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UNDERSTANDING HOW
DIFFERENT FUELS BURN
Wood and solid fuels (multi fuels) burn
in different ways and you will need to
understand these differences if you
want to get the best out of operating
your stove.
Basically solid fuels need a flow of
combustion air through the bottom
grate whereas wood does not require
this as its combustion air can be taken
from above the grate. Wood always
burns best on a bed of its own embers
and shouldn't need to be riddled. On
the other hand, solid fuel requires
riddling to maintain an adequate air
flow from underneath the grate.
Your new stove can burn very well, or
very poorly, depending on how you
light the fire, how you refuel the fire,
and, of course, the type and quality of
the fuel that you are burning. A flue
temperature gauge and log moisture
meter are both cost-effective invest-
ments and are highly recommended if
you want to maximise the efficiency of
your stove and fuel.
Wear protective gloves when loading a
burning stove and place logs and other
fuels precisely where you want them by
using heat-resistant tongs. Always open
the stove door gently to avoid
unnecessary air turbulence which could
cause ash or small lighted embers to
be drawn from the fire chamber and
beyond the protective hearth. Never
operate the stove without the fire fence
(or log guard) in position.
The stove is not designed to be
operated with the door open.
Handbook DEFRA 905 V3.indd 15
BURNING WOOD LOGS
As previously stated wood burns best
on a bed of its own embers which also
forms a barrier that reflects heat and
protects the fire grate from being
damaged. You can therefore leave a
bed of ash in place to create a layer of
approximately 25mm (1"), only
occasionally removing the surplus ash.
The end grain of the wood produces
more of the remaining moisture and
gases so whenever possible point the
log ends away from the glass to help
keep the glass clean.
Fuel Load Ideally the logs should be
approximately 225 – 250mm (9" – 10")
long and a typical fuel load should
weigh 1.0 – 1.5kg (2.2lb – 3.3lb).
To get the best out of your stove,
ideally you will need three different
thicknesses of wood log as you build
the fire through each lighting phase:
1 Kindling This is generally finely
chopped wood, approximately 5 to
10mm thick (1/4" to 1/2") from your
supply of logs. Alternatively use dried
twigs or small branches which have also
been fully seasoned
2 Lighting Logs These are slightly
bigger diameter logs, approximately 25
to 50mm (1" to 2")
3 Refuelling Logs These should be
approximately 75 to 100mm thick (3"
to 4"). Bigger logs should be split down
to this size
Lighting a Wood Fire
The main difference between smoke
and flame is temperature, so when
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