Wood Burner — Need Some Advice

paperclap

Hi all,

We’ve got a beautiful little multi fuel stove – the Clearview Pioneer 400.

But, I’m struggling to maintain a “lazy flame” (slow, maintenance flame) over a long period of time.

After starting the fire, with both the primary and secondary vents fully open, I can get the burnt up to the optimal operating temperature (I am for 200 degrees Celsius) in around 15-20 minutes.

After that, I shut down the primary air vent completely. Shortly after, I’ll close the secondary air vent by about half to two thirds.

However, the flames always seem incredibly aggressive. Not a lazy flame at all. Moreover, I seem to have to tend to the fire every 30-45 minutes, in that I’ll either need to add more fuel*, or open up the vents to maintain the 200+ degrees Celsius temp.

*I usually add one to two 9 inch by 3 inch half split logs.

What am I doing wrong?

WeTransfer link below containing a video to see the flames!

https://we.tl/t-iUaWRLzNku

Thanks!

dunstonh

After that, I shut down the primary air vent completely. Shortly after, I’ll close the secondary air vent by about half to two thirds.

You need to close the secondary vent as much as possible without actually closing it.  On my clearview that means pushing it in apart from about a quarter of an inch.   Keep pusing it in a few mm and wait 5 minutes to see if the flame slows down. if not, push it in a few more and repeat until you get the desired result.

Don't over do it. Once you have that lazy flame, its very easy to try another nudge on the secondary and close it too much.

Whilst with wood, closing the primary is in most of the guides, I have read one clearview guide that suggests closing the primary and then reopen it a half turn.  Even when burning wood.   Mainly as the secondary can be a bit harder to find optimal and having a tiny bit of primary open (and it is tiny with a half turn) can avoid charcoaling.

I have three clearview stoves. All are identical but each one has its own optimal setting on the secondary.  So, you have to find what is right for yours.

mumf

The draw on your chimney will be different to your neighbour. . I have two stoves,and both chimneys draw differently. Trial and error.

Verdigris

If the stove is DEFRA or EcoDesign specification you won't be able to shut it right down. The whole point being to prevent air pollution from particulates.