What is a Gas Starter?

So, you have a new home and are anxious to burn a wood fire. One problem, however, is this funny looking bar in the back of the fireplace. It is a gas line! You wouldn’t dare start a wood burning fire in there. The bar could catch fire and the house may explode, right? The answer is no.

Gas starters, also known as log bars, are a wonderful, convenient and safe way to start your wood fire. The biggest benefit to a gas starter is you will have less creosote and a healthier start to your fire. It works like this. Stack your wood on a grate just like you would normally. Keep it loose with plenty of air gaps. Place kindling below the logs. Now open the gas valve and strike a match to light the bar. Leave the gas valve open as long as necessary to get the logs burning then shut it off completely. No newspaper needed.

Since you are not using material or fluid to light your fire, you are saving your chimney from harmful build up. Log bars can last for several years depending on the conditions inside the firebox. Eventually, the burner may begin to break down. 
​
​Replacing it is cheap and easy. A new log bar is around $30 and can be screwed in just like a shower head. Don’t forget to check for leaks. 

---