What is Kindling and How To Use it in Your Fire Pit

May 7, 2024

The purpose of kindling is to act as a bridge between your fire starter and the bigger wooden logs. It does this by amplifying the flame to a level big enough to ignite your chunks of fire wood.

Pine is good for kindling as it is readily available and burns hot. One thing to keep in mind with pine though is that it tends to burn with a lot of black smoke and soot because of the high levels of resin inside it – sometimes more than what the fire pit can compensate for.

Therefore it is recommended not to use pine as your main fuel source and only for the kindling. For your main firewood our favourite choice is Manuka, a great hardwood that burns hot, long and slow with an excellent smokeless flame.

Now let’s talk about how to lay your kindling … please know you will be totally fine with any of the methods below!

Method	Description	Pros	Cons	Unique Difference
Teepee	Kindling stacked in a cone shape around the fire starter	Quick ignition, efficient burning	May collapse as the fire grows	Circular arrangement promotes airflow
Log Cabin	Kindling stacked in a crisscross pattern like a cabin	Even burn, good airflow	Requires careful stacking	Crisscross pattern aids airflow and stability
Upside-Down Fire	Larger logs at the bottom, progressively smaller kindling on top, fire starter at the topmost	Long lasting, less maintenance	Requires larger initial logs	Inverted arrangement for sustained burn
Parallel Sticks	Kindling arranged in parallel sticks, resembling a bundle of pencils	Dense fuel bed, steady burn	May limit airflow	Shields flames from wind
Starburst	Kindling arranged radially from the centre, maximising surface area exposure	Rapid ignition, even burn	Requires careful arrangement	Maximises exposure to heat and airflow
Random	Kindling thrown randomly into a fire	Quick	Less efficient, uneven burn	Minimal control, less predictable

Our favourite is the log cabin, why? It works easily inside the Wizard Fire Pit ash pan and allows a bit of space for you to put your fire starters underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. What type of wood is best for kindling?

Softwoods like pine are commonly used for kindling because they ignite quickly. However, due to high resin content, they should only be used to start the fire - not as the main fuel.

2. Can I use pine for the entire fire?

It’s not recommended. Pine burns quickly, produces excess smoke and soot, and may leave residue in your fire pit. It’s best used only for kindling.

3. What’s the best method for stacking kindling in a fire pit?

The blog outlines several methods, but the log cabin technique is recommended for its balance of airflow, burn efficiency, and compatibility with the Wizard Fire Pit.

4. How much kindling should I use to start a fire?

Typically, a few handfuls of dry kindling will suffice. You need enough to sustain the flame until the larger logs catch fire.

5. Should kindling be dry?

Yes, kindling must be dry to catch fire easily. Damp kindling will struggle to ignite and may produce excess smoke.

6. Can I collect kindling from my garden?

Yes, as long as it is dry and untreated. Avoid using wood with mould, paint, or chemical treatments.

7. Is it safe to use newspaper or cardboard with kindling?

While newspaper can help start a fire, it should be used sparingly. Avoid cardboard, especially printed or coated types, as they release harmful fumes.