Introduction to Blast Furnace OSRS
Blast Furnace OSRS: The Blast Furnace in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most efficient and profitable ways to train the Smithing skill, especially at mid to high levels. Located in Keldagrim, the Blast Furnace allows players to smelt bars using half the amount of coal normally required, significantly increasing bar output and profits.
This minigame-style smithing method is particularly popular for producing steel, mithril, adamantite, and rune bars. Although it requires an initial setup and fee for lower-level players, the experience per hour and potential gold profit make the Blast Furnace a favorite among ironmen and main accounts alike.
How the Blast Furnace Works
The Blast Furnace uses a unique system that separates the smelting process into multiple stages, involving machinery and sometimes hired workers.
Location and Access Requirements
The Blast Furnace is located in Keldagrim, a dwarven city accessible via the Mine Cart System, Grand Exchange trapdoor, or by completing The Giant Dwarf quest. There are no quest requirements to use the furnace itself, but access to Keldagrim requires starting the aforementioned quest.
For players below level 60 Smithing, a 2,500 coin fee per 10 minutes is required to pay the foreman. Those with level 60 Smithing or higher can use the furnace for free.
Key Machinery and Mechanics
The process includes several interactive machines:
Conveyor Belt – where ores are loaded.
Bar Dispenser – where bars can be cooled and collected.
Pedals and Pumps – used to regulate heat and move materials.
In most worlds, these machines are operated by NPCs (dwarves), so you only need to load ores and collect bars. In official Blast Furnace worlds, these workers are always available, making the process more efficient.
Recommended Items and Gear
For optimal performance, players are encouraged to bring:
Ice gloves (to instantly collect bars from the dispenser)
Weight-reducing gear (Graceful, Boots of Lightness)
Coal Bag (unlocked from Motherlode Mine for carrying more coal)
Stamina potions (to maintain high energy while running)
Best Methods for Training Smithing at the Blast Furnace
Efficiency at the Blast Furnace depends on your Smithing level, available funds, and the type of bar you plan to smelt.
Steel Bars (Low to Mid-Level)
Steel bars are a great starting point at the Blast Furnace for accounts with level 30 Smithing. You only need 1 iron ore and 1 coal (instead of the usual 2 coal). While the profit per hour is modest, it offers decent XP and a low cost training method for lower-level players.
Mithril and Adamantite Bars (Mid-Level Strategy)
At level 50+ Smithing, players can start smelting mithril bars (1 mithril ore + 2 coal) and adamantite bars (1 adamantite ore + 3 coal). These are commonly used for profit-based training, especially when prices on the Grand Exchange make them highly valuable.
Rune Bars (High-Level Efficiency)
At level 85+ Smithing, the Blast Furnace becomes incredibly profitable and XP-efficient for smelting rune bars. They require 1 runite ore and 4 coal (reduced from 8 coal with the furnace bonus). With high click efficiency and fast banking, players can earn up to 250k–350k XP/hr and significant profit.
Experience Rates and Profit Potential
The Blast Furnace is considered one of the top-tier Smithing methods due to its high XP rates and gold output, especially when done efficiently.
XP Rates by Bar Type
Steel Bars: ~70k XP/hr
Mithril Bars: ~120k XP/hr
Adamantite Bars: ~180k XP/hr
Rune Bars: ~250k–300k XP/hr
XP rates depend heavily on banking speed, stamina potion usage, and the player’s overall movement efficiency.
Profit Margins
Profit varies based on GE prices, but generally:
Steel Bars: Low profit or breakeven
Mithril Bars: ~200k–300k GP/hr
Adamantite Bars: ~500k GP/hr
Rune Bars: ~800k–1.2M GP/hr
Ironmen benefit significantly, as the furnace drastically cuts down on coal requirements and time spent mining.
Tips for Maximizing Profit
Use Blast Furnace worlds (W308–W352) to benefit from dwarves running the machinery.
Invest in a Coal Bag for better inventory management.
Wear Ice Gloves to avoid delays at the bar dispenser.
Monitor market prices regularly to identify the most profitable bar.
Additional Considerations and Community Tips
Beyond just smelting, there are several important things to consider before and during your Blast Furnace training journey.
Banking Speed: Use nearby deposit boxes and fast banking routes to cut down on wasted time.
AFK Alternatives: If Blast Furnace is too intensive, alternatives like Gold Ore smelting (with Goldsmith Gauntlets) or Cannonball making offer AFK XP.
Group Play: In team-oriented minigames or clans, Blast Furnace runs can be more enjoyable and competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Ironmen use the Blast Furnace?
Yes, Ironmen can use it without issue. It’s one of the most efficient smithing methods for Ironman mode.
Q: Is Ice Gloves mandatory?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended — without them, you must use a bucket of water to cool bars, slowing down your XP/hr.
Q: Is there a quest requirement?
No quests are required for the furnace itself, but entering Keldagrim requires starting The Giant Dwarf.
Final Thoughts
The Blast Furnace OSRS remains one of the most efficient and profitable training methods for Smithing. Whether you’re an Ironman trying to maximize ore efficiency or a main account chasing fast XP and GP, the Blast Furnace offers a high-reward, high-effort method that scales with your level and skill.
With the right strategy, setup, and dedication, you can turn hours at the furnace into millions of GP and elite-level Smithing XP — making it a core method in any player’s skilling journey.
