Relaxing around a wood-burning fire pit is sure to thrill all five senses. You’ll love the mesmerizing sight of the dancing flames, the crackling and popping sounds of the wood burning, the sweet taste of roasted marshmallows and smores, and feeling the cozy warmth of a roaring flame, and of course the classic aroma of campfire smoke. Nothing says fall like the scent of campfire, but what type of wood should you burn to enjoy that smell? Fortunately, there are a variety of firewood options to choose from and each produces its own unique scent. Read on to learn more about firewood and find the best option for your fire pit or log rack.
1. Hickory
When most people think of the classic smell of wood fire, they are describing the scent of hickory. Hickory produces an iconic smokey, savory scent that is easy to recognize. In fact, condensed hickory smoke is used to create the cooking product, Liquid Smoke to give foods that fire-roasted taste. In addition to smelling great, hickory burns hotter and longer than other firewood varieties making it a great option if you plan on spending hours around the fire. The aromatic scent almost makes it perfect for smoking foods. As the smoke rises, it will help flavor the food with its rich and savory aromatics.
2. Oak
If the scent of hickory is too overpowering for you, try oak instead. Oak wood produces an aroma that is similar to hickory but has a lighter, less sweet scent. In fact, oak can often be combined with other types of firewood with stronger aromas to create a custom, one-of-a-kind scent. Oak produces an earthy and subtle scent. Plus, oak is easy to light so you are sure to enjoy its scent and warmth in no time.
3. Cedar
Cedar produces a rich, sweet scent that humans love and mosquitoes hate. For centuries, the scent of cedar wood has been used to create perfumes and incense. Cedarwood has a light, fresh scent and as an added bonus burning it can help keep the bugs away from your bonfire. Cedar is a softwood so it will burn more quickly than other hardwood options.
4. Pine
Nothing captures the festive scent of the holiday season like pine wood. Pine is a softwood with a crisp, evergreen scent. Pine wood is another softwood that will burn quickly and because of its tendency to produce more creosote and smoke, this type of wood should only be burned outdoors. In order to safely burn pine wood, allow it to properly season. If you plan on spending long periods of time around the fire, combine pine wood with other hardwoods to extend the burn time and heat output.
5. Cherry
If you’re looking for a highly sweet scent that lasts, cherry wood is the option for you. In fact, you may be able to get a whiff of its sweet and fruity aroma simply by cutting the wood. Plus, cherry is one of the easiest woods to split making it easy to prepare for the fire. The cherry scent also has a tendency to linger after it is burned in a fireplace so you will be able to enjoy its aroma well after the fire has been extinguished.
6. Apple
Another fruity option, apple is often the wood of choice for barbecue enthusiasts. This wood has a light, sweet, fruity scent that perfectly complements meats like pork, fish or poultry, making it an excellent choice for smoking. Plus, apple wood is one of the longest burning woods available so you can spend hours watching the flames.
7. Pecan
When it comes to getting a delicious, nutty scent from a piece of pecan firewood, seasoning is very important. Pecan is very similar to hickory wood and even burns longer and produces more heat. However, if you are looking for that signature aroma, it is important to find pecan wood that has been properly dried, otherwise pecan can produce odorless smoke. Pecan is also a good option for shorter periods of smoking to add a punch of nutty flavor to the meat (smoking for long periods of time may cause the pecan taste to overpower the meat).
For tips on how to properly season firewood, check out our blog article, How to Season Firewood - 6 Tips to Make Your Firewood Dry Quickly.
Whether you’re smoking meat, creating custom aromas, or simply enjoy the good old-fashioned smell of a wood-burning fire, choosing the right firewood can help you create a campfire experience that is truly unique.
For more tips on choosing firewood, check out the article 5 Best Firewood Types For Your Fireplace.
