What should be used for tinder—highly flammable material used to create a small, controllable flame that can ignite larger kindling—or as a fire-starter? There are many materials and products on the market.
It is very important to know the correct material for the correct purpose in today’s modern solid-fuel-burning appliances.
Commercial fire-starters on the market are fine for open-combustion type appliances. They are not recommended for modern controlled-combustion EPA-approved inserts and stoves. In fact, most manufacturers void your warranty if you use these types of products.
The best fire starter is black-and-white print paper, such as newspaper or recycled printer paper. You want to avoid burning junk mail with plastic windows or paper with excessive inks in it.
Fire-starters with chemicals or paper with excessive ink can cause chimneys to plug at the cap or cause corrosion of the chimney system, becoming a potential fire hazard.
This is why many stove and chimney manufacturers can and will void your warranty for the use of these products.