PAGE 22 OPERATING YOUR APPLIANCE (CONTINUED)
LEARNING TO BURN YOUR APPLIANCE
Using a wood-burning appliance takes some getting used to. Once you become accustomed to operating
your appliance, you will be able to start a hot fire quickly, adjust the heat output precisely, and obtain
overnight burns easier. Experienced wood burners may not need the information below, but may be able
to re-affirm their skills by reading the following. The better you understand your appliance, the more
rewarding you will find it.
How to Start a Hot Fire Quickly
Your wood-burning appliance acts much like an engine - before it will work at its best, it needs to reach
a high temperature. The most common mistake in starting a fire is to use too little kindling or turning
the air control down too early. For good results, YOU MUST OBTAIN AN INTENSE FIRE BEFORE
CLOSING THE AIR CONTROL DOWN. The steps below detail one method for starting a fire.
1. Pile several pieces of kindling on top of newspaper or a fire starter in the center of the firebox (it
is better to have too much kindling than not enough). Place two medium sized pieces of wood on
either side of kindling laying front to back.
2. Make sure the air control is fully open (push all the way in). Start the newspaper or fire starter.
Note: you may want to crack the door during starting to allow for more air.
3. Allow the kindling to start and burn. Then place another medium size piece of wood on top of
the burning kindling so that it straddles the two medium pieces and close the door. This
arrangement takes advantage of the air inlet located in the center under the door to feed the fire
with adequate oxygen. You may notice the flames burning from the front to the back.
4. Wait at least 30 minutes or until the appliance is fully hot before closing the air control down.
4.1. 2. 3.
How to Reload Your Appliance
When reloading your appliance, you can avoid smoke entering the room by following the steps below:
1. Push the air control all the way in until the fire starts to burn quickly, helping draft.
2. Open the door one inch and let air enter the appliance for a few seconds.
3. Carefully place the new wood on top of the existing fire. Let the fire burn on high for at least 20
minutes before turning it down Ð this will reduce creosote build-up.
1. 2. 3.
Open the door 1" and let air enter
the appliance for a few seconds
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