The moisture content of wood that you are using to burn in a wood burning stove should be below 25%. For smokeless areas it should be below 20%. Wood above this moisture content will not burn as cleanly or as efficiently.  You will find there will be a build up of tar in your chimney if you do not burn wood that has a low moisture content. The Morso Moisture Meter is battery-powered and comes in it's own protective case.