House Coal 25kg

House coal is a natural bituminous coal that has been used to heat British homes for centuries. It is a dense, carbon-rich solid fuel that burns at high temperatures and produces a strong, sustained heat, making it particularly well-suited to open fires and solid fuel ranges.

It typically comes in two sizes: doubles (roughly 25-50mm) and trebles (50-90mm). Trebles are larger, burn slower, and suit big open fireplaces, while doubles are a slightly more versatile size for everyday use. House coal has a higher volatile content than anthracite or smokeless fuel, which means it lights easily and burns with a lively flame, though it does produce more smoke in doing so.

The key to lighting a coal fire is building a small combustion chamber that gets hot quickly. Start with a clean grate, then place 2 or 3 firelighters on the firebed. Stack dry kindling on top, leaving plenty of air gaps so the heat can build. Light the firelighters from underneath the kindling.

Once the firelighters are lit, add a few more pieces of kindling to build the heat further. Then, straight away, add a generous amount of coal on top so that it completely covers the kindling. The trapped heat transfers directly into the coal and gets it going. Give the fire time to grow and for the coal to catch properly before adding more.

Unlike wood fires, you do not need to wait for the kindling to die back before adding coal. Getting the coal on early is what makes the difference.

Technically, yes. Multi-fuel stoves are designed with a raised grate that allows air to flow beneath solid fuels, so they can physically burn house coal. However, if you are in a smoke control area, house coal is not permitted regardless of the appliance, and you must use a Defra-approved smokeless fuel instead.

No. House coal is not suitable for barbecuing and should never be used to cook food. Unlike purpose-made barbecue charcoal, house coal contains sulphur and other compounds that release gases and unpleasant flavours when burned. 

For a BBQ, always use proper lumpwood charcoal or briquettes designed specifically for cooking. These burn cleanly, reach the right temperature for grilling, and will not affect the taste or safety of your food. House coal is strictly a home heating fuel, so keep it for the fireplace rather than the grill.

House coal is not outright banned across the whole of the UK, but its sale and use is restricted. Since May 2023, the sale of traditional bituminous house coal in bags under 2 tonnes has been prohibited in England under the government's air quality regulations, as part of a wider push to reduce particulate emissions from domestic burning. Coal can still be sold in bulk quantities of 2 tonnes or more for home heating use.

Separately, house coal has always been banned in designated smoke control areas, which cover large parts of urban England, Scotland, and Wales, where only Defra-approved smokeless fuels are permitted. If you are unsure whether your address falls in a smoke control area, check the Defra smoke control area map. If it does, our smokeless fuel range is fully approved and ready to order.

How long house coal burns depends on the size of the coal, the type of appliance, and how the air vents are set. On an open fire, a full firebed of house coal can provide several hours of consistent heat, while larger treble coal generally burns for longer than doubles.

To get the best performance, avoid overloading the fire and make sure there is enough airflow through the grate. Regularly removing excess ash will also help maintain an efficient burn and keep the fire burning well for longer.

House coal should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place to keep it in the best condition. Although coal does not spoil like wood, keeping it dry makes it easier to handle and helps you achieve the best possible fire.

A coal bunker, covered storage bin, or sheltered garage are all suitable options. If storing bags outside, keep them off the ground on a pallet and cover them to protect them from heavy rain while still allowing some airflow. Proper storage helps ensure your fuel is ready to use whenever you need it.