How to light the fire when using smokeless fuels

Lighting a fire with smokeless fuel can be a bit different from using traditional house coal or logs — but once you know how, it’s quick, clean, and efficient.

Here’s our simple, step-by-step guide to getting your smokeless fuel burning perfectly every time.

Why Smokeless Fuels Burn Differently

Smokeless fuels such as  Newheat , Supertherm , and  Excel are designed to burn hotter and cleaner than old-style house coal. Because they’re compacted ovals, theyneed a  little more heat at the start to get going — but once lit, they’ll burn for hours with a steady, even heat and minimal smoke.

What You’ll Need

• Smokeless fuel
• Kindling or a few small pieces of kiln-dried wood
• Firelighters
• Matches or a long gas lighter
• A clean, empty grate with good air flow

Step-by-Step: How to Light Smokeless Fuel

Clean and Prepare Your Fire Grate

Clear away old ash or clinker from your previous fire.

Smokeless fuels need air to circulate from below, so make sure your grate isn’t blocked.

Start with Firelighters and Kindling

Place 2–3 firelighters in the centre of the grate and build a small stack of dry kindling or a handful of kiln-dried logs around them.

This helps generate the quick, high-heat smokeless fuel needs to ignite.

Light the Fire

Light the firelighters and leave the air controls (or bottom vent) fully open. Allow the kindling to burn until you have a small, hot bed of glowing embers.

Add a Few Pieces of Smokeless Fuel

Once your base is established, place a few pieces of your chosen smokeless fuel on top — not too many at once.

Leave the air controls open to give the fire plenty of oxygen.

Build Up Gradually

As the first few pieces catch and begin to glow, add more smokeless fuel to build up your fire. Don’t smother the flames — leave gaps for air to circulate.

After about 10–15 minutes, the fuel will be fully alight and burning with a bright, steady glow.

Adjust Air Controls Once Burning Well

Once the fire is established, reduce the air flow slightly to maintain a slower, controlled burn.

Smokeless fuels burn best with steady heat rather than roaring flames — that’s how they achieve long burn times and efficiency.

Top Tips for Perfect Results

• Always use dry kindling or kiln-dried logs  to get started – damp wood will choke the flame.
• Make sure your air controls aren’t blocked by ash or clinker.
• Try our wood briquettes as a great starter fuel – they ignite easily and create excellent heat for lighting smokeless coals.
• Use a poker to gently stir your fire occasionally – this helps maintain airflow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• 🚫 Don’t overload the grate too soon – this smothers the flame before it catches.
• 🚫 Don’t close the vents too early – oxygen is key to a clean start.
• 🚫 Avoid using damp kindling, paper, or softwood offcuts – they create smoke and reduce heat.

Recommended Smokeless Fuels from Fitzpatrick Fuels

We stock a full range of Ready  to Burn approved smokeless fuels, suitable for open fires, stoves, and multifuel appliances:

• Newheat – A trusted, high-heat ovoid with minimal ash.

• Supertherm – Our longest burning smokeless fuel.

• Glo Therm – Made by an independent fuel manufacturer, offering great value and performance.

• Excel – Our hottest fuel that leaves the least amount of ash residue.

You can view all of our smokeless fuels here.

Need Advice?

If you’re still struggling to light your smokeless fuel, our friendly local team can help. Visit us at Milnsbridge or Honley, or call 01484  653 768 for free advice on getting the best from your fire.

We deliver across Huddersfield, Holmfirth, and the surrounding areas.

Fitzpatrick Fuels – Family-run, local service, quality fuels delivered the right way.