How do I use my Wood Burner?
Quick Answer: If you’ve recently installed a wood burner, or you’re considering buying one, our Quick-Start Guide gives you some handy tips to get started.
Whether you’re a complete novice or already have one, understanding how your wood burner works is key to a safe, warm, and enjoyable experience. Here’s your friendly, straightforward guide to get you going.
A Quick-Start Guide
Learning how to get the best from your woodburner is an eclectic mix of science, technology and hands-on experience. It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions, however, they are often generic and cover a range of different models.
What the manual cannot tell you is how your stove is going to react to your flue, in your house, burning your wood in your location. Your installation is unique, and with first-hand experience you will learn what is the best way to get the most out of using your stove.
Things to know before we start
The Flue or Chimney is the essential part of the system without which your stove will not work. It creates the draught which keeps combustion going.
Draught or Draft works on the principle that hot air rises. In a wood stove system this upward flow pulls smoke and gases out of the flue and draws fresh air into the firebox for combustion.
Air Vents and Controls allow you to take control of the draught and therefore the amount of heat generated. They regulate the amount of air entering the stove, more air means a hotter, faster burn; less air slows the fire down.
What do I need to get started?
Basic Equipment
Poker: for repositioning logs and breaking up embers.
Log Tongs: for adding and repositioning logs.
Fireproof Gloves: stop you from getting burned.
Ash Bucket: for carrying and storing ash.
Starter Kit
Starter: one or two firelighters or rolled up newspaper.
Kindling: small pieces of wood offcuts, pallet wood or dry twigs.
Small logs: a few dry, thinner logs for rapid burning.
Medium logs: clean and dry medium-sized logs.
Igniter: matches or lighter.
How do I light my wood burner?
- If you have unburnt ash in the firebox clear a small area over the grate for good airflow.
- Place your starter on the grate and cover with the kindling.
- Adjust the primary and secondary air controls to fully open.
- Ignite the starter.
- Once the kindling lights partially close the door.
- When the kindling is fully alight add one or two small logs.
- When the small logs are fully alight add one or two medium-sized logs and fully close the door.
- Adjust the air vents to control the fire’s intensity. Partially close the primary air control first.
- Once the fire is established add logs and adjust the secondary control as required.
How do I use my wood burner effectively?
- Use well-seasoned wood (like local olive, lemon, almond, or holm oak) that’s been dried for at least 12 months. Dry wood burns hotter and cleaner, producing less smoke and creosote. Check out our article on Why does Properly Dried Wood matter? .
- Wood burns from the top down so requires more air at the top of the firebox, this means that once the fire is established, the secondary air control becomes the most important.
- Don’t overload the stove. Our advice is “little and often”. Overfilling can cause poor airflow and excessive smoke.
- Don’t overburn the stove. Flames blasting up the stove pipe may look good but you are losing loads of heat out of the flue.
- Don’t let the stove smoulder. This produces low heat and inefficient burning which leads to more smoke, more soot and creosote.
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Empty the ash pan regularly: usually after every few uses to keep airflow free.
- Clean the glass: use stove glass cleaner or the natural ash method to keep it clear.
- Have your chimney swept at least once a year: to remove soot and potentially creosote build-up. Our article What is Creosote and How to Prevent It? gives you more important information.
- Inspect door seals and stove parts regularly: for general wear and tear.
- Check and clean the flue T-piece regularly: Many wood burner flue systems have a T-piece near the base that collects moisture, soot, and other residue. Regular cleaning of this section helps prevent blockages and keeps smoke flowing freely out of your home.
Safety Tips
- Always use a fireguard if you have children or pets.
- Never burn rubbish, treated wood, or plastics.
- Install and maintain a smoke alarm near your stove.
Why get to know your wood burner?
The better you understand your wood burner, the more warmth and comfort you’ll get from it. Using it properly means safer operation, cleaner air, and more enjoyment of those cosy evenings.
What to do next
If you need further assistance with your wood burning stove, please get in touch with our showroom staff.