Duraflame | Frequently Asked Questions - Duraflame (2024)

What's the best way to light a duraflame® firelog?

Watch this video for how-tos and tips to properly light a duraflame firelog.

Can duraflame® firelogs be burned in all types of fireplaces?

Duraflame firelogs are Underwriter Laboratories (UL) Classified for use in zero-clearance manufactured metal fireplaces and are suitable for use in all types of traditional open-hearth wood-burning fireplaces. Duraflame firelogs should not be burned in wood stoves or fireplace inserts that have doors that will affect airflow. Check for the UL-Classification mark on the package before buying.

Why do some manufactured fireplaces say it is not safe to burn manufactured firelogs?

When manufactured fireplaces were first introduced to the market, the UL-Certification Tests for those appliances did not address the use of firelogs in these fireplaces. Consequently, the earlier manufactured fireplaces were sold with stickers recommending only natural firewood be used. Now that most brands of firelogs have been UL-Classified for safe use in zero-clearance fireplaces, most fireplace manufacturers have changed their product labels and warranty information allowing the use of UL-Classified solid fuels, such as duraflame® firelogs.

Should glass doors on the fireplace be left open or closed while burning duraflame® firelogs?

Firelogs require combustion air to burn properly. Always leave fireplace glass doors open while a firelog is burning unless the fireplace manufacturer's instructions indicate otherwise. Glass doors can be closed after the firelog is no longer burning to keep warm air in the house. However, the fireplace damper should be left open until the ashes remaining from the fire are cool.

Is it necessary to use a fireplace screen when burning duraflame® firelogs?

A wire, mesh fireplace screen is an important safety precaution that should always be used whether you are burning a duraflame® firelog or firewood.

Can you add wood to a duraflame® firelog?

We don't recommend adding wood to a duraflame® fire. When you add other materials to the firelog, it can change the characteristics of the burn. For example, duraflame® firelogs are designed to burn one at a time with a controlled burn rate that burns the external surface area of the log slowly exposing more internal fuel as the log burns. Adding wood to a burning firelog can cause the log to break apart resulting in a sudden increased burn rate or flare up. If a flare-up like this occurs, flames can consume your fireplace creating more heat and smoke than your chimney is designed to exhaust; resulting in unwanted smoke potentially pouring out the front of your fireplace. Firelogs also contain twice the BTU energy content per pound of firewood, so burning firelogs with wood could create excessive heat that exceed the specifications of your fireplace. Because of this and similar potential safety hazards, we recommend against adding other materials to a duraflame® firelog.

Can I burn more than one duraflame® firelog at a time?

It depends on the product. The majority of duraflame® firelogs are specifically designed to burn one at a time, eliminating the need to add more fuel or tend the fire. The wax component of the product produces twice the BTU per pound of wood, allowing one regular duraflame® firelog to provide a fire equivalent to burning several pieces of wood. If you prefer to burn multiple logsat a time or add on firelogs later to extend your burn time, try duraflame® OUTDOOR firelogs that are sold with multiple pieces and are designed to burn with more than one log at a time. Additionally, with some products like Crackleflame® Indoor/Outdoor Firelogs, 4.5lb Indoor/Outdoor Firelogs, and 2.5lb Indoor/Outdoor Firelogs, you can add on a second log (towards the end of the burn) in an outdoor fire pit or fireplace. Please be sure to read instructions on the wrapper before use.

Do duraflame® firelogs cause excessive creosote buildup?

Do duraflame® firelogs leave a wax residue?

Manufactured firelogs will leave a fine, graphite-like carbon soot in the flue after extensive use. This material is different from creosote deposits. There's far less soot produced from burning firelogs than the creosote produced from burning wood. Independent tests show that duraflame® firelogs do not produce the hardened flammable tar deposits known as creosote, commonly produced from burning high moisture content wood fires. And the soot left in the chimney after burning firelogs has almost no BTU value so it can't be reignited to cause a chimney fire. No matter what you burn, we recommend you have your fireplace inspected and cleaned annually by a chimney maintenance professional certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

What makes the crackling sound when Crackleflame®or OUTDOOR firelogs burn?

Crackleflame and OUTDOOR firelogs contain a patented, safe, all natural additive that provides the natural crackling sound of a wood fire as it burns.

Are duraflame® firelogs and firestarters dangerous to pets or small children?

Store firelogs and firestarters out of reach of pets and small children. They are not suitable for human or animal consumption. For safety purposes, it's always best to keep pets and small children away from the fireplace while it is in use. Always use a firescreen while burning. If your fireplace is burning properly and all smoke is ventilated to the outdoors there should not be any exposure to smoke that could irritate your house pets or children. Birds, however, have particularly sensitive lungs and circulation systems and can be sensitive to slight changes in heat and air conditions. Keep pet birds far away from the fireplace.

