How to Start Your BBQ with Heat Logs

By Gladwells Pet & Country Stores Online Shop | Published: 2026-10-18

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use heat logs for a quick, clean BBQ fire. Step-by-step guide with tips on lighting and avoiding common mistakes.

Quick answer

Heat logs are a convenient, low-smoke alternative to charcoal or kindling for starting your BBQ. Stack them in a pyramid, light the top, and let them burn down to embers before adding your food.

Why use heat logs over traditional firelighters?

Heat logs are compressed, ultra-dry blocks that burn longer and more evenly than loose kindling or charcoal briquettes. They produce less smoke and ash, making them a cleaner option for both your BBQ and the environment. The main trade-off is that they take about 20-30 minutes to form a good ember bed, so plan ahead.

Choosing the right heat log for your BBQ

For a standard kettle BBQ, a 12-pack of HomeFire Heat Logs (each log burns for about 1 hour) is a practical choice. If you have a larger wood-burning fire pit or multi-fuel stove, the Hotmax Fuel Logs 20kg bag offers more fuel for longer sessions. Both options are kiln-dried for low moisture content, which means a more reliable light and less spitting.

Step-by-step guide to lighting your BBQ with heat logs

Step 1: Prepare the fire bed: Arrange 4-6 heat logs in a loose pyramid or tepee shape in the centre of your BBQ grate. Leave gaps for air to circulate. Don't pack the logs tightly – air flow is essential for a clean burn.
Step 2: Light the top of the pyramid: Use a long-reach lighter or a firelighter cube placed between the top logs. Light the cube and let the flames spread downward. Avoid using lighter fluid – it can create flare-ups and a chemical taste. Lighting from the top allows the fire to burn downward naturally, giving a longer, more controlled burn.
Step 3: Let the logs burn to embers: Allow the logs to burn for 20-30 minutes until they collapse into a bed of glowing embers. Do not rush this stage by adding more fuel. If you add food too early, you'll get uneven heat and more smoke. Patience gives you a steady cooking temperature.
Step 4: Spread the embers and start cooking: Use a long-handled tool to spread the embers evenly across the grate. Place your cooking grid on top and wait 2-3 minutes for it to heat up before adding food. For indirect cooking, push the embers to one side and place food on the opposite side of the grate.

Product facts

HomeFire Heat Logs x 12: These high-energy, ultra dry heat logs provide an excellent alternative to traditional firewood. Their low moisture content means they catch fire quickly and produce consistent heat, so you spend less time coaxing a flame and more time cooking.
HomeFire Heat Logs x 12