How to Make a Small Wood Stove Burn Longer
Sep 23, 2022
1. Get the chimney right
The chimney is a vital part of the overall wood burning stove. So make sure it is high enough, at least 20-30cm taller than the roof of the tent, but keep the stove pipe to less than seven feet with no more than two elbows. If it’s longer or more convoluted than that then the smoke can cool too much before it gets to the chimney, which will affect the pressure it can produce.
2. Keep the chimney clean
A blocked or simply coked up chimney is one of the major reasons why a stove doesn’t work at its absolute best. Chimneys are designed for smooth airflow and a heavy layer of deposits on the inside wall will simply disrupt the air and ensure that your stove isn’t as efficient as it could be.
3. Use dry wood
Cheap wood may seem like a bargain, but it can be completely the opposite if it has a high moisture content that causes a lot of smoke and not enough fire. Aim for wood with a 15-20% moisture content and you’ll use less and get a better burn that keeps you warmer, faster, for longer.
4. Use the ‘top down’ lighting method
Take several logs, kindling and create a layered cage around screwed-up newspaper or firelighters. This allows the heat to escape and creates a draft in the chimney that will help feed the fire. Keep the air control fully open at this point, and leave the door slightly ajar, then light the paper or lighters from the top and let the flame descend down and catch the kindling.
5. Wait, don’t just throw on logs
After 45 minutes to an hour, when you’re left with glowing embers, that’s the time to add more wood, after raking the embers to the front. Use just as much wood as you need, when you need it, for the most efficient fire. Regulate the air control once the new logs have caught fire to ensure the cleanest possible burn.
6. Make sure it’s cold outside, or warmer inside
You can’t control the weather, but a wood burning stove works better when there’s a larger temperature difference between the outside and inside as the draft is an essential part of the operation. If you run the stove on a hot day then the air inlets may shut down, which is not good for the chimney.
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