Rule of thumb for starting a cold wood burning stove…

 

As a rule of thumb, when starting a fire in a cold stove, the combustor must have 500 o F. of temperature focused on it for 20 to 30 minutes to achieve proper light-off.
The by-pass should be in the open position during this period of time.
This will allow the stove, the catalytic combustor and the fuel to stabilize at a proper operating temperature.

Even though temperature can reach 600 o F. within a few minutes after the fire has started, if the fire is turned down too soon to a low burning condition, it will result in the fire and/or the catalytic combustor going out.

At the end of a burn cycle, it’s possible that the amount of burning charcoal remaining might not provide sufficient temperature or fuel for the catalyst to stay lit.

During the refueling stage, if the stove’s firebox has an internal temperature below 500 o F., it is best to fire the stove up for 10 to 15 minutes.
This will provide increased temperature and proper amounts of volatile gases for the catalyst to operate efficiently.

However, when refueling a hot stove that has an internal temperature above 500 o F., no re-firing is necessary.

Refer to the manufacturer's stove operating manual for complete details.