Almost essential for starting a roaring fire, firelighters help get the flames going quickly, whether you're using a barbecue, fire pit or wood-fired pizza oven in summer, or lighting your wood burning stove in the winter. However, it’s a good idea to choose ones with eco-friendly credentials, made from sustainably sourced or biodegradable materials that are non toxic and without unpleasant odours.
What are eco firelighters?
Made from natural, sustainably sourced or biodegradable materials and vegetable waxes, eco firelighters are usually better for the environment and less smelly than flammable gels, liquids or blocks that are made of kerosene, paraffin or paraffin wax, derived from petroleum.
What are eco firelighters made of?
An environmentally friendly firelighter is often made from a mix of sustainably sourced wood wool (the light, bio-degradable material made from shredded timber that you often find in gift hampers and champagne boxes) or sustainably sourced wood shavings. Many are coated in natural wax or vegetable oil. Once lit, they produce an odourless and non-toxic flame.
Best eco firelighters to buy this year
Zip Twisted Firestarters
Buy from Ocado (£4.10), Amazon (£10.99)
Environmentally friendly and 100% natural, these eco firelighters contain Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood shavings and natural waxes. Place three twisted firestarters among your chosen fuel. A 1kg carton contains approximately 80 firestarters.
FIRE UP Natural Sustainable Firelighters
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FIRE UP natural sustainable firelighters are made from sustainably sourced (FSC Certified) compressed wood, impregnated with vegetable oils. They are CO2 neutral when burnt.
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Eco Blaze Natural Firelighters
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This option from eco blaze is 100% natural and made from sustainably sourced spruce tips which have been dipped in wax to keep them alight for longer. They should light immediately, with a burn time of around eight minutes.
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Natural Eco Wood Firelighter
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With a burn time of around 10 minutes, these would be ideal for getting a larger fire started or heating up a grill so you can prepare food, and because they're made from a mix of wood wool and natural wax, they're eco-friendly and shouldn't leave a bad smell behind either.
They’re available in a hefty pack of 500; just bear in mind that it may take around three to four firelighters to get an average sized BBQ going.
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Twizlers Fire Lighters Natural Wood Wool
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Made from wood wool, these firelighters are not only easy to light, they should also produce a clean flame free of both odour and smoke. Once lit they should also have a convenient burn time that lasts seven to 10 minutes.
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Premium Planet Large Firelighters Set
This double set from the Premium Planet Store comes with two types of eco firelighters to make sure your flame never goes out. It includes 60 pieces of wood wool to get your fire started, as well as 60 organic bricks for a slower burn.
Eco Barn Wood Natural Firelighters
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These sustainable firelighters are made from a mixture of wood wool and natural vegetable wax, and once they're lit they should each give off a flame for up to 10 minutes, which should be plenty of time to get your fire going.
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In need of firewood? See our guide to the best wood to use and where to buy firewood online.