Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner

The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner, that can burn smokeless and cast iron wood burning stove. It is able to burn larger pieces of wood, compared to small stoves, and has an impressive heat output and burn time.

It can also be protected with a heatshield to comply with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which requires wood stoves to be kept away from combustible surfaces on all sides.

Clean Wood

Wood stoves aren't only attractive to look at, but they also offer a wonderful source of heat for a home. As such, they need to be properly maintained to ensure that they operate smoothly and efficiently. This can be a little bit of a challenge, particularly when it is keeping the glass clean, but a few simple steps can make a huge difference.

It is important that you only burn wood that has been seasoned in your wood stove. This means that it must have been chopped and stored for at least one year before being used to help reduce the amount of smoke. The burning of wood that is not seasoned could cause the flue to overheat, which in turn could result in a fire breaking out of control, or creating the chimney to catch fire.

It is also recommended to only burn clean wood on your wood-burning stove. Avoid burning paper or other non-wood materials, such as rubber and plastics, as these can produce toxic fumes that are not good for your health. Avoid burning treated or painted indoor wood burner, because this could release harmful chemicals such as arsenic in the air that isn't good for your health.

It is also important to clean your stove's interior regularly. It can be done easily with a standard household vacuum cleaner and a brush attachment. You can also purchase several cleaners made specifically for use on stove glass, however it is important to check that any product you purchase doesn't void your stove warranty before using it.

Additionally, it is essential to check regularly the fire rope seals on the doors at the top and bottom of your wood burner. These seals prevent smoke or soot from leaving the stove and it is crucial to make sure that they are firmly in position and not damaged.

The last thing you should do is to regularly remove any birds who have made their home of your chimney. Seagulls are a nuisance because they can be a nuisance to chimneys during summer. This can cause all kinds of debris to be deposited down the flue and damage your stove. You can fit a variety of bird guards and spikes to your chimney to stop this.

Paper Burning

The right type of paper won't just start a fire quickly, but it could also create dangerous smoke. Certain types of paper like gift wrap and glossy magazines, contain harmful chemicals that could release toxic fumes as they burn. To avoid creating a hazardous environment burn only clean paper in your wood burner.

You might want to consider using a tub if you only have a tiny amount of paper to burn. Set a pile of papers on top of a tub and light one corner. The water will absorb any embers that fall and prevent them from catching the grass or tree in flames. If you're concerned about the smell, place baking soda or vinegar close by to neutralize it.

Begin with a base of small twigs, or newspaper shredded. This will ensure that the paper burns properly. Add 3-4 medium-sized wood burning fireplace logs, and let them burn. Then, put the paper on the top. The paper will burn quickly and it is crucial to stay close and observe the flame as it is burning.

It is best to burn your papers outdoors on the day there isn't any wind. A strong wind gust can blow embers into the grass or directly onto your home. Inhaling the smoke of burning paper can cause breathing issues.

You can also make use of a BBQ grill to ignite paper, but this method is recommended if you only have just a few sheets of paper to burn. If you have a removable grilling surface, you can remove it and burn the paper directly on the charcoal.

Before you begin burning paper, ensure that your wood burner is functional and that the fire pit is free of branches, twigs and other materials that could ignite. It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher within reach in the event of an emergency. Consult with your local authorities and homeowners association to determine whether it is permitted for you to burn papers outside.

Safety Precautions

Wood burning stoves can provide hours of pleasure and comfort, but that joy is only achievable if you take the necessary steps to use them in a safe manner. Although it may be to some as if it's obvious, the fact is that many people don't take the time to adhere to simple safety precautions.

Make sure that your stove is properly insulated and the flue pipes that go outside are protected. Also, ensure that pets and children are kept away from the stove.

Ensure that any paper and trash is not left in the woodburning fireplace. The fireplace and chimney can overheat if these items are ignited. They can also create creosote, which is an fire hazard and needs to be cleaned up regularly.

Make sure the smoke alarms are in good order and test them monthly. Installing carbon monoxide alarms can also save lives. They are also affordable.

Always keep a fire extinguisher at reach in case in the event of an emergency. Always burn only dry, seasoned logs and do not build a pile of logs that is too large. A pile of logs that are burning together will cause incomplete combustion, which will increase CO emissions. It is crucial to keep an eye on and control the fire. If it becomes out of hand the fire should be snuffed out immediately.

Whenever you are finished cooking on your stove, make certain that the fire is dead out and that all combustible materials have been cleared from around the firebox and flue pipes. There are certain clearance requirements that depend on the model of your stove and on how you plan to install it within your home.

If you are planning to install your cast iron wood burner stove in a smoke controlled zone, look for a DEFRA approved model. These stoves are designed for use in smoke-controlled areas. They are available in a range of sizes and colours. Some models can be customized to fit your specific decor and are designed with direct air intake for improved performance in smoke control zones.

Installation

Wood stoves are a popular choice for heating small areas. They can be put in yurts, sheds and even cabins. They also offer a warm, comfortable fire without the use of electricity or oil. It is crucial to follow the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer to set up your wood stove properly. These guidelines will help you avoid dangerous problems, and ensure your stove is safe to use.

Before installing your stove, you should clear the area around it of materials that could ignite. It is also recommended to leave at least 16" between the stove and the nearest combustible walls. If you do not meet these requirements then a stove board or hearth pad can be installed. This non-combustible mat is designed with spacers of 1" to allow the stove be positioned further away from walls, which could reduce clearance requirements by up to 66%.

You should also remove the furniture and curtains to stop smoke from blowing into the room. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your shed. Not to mention, ensure that your shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. It is essential to regularly check your stove to ensure safety.

It is recommended to buy an electric stove made of wood that is EPA certified. This certification means that the stove is more than 75 percent efficient, which means it will capture and convert more heat from wood than it releases. It is an excellent idea to choose the wood stove you want to use based on the recommended heating capacity of the space in which it will be placed. This will prevent you from overloading your wood stove, which could cause creosote and smokeouts.

After you have cleared the space and removed any combustible materials, you will need to make the foundations of your stove. This will include removing any combustible materials and making the hearth ready. Check that any existing vents are open and free. You'll need to put in vents if the ones you have are not functioning properly.

When your stove is set up and tested, you must test it by lighting three or four small fires. This will help to cure the fire bricks and paint on your stove. It will also ensure that it is safe to burn large flames.