Lighting a Wood Burning Stove

The HotPrice Guide to lighting a stove

You don’t have to have been in the scouts or guides to successfully light a fire in a woodburning stove.  It’s really easy when you know how – but before we tell what to do, let’s also make it clear what NOT to do.

Never, ever use paraffin, ethanol or petrol on a wood burning stove. These are obviously highly flammable substances that could cause the fire to explode. And don’t ever leave your stove unattended when you have the door open.

You also need to make sure you have the correct tools for the job – heat resistant gloves, a brush, shovel, tongs and a poker.

The first thing your fire needs is air which means you will need to open the appropriate controls – these are clearly shown in your installation guide and are easy to get to.

The second thing your fire needs is a firebed. If you have ash from a previous burn, leave it there, there is no need to clear it away. You can use shop bought firelighters or newspaper to create your firebed and then you need to add small pieces of kindling, again available to buy in the shops or you can make your own. Just ensure the pieces are very dry and quite small – about 10-20 mm.  Pile this up in a little bonfire shape inside the stove.

The third and final thing your fire needs is oxygen. Once you have lit the kindling leave the door slightly open for a few minutes (don’t leave the stove unattended)  and let the fire catch.

Then once the fire has caught you can add your well seasoned logs one or two at a time – being careful where you place them so you don’t smother the flames. Then shut the door and watch as after about half an hour, the lovely flames take hold and your fire starts to burn.

You just can’t beat a wood burning stove!