How to Light an Outdoor Stove

By Reece Toscani

Mastering How to Light an Outdoor Stove: A Comprehensive Guide

There’s something undeniably captivating about gathering around an outdoor stove, its warm glow and flickering flames creating a cosy atmosphere. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or simply enjoy the charm of a crackling fire, knowing how to properly light an outdoor stove is essential. In this blog post, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of lighting an outdoor stove, focusing on the top-down technique, safety measures, and the advantages of using the RB73 Quaruba outdoor stove.

Step 1: Prepare Dry, Untreated Wood

To ensure optimal performance and efficiency, it’s crucial to use dry, pure untreated wood with a moisture content between 15-20%. You can verify the moisture content using a tool like a moisture meter, which measures the water content of the wood. Using wood with excessive moisture can lead to poor combustion and excessive smoke.

Step 2: Check the Damper

Before lighting the stove, check if the damper in the chimney is open. The external handle should be in a vertical position to allow proper air circulation and ventilation.

Step 3: Arrange the Wood in a Top-Down Technique

To achieve the best results, create a pile of wood with plenty of air gaps using a mix of large and small pieces. Place the larger logs at the base and stack the smaller logs above them. On the very top, add kindling wood and place a firelighter. This top-down technique promotes efficient burning and even heat distribution.

Step 4: Ignite the Firelighters

Light the firelighters with a match, ensuring they catch fire. Leave the stove door slightly ajar during this initial stage. It’s important not to close the door until the wood has started to burn to allow sufficient airflow.

Step 5: Understand the Stove's Features

Inside the firebox, you’ll find a heat shield at the top, which enhances heat circulation. Additionally, the RB73 Quaruba outdoor stove boasts an airwash system that keeps the glass clean by drawing air down all of the glass sides, preventing soot build-up. There is also primary air inlets located in the four corners which assist in lighting the stove. Its important to keep these holes free of ash.

Step 6: Adjust the Air Flow

Depending on the wind conditions and desired combustion rate, you can adjust the air flow using the damper control in the flue. Turning the control from a vertical open position to a horizontal closed position slows down the rate at which the wood burns, creating a calmer combustion.

Step 7: Monitor Smoke and Sparks

Thanks to the glass windows and the stove’s design, sparks from the wood remain safely inside the firebox. Once the fire is established, you should observe minimal smoke coming from the top of the flue pipe. If you are ever concerned about sparks escaping out of the flue an optional spark catcher is available.

Step 8: Reload and Maintain the Fire

As the first load of wood turns white and black, it’s time to reload. Create an even ash bed to distribute the heat evenly into the base stones before adding more logs. This practice ensures a consistent and efficient burn.

Step 9: Closing for the Night

When you’re ready to end the evening, allow the fire to burn out quietly and securely with the door shut. This ensures safety and minimises any remaining embers.

Conclusion

Lighting an outdoor stove is both an art and a science, requiring the right materials, technique, and understanding of your stove’s features. By following the step-by-step process outlined above, you can confidently enjoy the cosy warmth and mesmerising flames of your outdoor stove. With the RB73 Quaruba outdoor stove, you not only experience the pleasure of a well-lit fire but also enjoy its durability, weather resistance, and convenient mobility features. So gather your family and friends, and embark on unforgettable evenings filled with warmth and the rustic beauty of an outdoor stove.

For pricing, technical specifications including dimensions and how-to buy, visit our product page for the RB73 Quaruba Outdoor Stove.

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How to Light an Outdoor Stove