Are firelogs or firestarters toxic if my pet eats part of them?

Our firelogs are made of sawdust, agricultural fibers, waxes and oils; we are not aware of any ingredients that would cause a chemically toxic reaction should your pet consume a small amount of these products. However, the wood fibers in the product are not digestible. Depending on how much of the firelog or firestarter is eaten, your pet may become constipated or have an upset stomach. If you have a small pet or the pet has eaten a large amount of the product you should consult a veterinarian as the pet may experience complications with its digestive system.Click hereto request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if your vet requires that information.

Can I burn more than one duraflame® firelog at a time?

It depends on the product. The majority of duraflame® firelogs are specifically designed to burn one at a time, eliminating the need to add more fuel or tend the fire. The wax component of the product produces twice the BTU per pound of wood, allowing one regular duraflame® firelog to provide a fire equivalent to burning several pieces of wood. If you prefer to burn multiple logsat a time or add on firelogs later to extend your burn time, tryduraflame® OUTDOOR firelogs,duraflame® stax®Stackable, Crackling FirelogsorCampfire Roasting Logsthat are sold with multiple piecesand are designed to burn with more than one log at a time. Additionally, some products likeCrackleflame® Indoor/Outdoor Firelogs, you can add on a second log (towards the end of the burn) in an outdoor fire pit or fireplace. Please be sure to read instructions on the wrapper before use.

Can a duraflame® firelog be used to start a wood fire?

It is not recommended that duraflame firelogs be used as starter materials for a wood fire. A duraflame firelog provides more fuel content than necessary to start a wood fire. However, Duraflame markets quick start and firestart natural wood firelighters, which are made from similar materials and are specifically designed to light wood fires.

Is it okay to burn duraflame® firelogs on andirons?

No. Duraflame firelogs should be burned on an adequate supporting grate. Firelogs tend to soften while burning and need support to assure maximum burn time. Burning firelogs on grates with parallel bar spacing greater than three inches does not provide adequate support and may result in log breakage, flare-up and/or reduced burn time.

Should I remove the paper wrapper from a duraflame firelog before lighting?

Is it okay to use pokers or tongs when tending duraflame® firelogs?

No. Unlike firewood, firelogs are designed to burn in a controlled manner and do not require tending. Tongs or pokers can cause a firelog to break apart and expose more surface area to the air - increasing the burn rate and resulting in a shorter fire. When placed on a proper fireplace grate and left undisturbed, a 6lb duraflame firelog will burn up to 4 hours.

Is it okay to cook over the fire of a duraflame firelog?

No. Duraflame firelogs are not designed nor intended for use as a cooking fuel. Generally, the types of solid fuel used for cooking produce coals, which emanate heat over a period of time, and cooking is conducted by exposing the food directly to the heat generated by the coals. Our regular firelogs only burn with flames and do not generate adequate coals for cooking. For roasting food over a cozy fire, try duraflame OUTDOOR firelogs orduraflame Campfire Roasting Logsinstead.

In an emergency, how can I extinguish the logs?

Carefully douse fire with water or sand or use a dry chemical fire extinguisher.

Are duraflame®firelogs and firestarters dangerous to pets or small children?

Store firelogs and firestarters out of reach of pets and small children. They are not suitable for human or animal consumption. For safety purposes, it's always best to keep pets and small children away from the fireplace while it is in use. Always use a firescreen while burning. If your fireplace is burning properly and all smoke is ventilated to the outdoors there should not be any exposure to smoke that could irritate your house pets or children. Birds, however, have particularly sensitive lungs and circulation systems and can be sensitive to slight changes in heat and air conditions. Keep pet birds far away from the fireplace.

Are firelogs or firestarters toxic if my pet eats part of them?

Our firelogs are made of sawdust, agricultural fibers, waxes and oils; we are not aware of any ingredients that would cause a chemically toxic reaction should your pet consume a small amount of these products. However, the wood fibers in the product are not digestible. Depending on how much of the firelog or firestarter is eaten, your pet may become constipated or have an upset stomach. If you have a small pet or the pet has eaten a large amount of the product you should consult a veterinarian as the pet may experience complications with its digestive system.Click hereto request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if your vet requires that information.

Is burning firelogs or firestarters toxic to bird(s)?

Why can't I find duraflame® products in stores after March?

Unfortunately, many retailers consider our product seasonal, so duraflame firelogs are not usually available in most home center, discount or club store outlets after March. Many local supermarkets carry some firelog products during the spring and summer months. If you can't find them on the shelf in your local supermarket, we recommend you ask the manager to reorder product for you from the store's distribution center.

Is it safe to buy Duraflame® coupons from sites like eBay?

