When you’re looking to keep your home warm or enjoy a fire with that crackling sound and pleasant warmth, in the air. The kind of firewood you use plays a big role in how well it heats your space. Different types of wood can make a difference in how hot your fire gets. Firewood is usually measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) which is a common way to gauge how much heat a specific wood type produces. Firewood with BTUs burns hotter. Gives off more heat and energy, per piece. So the big question is; which kind of firewood burns the hottest? Let’s take a look at the options for firewood that burns temperatures!
Hickory Wood
Hickory, the Supreme Ruler of Warmth.
- The heat output rating is around 27 to 30 million Thermal Units, per cord.
- Hickory has a burning quality as it produces a flame and long-lasting coals that make it ideal, for heating and cooking purposes such as, in smokers and wood-fired ovens.
- Hickory wood creates top-notch embers that stay hot for a time and are perfect for keeping a fire going through the night.
Oak Wood
Oak is a choice for firewood among people because it provides a powerful heat source and burns for an extended period. It is widely accessible. Valued for its effectiveness in heating spaces.
- The BTUs rating for each cord is estimated to be 24, to 26 million BTUs.
- Oak is known for its ability to burn steadily and slowly while giving off an intense heat output that makes it perfect for heating up areas and is a popular choice, among households that have wood-burning stoves.
- The quality of coal produced by oak is high as it creates long-lasting embers that are ideal for sustaining a fire for an extended period of time.
Black Locust
Black locust may not be as famous as oak trees; however, it stands out as one of the efficient firewoods due to its dense nature and exceptional heat-producing qualities.
- The heat output rating is around 27 to 29 million BTUs, per cord.
- Black locust has the advantage of burning for some time which makes it a great option, for individuals seeking consistent and intense warmth, for an extended duration; nevertheless splitting it can be difficult owing to its hardness.
- The coal quality is excellent as it remains hot for a period of time which reduces the need for fire tending.
Beechwood
Beechwood is known as a high-quality hardwood that can withstand temperatures effectively.
Beech wood is also a choice for burning as it produces heat and maintains a steady level of warmth much like oak but, with a slightly higher burn temperature.
- Estimated BTUs, per cord range from around 24 to 27 million.
- Beech wood is known for its reliable burn qualities as it produces intense heat when used in wood stoves and fireplaces that need a continuous heat supply.
- The quality of coal produced by Beech is satisfactory. Falls short of the standards set by hickory or black locust wood.
Maple Wood
Hard maple trees, like sugar maple, are commonly chosen for firewood because they produce a lot of heat and give off a smell when burned.
- 24 million British Thermal Units (BTUs) are produced per cord.
- Maple wood burns, with a clean flame that produces smoke—a versatile choice, for heating and cooking purposes alike.
- Maples’s coal quality is reliable as it generates heat without requiring monitoring.
Birch Trees
Though birch wood may not have the burning longevity of oak or hickory logs it does give off a blIt appears that the input provided is not complete or meaningful. Could you please provide context or information for me to work with? It heats up rapidly making it a great pick for generating intense warmth.
- The heat output rating is 20 to 22 million BTUs, per cord.
- Burning Qualities of Birch Wood Birch wood ignites rapidly. Generates heat suitable for initiating a fire or providing quick warmth boosts. Nevertheless, it does not yield enduring embers making it less than ideal, for prolonged nighttime burning.
- Birchwood quality, for burning, is good. It doesn’t retain heat effectively as denser hardwoods do.
Ash Wood
Ash is commonly preferred for its adaptability and strong heat production capabilities making it a popular choice for firewood enthusiasts.
- 23 to 25 million BTUs, per cord is the BTU rating.
- Ash has a reputation for burning at a rate emitting moderate levels of heat which makes it a popular choice when mixed with other woods to achieve a balanced heat output and prolonged burn time.
- The quality of coal produced from ash is excellent as it can maintain heat for an amount of time which makes it a dependable option, for fires lasting both long duration.
Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is often recognized for its scent, rather than its level of heat production; however, it does burn with more intensity compared to various softwoods and hardwoods, with lower density.
- 20 million BTUs per cord is the rating.
- The burning qualities of cherry wood are quite attractive as they give off a heat and a pleasant aroma that people often prefer for use in fireplaces. The flame it produces is steady and bright; however, it doesn’t last long as the densest hardwoods available on the market.
- The quality of coal from cherry trees is satisfactory. It’s more suitable for burns rather than long-lasting heat, throughout the night.
In summary
When you want firewood that gives off the heat when burned in a fire pit or fireplace – go for hardwoods such as hickory. Oak because they have high BTU ratings and produce intense heat for a long time compared to other types of wood.
Make sure to think about what you need! If you’re looking for fast and strong heat levels birch or cherry wood could be a choice, to consider Make sure your firewood is well-dried to get the heat and prevent creosote buildup for a safer and more effective burning experience.
