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The best fire logs catch fire quickly with a single match and burn for hours.

An assortment of fire logs on grass

The Spruce

Some are even safe for toasting marshmallows or roasting hot dogs in yourbackyard fire pit.

We also used several of these artificial fire logs in our home fireplaces and fire pits.

As a bonus, these all-natural ingredients produce a delightful crackle as the logs burn.

Duraflame Outdoor Firelog

PHOTO: Cabela’s

For the most realistic fire possible, we recommend Duraflame Crackleflame logs.

These Duraflame Crackleflame logs deliver the best of both worlds.

If you have your heart set on s’mores and hot dogs, we recommend trying ourbest for camping pick.

The Duraflame Outdoor Firelog packaging on grass

Duraflame Outdoor Firelogs are safe for toasting marshmallows and roasting hot dogs outside and also work in open-hearth fireplaces.The Spruce

This fire log features a rope handle, which makes it easy to carry to your campsite.

The cylindrical shape also makes it ideal for fire pits and campfires.

Plus, it burns down cleanly without creating much of a mess.

A person holding a lighter near the Duraflame Outdoor Firelog

We found that the wrapping of the Duraflame Outdoor Firelog lit quickly and the log was engulfed within minutes.PHOTO: The Spruce

The Timber Tote is designed differently than other fire logs.

Most importantly, it isn’t artificialit’s made from northern red pine.

Unlike our other recommendations, this artificial fire log isn’t meant as a firewood replacement.

Close up of the Duraflame Outdoor Firelog

It’s a once-per-season addition that needs to be added to a fire that’s already burning.

That’s significantly longer than our overall best recommendation, which burns for one hour per log.

These logs come in a paper wrapper, which allows for mess-free handling and portability.

A person holding a lighter near the Duraflame Outdoor Firelog

Thanks to the versatile design, you’re able to achieve a cozy ambiance indoors or out.

Unlike most of our recommendations, you could’t burn these sticks alone.

If youre not satisfied, you could return the leftover wood within 30 days for a full refund.

Close up of the Duraflame Outdoor Firelog

Fire logs are a great alternative for anyone who wants to start a fire quickly with minimal effort.

We found the clearly marked Duraflame wrappers easiest to light, but Pine Mountain wrappers light easily as well.

Ourbest fire starter pickworks well for that.

Duraflame Crackleflame 4lb Firelogs

PHOTO: Walmart

Some types of fire logs require an existing fire to work as intended.

In this case, you will have to do all of the prep work that a traditional fire requires.

Do fire logs expire?

Close up of the Duraflame Crackleflame Firelogs on grass

The Duraflame Crackleflame logs contain seeds that provide a realistic crackling sound without dangerous flying embers.The Spruce

While artificial fire logs shouldnt expire, you should take care of them so they’ll burn as expected.

Most manufacturers recommend storing logs in a dry area, away from dampness or heat.

Since fire logs should not be left unattended, its important to consider the burning duration before purchasing.

The packaging of the Duraflame Crackleflame Firelogs on grass

The Duraflame Crackleflame Firelogs are safe for use indoors (in open-hearth fireplaces) and outdoors, with a realistic crackling sound for added realism.PHOTO: The Spruce

Typically, logs have an estimated burn time of between one and four hours.

you might refer to the manufacturers specifications for an approximate burn time.

With an advertised four-hour burn time, thePine Mountain Traditional Firelogis the longest-lasting option on our list.

A person using a lighter near the Duraflame Crackleflame Firelogs

Weather conditions can also affect how long a log will burn outdoors.

Wind, for example, will increase the oxygen supply and cause the fire to burn more quickly.

Certain fire logs, such as ourbest for fireplaces pick, are specifically designed to remove some creosote buildup.

The packaging of the Duraflame Crackleflame Firelogs on grass

Why Trust The Spruce?

Our Experts:

https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/chief/conference/ei15/poster/li.pdf

A person using a lighter near the Duraflame Crackleflame Firelogs

TimberTote Firewood

PHOTO: Amazon

A person holding up the TimberTote Firewood

We love the handle on the TimberTote, which makes it easy to carry to the fire pit (or to even carry two of them).The Spruce

The packaging of the TimberTote Firewood on grass

The packaging of the TimberTote fire log is easy to remove, so we were able to get it ready for a campfire quickly.PHOTO: The Spruce

A person using a lighter on the TimberTote Firewood

The packaging of the TimberTote Firewood on grass

A person using a lighter on the TimberTote Firewood

Amazon Pine Mountain Creosote Buster Chimney Cleaning Safety Firelog

PHOTO: Amazon

Amazon Pine Mountain Traditional 4-Hour Firelog

PHOTO: Amazon

EasyGoProducts Eco-Stix Fatwood Fire Starters

PHOTO: Amazon