No!! Please don't purchase coupons that are auctioned or sold through online sites like eBay. All Duraflame® manufacturer's coupons state, "Void if copied, transferred, auctioned or sold," so any retailer can reject a coupon suspected of being void due to copy, sale, transfer or auction. Unfortunately, many of the coupons sold online are counterfeit. It is not worth the risk purchasing our coupons online. Instead, for savings on Duraflame® products please register with us to print new coupons monthly.

How do I get on your mailing list?

Please send your contact information toinfo@duraflame.comor via regular mail to Duraflame, Inc. Mailing List, PO BOX 1230, Stockton, CA 95201-1230.

Is the firestart wrapper waterproof?

The firestart firelighters are packaged in wrappers that are water-resistant; however, they should not be exposed to sustained moisture or fully submerged in water. We recommend you store them in a cool, dry place for best results.

Does Duraflame have an online store?

How are duraflame®OUTDOOR firelogs different from other duraflame firelogs?

Duraflame OUTDOOR logs are stackable, crackling firelogs designed specifically for backwoods and backyard campfire gatherings and cookouts. Unlike regular firelogs, which are made to be burned one at a time, always start with two OUTDOOR firelogs stacked in an X configuration, and light the wrappers. Then you can add another log later to extend the burn time. And, unlike other firelogs,OUTDOOR firelogs are tested and approved assafe to roast foods over. The special formula is ideal for roasting campfire foods, such as marshmallows and hot dogs.

How many OUTDOORfirelogs may I burn at once?

Always start using exactly two (2) logs (never 1 or 3), propped one on top of the other as you might set up a real wood fire in an X configuration. After about 1.5 hours when the flames have diminished, if you wish to prolong your fire, you may add another log (ONLY ONE). Additional logs may be added to extend the fire even longer, but never add more than ONE log per hour.They're specifically formulated to burn with two logs as instructed. See instructions on firelog wrapper before use.

May I use OUTDOOR firelogs in a wood stove or indoor fireplace?

Although OUTDOOR firelogswere developed primarilyfor outdoor use,they maybe usedin indoor fireplacesas well, but are not intended for use in a wood stove. For indoor fireplace use, they must be used in an open-hearth fireplace with a chimney that properly vents outdoors. Always open the flue before lighting the logs.When using in a fireplace, please start the firewith only two logs, and you can add one additional log (one log at a time) when the fire dies down to stoke or extend the fire.Please close the wire mesh protective screen after igniting or adding a log, but always leave fireplace glass doors open while the logs are burning.

Why may I roast foods over OUTDOOR firelogs, but not other regular firelogs?

Duraflame® OUTDOOR firelogs are 100% bio-based and specifically designed and tested for roasting campfire foods like marshmallows & hot dogs. These logs have been tested by an independent lab and determined to be suitable for roasting marshmallow treats.

May I use OUTDOOR firelogs in a pizza oven?

Duraflame® OUTDOOR Firelogs have not been tested for this use, so we don’t recommend you use them in your pizza oven at this time.

How do OUTDOOR firelogs compare to burning wood?

Just three logs (9.6lb) produce a fire for up to 3 hours, equivalent to a full bundle of firewood (about 16-20lb), and produce 48% more heat energy per pound than regular wood. An OUTDOOR campfire also produces 63% less particulate emissions than a comparable wood fire in a fire pit. And, unlike wood, OUTDOOR Firelogs are indivually wrapped, compact, clean, and easy to light. One 3-log case is good for one fire and a 6-log case is good for up to three fires.

May I use OUTDOOR firelogs in a charcoal grill?

In an emergency, how can I extinguish OUTDOOR firelogs?

Carefully douse fire with water or sand or use a dry chemical fire extinguisher.

Is it ok to use pokers or tongs when tending to OUTDOORfirelogs?

Yes, unlike with traditional firelogs, it is okay to gently stoke or adjust your stax logs, but make sure no burning particles stick to the tool, expecially when it is withdrawn from the fire.

Is the firestart® wrapper waterproof?

Firestart firelighters are packaged in wrappers that are water-resistant; however, they should not be exposed to sustained moisture or fully submerged in water. We recommend you store them in a cool, dry place for best results.

Which firestarters are best for starting BBQ fires?

While all our firestarter products may be used to start a wood fire, please only use duraflame® fatwood or firestart® CUBES to start charcoal fires. Duraflame firestart and quick start firelighters are not intended for use in starting charcoal fires.

May I cook over a wood fire ignited with a firestarter?

Yes, it's safe to cook or roast over wood that was started with any Duraflame firestarter product. Do not begin cooking, however, until the firestarter has completely burned away.

May I use a firestarter in a wood stove?

Yes, it is ok to use our firestarters to start your wood fire in a wood stove.

Does Duraflame have an online store?