Why Coal Briquettes Work So Well in Small Stoves

One of the questions we often get asked is:

“Why do your stoves run so well on coal briquettes?”

The answer comes down to how the stove is designed.

Airflow Makes the Difference

Different fuels burn best with different airflow patterns.

Coal-based fuels perform best when air is supplied from underneath the fuel bed. This is known as bottom-fed air.

Our smaller stoves are designed with this airflow in mind, which means briquettes burn extremely efficiently.

The result is:

• longer burn times
• stronger heat output
• easier fire control

Slow and Steady Heat

Coal briquettes are also ideal for small spaces because they burn slowly.

Instead of producing a quick burst of heat like wood can, briquettes tend to provide a long, steady burn. This is great in campervans where you want reliable warmth without constantly refuelling the stove.

Our Favourite Briquettes

Over the few years we have had campervans and stoves we have tried almost every brand of coal briquette there is! We personally use Burnwell Blend Plus smokeless briquettes.

They are slightly more expensive than some fuels on the market, but they last far longer! They can keep the stove running for hours! We've had our Dotty in our campervan going overnight without issue! In our previous campervan we had Betty and she was the same!

We think this makes a better choice than your normal 'The Range' or 'Tesco' fuels!

A Small Amount Goes a Long Way

Another advantage of briquettes is that you don’t need large quantities.

Because they burn slowly, a small bag can last surprisingly long — which is ideal when storage space inside a van is limited!