What is a moisture meter?

It’s a small device about twice the size of a deck of playing cards.  There are two probes or pins on one end of the meter that penetrate the wood to check the moisture content.  If you’re a wood burner, you know the importance of burning dry wood.  How dry is dry?  Wood with a moisture content of 25% or less should be your goal.  This wood will create less smoke, less creosote and will burn hotter than wood with a higher moisture content.

A good habit to get into if you are burning wood:  1) Cut it.  2) Split it.  3) Stack it.  4) Protect it from rain and snow.  5) And, leave it for a year!  This habit will help ensure your wood is dry enough to burn.  Some wood-burners with experience can bang a couple pieces of wood together and determine if it’s dry enough to use by the sound it makes.  Dry wood has a clear, raspy “whack” to it.  Wetter, unseasoned wood will have a dull “thud” sound.  Regardless of your experience, if you want to be sure you are getting optimum performance from your stove and the most heat from the wood you’ve cut and stacked, pick up a moisture meter.  You can buy a reliable model between $20.00 – $50.00.

Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service California (CA)

Anaheim, CA

Embers West Inc.
1201 E Ball Rd
Anaheim, CA 92805

Embers West Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Carlsbad, CA

AMS Fireplaces Inc
2864 Whiptail Loop East,
Carlsbad, CA 92010

Elk Grove, CA

Custom Fireside Shops
9097 Elk Grove Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95624

Custom Fireside Shops LogoVisit Store Page

Jackson, CA

Sierra Hearth & Home, Inc.
619-B South Hwy 49
Jackson, CA 95642

Sierra Hearth & Home, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Loomis, CA

Valley Stove & Chimney Inc.
3129 Swetzer Road
Loomis, CA 95650

Valley Stove & Chimney Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Placerville, CA

Sierra Home Alternatives, Inc.
237 Placerville Drive
Placerville, CA 95667

Sierra Home Alternatives, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Quincy, CA

QUINCY HOT SPOT
2019 East Main St.
Quincy, CA 95971

Sacramento, CA

Custom Fireside Shops
5455 Auburn Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95841

Custom Fireside Shops LogoVisit Store Page

Sacramento,, CA

Den Defenders
9912 Business Park Dr
Sacramento,, CA 95827

San Luis Obispo, CA

Forden's
3540 Sacramento Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Forden's LogoVisit Store Page

Santa Cruz, CA

Woodstove & Sun, Inc.
510 Soquel Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Santa Rosa, CA

Warming Trends, Inc.
#4 South A Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Sonora, CA

Foothill Fireplace, Pools and Spas
18677 Eagle Ridge
Sonora, CA 95370

Foothill Fireplace, Pools and Spas LogoVisit Store Page

Stockton, CA

Den Defenders
1401 W Fremont
Stockton, CA 95203

Templeton, CA

Forden's
507 N. Main Street
Templeton, CA 93465

Forden's LogoVisit Store Page

For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store.

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  1. Wood-Burning Basics – Salter's Fireplace
    […] sound if you hit two logs together. If you want to be absolutely sure your wood is dry, use a moisture meter. The moisture of the firewood should be less than […]

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