A great log basket is essential for those with open fires or log burning stoves — these are the best buys available now
(Image credit: Garden Trading)
Log baskets are a must-have item for anyone lucky enough to have an open fire or log burning stove, providing a handy way to keep logs and kindling in a fireside spot within easy reach.
While a sturdy log shed in your garden (preferably close to your back door) is also vital when it comes to storing large quantities of wood for the fire, it is impractical to keep traipsing in and out every time you want to throw another log onto the fire — plus keeping a good stock indoors means they will be thoroughly dry and ready to burn.
Here are the best log baskets you can buy right now.
Best Log Baskets
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(Image credit: Amazon UK)
Red Hamper Small Grey Rectangular Wicker Log Basket
Classic style, highly practical log basket
Specifications
Size: 49cm x 30cm x 48cm
Material: Wicker
Kindling storage?: No
Lined?: Yes
Reasons to buy
+
Timeless design
+
Lined to prevent mess
+
Sturdy construction
+
Easy to carry
Reasons to avoid
-
Colour may vary
This traditional-style log basket is sure to add bags of warmth and character to your living room.
Constructed from sturdy wicker, the basket is lined with strong hessian to prevent smaller pieces of wood from escaping. The handles are made from rope which makes carrying a full basket easier.
Those after a basket with slightly more storage space than this model offers might want to take a look at the matching larger version, which measures 56cm x 37cm x 50cm.
This is a durable log basket made from wrought iron, and the black powder coating design provides an elegant companion to your wood burner, which can be placed inside or outside (it's rustproof).
It has a top wood rack for storing your chopped wood and a base rack for double storing kindling and fire starters. We particularly like the hooks which let you hang your tongs, poker, broom and shovel - which all come included.
This log storage basket doubles up as a handy log carrier, making light work of hauling in those logs on a winter's evening.
Its large handle makes carrying even heavier loads easy, whilst its spacious storage basket means it should hold enough logs to see you through at least a couple of days of roaring fires.
It comes in several sizes meaning you can select the one most suited to your needs — or invest in a couple of different sizes to sit alongside one another next to your hearth.
Sturdy and perfect for modern and traditional homes
Specifications
Size: 43cm x 23cm x 31cm
Material: Alloy steel
Kindling storage?: Yes
Lined?: No
Reasons to buy
+
Heavy duty
+
Timeless design
+
Inside and outside use
Reasons to avoid
-
Empty List
This is a brilliant heavy duty log basket constructed with durable steel, yet it is still lightweight and easy to transport around the house.
It features a timeless design that will suit most interior schemes, and you can also keep it outdoors: the corrosion-resistant steel make it well-suited for use on a sheltered terrace or patio.
While it can requires assembly, you can put this together within 10 minutes providing you have a wrench.
Looking for a softer, contemporary looking log basket as an alternative to the standard metal or wicker? You might like to consider this felt offering instead.
This felt log basket is also a great option for anyone on a tighter budget — plus, it could easily be repurposed for use as a newspaper or magazine rack — or even as a toy or blanket box.
Despite being made from felt, it feels very sturdy and holds a good amount of logs — plus the handles are comfortable to hold even when it is full.
The main downside is that the felt is harder to wipe down than other materials and does not offer as much air circulation for the logs as wicker, rattan or slatted metal log baskets. It could also get damp, taking a while to dry out.
Consider the following factors when you're looking for a log burner to ensure you find one perfect for your requirements.
Size
Choose a log basket that will be big enough for your needs and will fit neatly next to your hearth. Some designs feature separate compartments for storing kindling and matches.
Appearance
An obvious one, but consider the look of the log basket becausse there are designs out there to suit all interior schemes. Contemporary log baskets tend to be made from materials such as stainless steel and felt, while more traditional log baskets are often crafted from wicker, cast iron and rattan.
Material
A log basket should be strong, spacious and stylish. Avoid those made from a very open-textured material as small chips of wood and bark are likely to escape easily and make a mess of your floor.
Those with handles are handy for carrying wood from outside to inside.
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Natasha was Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and was a member of the Homebuilding team for over two decades. In her role on Homebuilding & Renovating she imparted her knowledge on a wide range of renovation topics, from window condensation to renovating bathrooms, to removing walls and adding an extension. She continues to write for Homebuilding on these topics, and more. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she also writes for a number of other homes titles, including Homes & Gardens and Ideal Homes. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project.
