The black locust tree is a hardwood but it's unique because it grows faster than most softwoods. Even though the tree grows extremely fast, it still produces tough, dense, heavy firewood. Black locust is an excellent choice for firewood. The hot, long lasting fire it produces makes it a popular choice for anyone who heats with wood. Black locust firewood is not as well known as oak, maple ash and other hardwoods. However, we try and educate our customers on black locust firewood and after they try it out, the home burners are instantly attached to it due to the fact of how hot it burns. Black locust burns very hot. If you use a wood stove and are concerned about the fire getting to hot (which is possible with black locust) mix it in with other wood and don't fill the wood stove completely with locust.
Would we say black locust firewood is comparable to oak firewood? Yes and no, oak still gives off a longer burn time and a better smell, but black locust produces more heat per log. Black locust would also not be advised to be used for cooking any foods because of the flavor and scent it gives off.
Black locust will produce around 30 million BTU's per cord.