burning often results in more frequent refueling, which can be inconvenient during longer outdoor gatherings.


Additionally, softwoods are prone to producing more sparks and embers, increasing the risk of accidental fires or burns.


The strong, often pungent odor of burning pine can overpower the pleasant experience of sitting around a fire, and some people find it irritating to their eyes and respiratory system.


Lastly, softwoods generally produce less heat output than hardwoods, meaning you’ll need to burn more wood to achieve the same level of warmth.


For a cleaner, longer lasting, and more enjoyable fire pit experience, opt for well-seasoned hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple.




3. What is a smokeless fire pit?

A smokeless fire pit is an innovative outdoor heating solution that minimizes smoke production through clever engineering.


These fire pits utilize a double-wall design that creates a unique airflow system.


Cool air is drawn in through the bottom of the pit and heated as it rises between the walls.


This superheated air is released through holes at the top of the inner wall, just above the fire.


This hot air creates a secondary combustion process that burns off most smoke particles before they can escape, resulting in a nearly smoke-free experience.


While no fire pit is entirely smokeless, these designs can reduce smoke by up to 90% compared to traditional fire pits.


Smokeless fire pits offer several benefits, including a more enjoyable outdoor experience, reduced odor on clothes and hair, and potentially lower environmental impact.


They’re particularly popular in urban and suburban settings where smoke might otherwise bother neighbors.


However, it’s important to note that even with a smokeless fire pit, using dry, well-seasoned hardwood is still crucial for optimal performance and the least amount of smoke possible.




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