Review: Certainly Wood Flamers Firelighters

Last Updated on November 20, 2020 by HodgePodgeDays

We were sent a pack of 24 Certainly Wood firelighters for the purposes of this post. All images and opinions are our own.

We’ve got a lovely open fire, it’s one of the things that sold this house to us. There’s nothing nicer on a cold day than snuggling up in front of it and keeping cozy. We burn wood on it; we have a tree surgeon friend who keeps us well supplied. We’ve got to chop and dry the wood ourselves, but it’s free so why not.

I work from home and unless it is absolutely bitter outside it’s not worth putting the heating on just for me. Ordinarily I just swaddle myself in blankets and drink gallons of tea to keep warm. Sometimes I attempt to light the fire, most of the time I fail to light the fire. I just can’t do it. Hodge has mad firelighting skills, me, not so much; so when I spotted the Certainly Wood Flamers Firelighters I thought I’d give them a go.

Certainly Wood are a family business based in the UK who endeavour to sustainably source quality firewood and kindling. They sent us a box of 24 Flamers. These are natural firelighters made from wax dipped fine wood shavings. They are odourless, easy to light and have a long burn. They are suitable for all wood burning appliances and apparently particularly good for barbecues.

I had a good look and sniff of them before I used them. I think we’re all familiar with those awful chemical, white blocks that stink and just seem dreadful. These are the polar opposite. They are little shredded wheat type things which are all natural. The flamers have been dipped in paraffin wax but I couldn’t detect any smell, either in their raw state or once lit. They are to my eye (and nose) perfectly innocuous.

As the temperature dipped and my thick blanket and pot of tea weren’t enough, I set to work and built a fire. Following the instructions on the packet I built a fire using logs and kindling, I shaped the kindling into the suggested wigwam shape with a couple of the firelighters tucked in and around, then I lit a match. Immediately they burned brightly and the kindling quickly caught. Within 10 minutes the fire was blazing, kicking out some heat. An hour later I’ve had to unbutton my cardigan. It was a darn good fire.

They were so easy to use, even for a failed Cub Scout like me. I will be keeping a stock of these handy for those days, and there will be many of those days, when I need to light a fire and keep cozy.

You can buy the Certainly Wood Flamers Firelighters directly from them via their website. They cost around £3 for 24 or £5 for 50. I used two to light a decent sized fire. I am genuinely happy to have discovered these.