Using Your Stove

Mark likes to demonstrate every stove he installs - it's part of the job to test the appliance before he leaves and give the new owner instruction if necessary. Every stove is different, so it's important to get to know how the controls are designed to operate.  

When using your wood burner for the first time you should be aware that the paint on the stove may need to cure. This means that for the first few lightings you should have only a small fire, and don't be worried if the appliance gives off a slight smell.

Always use kindling and newspaper or a firelighter to get the stove going, and only put logs or coal on once the stove is hot. When the fire has just been lit it requires air underneath it to get it going, but once it's established, the airflow controls at the bottom can be reduced or closed, and the ones at the top can be opened a little to allow some air in and help to keep the glass clean.

It's of paramount importance that you use dry and seasoned wood. Hard wood must be left for at least 2 years to season, and soft wood 18 months.