OFYR wood: discover which types of wood really make a difference
An OFYR is more than just a stove – it's an experience. The flickering flames, the warmth, and the unique way of cooking outdoors make every meal a celebration. But if you really want to get the most out of your OFYR, you know that the choice of wood is just as important.
This blog discusses the differences between wood types and why they have such a noticeable effect when using an OFYR. If you'd like to know which wood we recommend for use in an OFYR, you can find an overview on our page about wood for OFYR.
What makes wood suitable for use in an OFYR?
An OFYR isn't just for cooking; it's also for creating warmth and ambiance. Therefore, the choice of wood is crucial. Good Ofyr wood must:
- Long burning and even glowing – so you can cook and enjoy for hours.
- Provides constant heat – for perfect cooking of meat, fish or vegetables.
- Produces little smoke and sparks – for a comfortable cooking experience.
- Add flavouring if desired – for extra flavour to your dishes.
Why South African hardwood is ideal for the OFYR
At Braaihoutshop, we recommend choosing South African hardwood . These woods are extremely hard, burn two to three times longer than European hardwood, and provide a consistent, high heat. Exactly what you need for an OFYR.
Commonly used wood types for an OFYR:
- Camel Thorn – Burns exceptionally long, produces intense heat and a beautiful glow. Perfect for long evenings cooking outdoors.
- Mopane – Even harder than camel dorring and with a subtle sweet aroma. Ideal for cooking for hours at high temperatures.
- Sicklewood – Easy to light, burns cleanly, and produces a wonderfully spicy aroma. A perfect all-rounder for both cooking and creating ambiance.
Comparison: Ofyr wood vs. Dutch hardwood
You might also consider oak or beech wood for your OFYR, as these are readily available in the Netherlands. However, there are clear differences:
- Oak – Burns reasonably well, but tends to produce more smoke and sparks.
- Beechwood – Burns cleanly and quickly, but burns down faster and produces less embers.
- Birch wood – Burns brightly and quickly, but is therefore less suitable for long cooking sessions.
These woods are perfect for short-term use or purely for ambiance. But if you really want to get the most out of your OFYR, you'll immediately notice the difference with South African hardwood.
Comparison table for OFYR wood
Which type of wood really makes a difference in an OFYR?
| Wood type | Density | Burning time | Heat output | Control fire | Suitable for OFYR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beech wood | Resourse | Short | Average | Limited | Moderate |
| Oak wood | Resourse | Average | Good | Reasonable | Good |
| Sicklewood | High | Long | High | Good | Very good |
| Black hook | High | Very long | Very high | Very good | Excellent |
| Camel threshing | Very high | Very long | Very high | Excellent | Excellent |
| Mopane | Very high | Exceptional | Exceptional | Excellent | Excellent |
For those who want to understand why wood types behave differently in an OFYR, this explanation will be sufficient.
If you want to know immediately which wood we recommend for use in an OFYR, you can find an overview on our page about wood for OFYR.