Do you remember how people used to make a fire? They would crumple up newspaper, put wood shavings on it, place logs on top, and light it with a match.
And now someone is advising you to do the exact opposite!
Top lighting is not an internet invention. For many modern wood-burning stoves, this is the recommended method to more quickly create suitable conditions for clean combustion and to reduce smoke development during ignition.
How is it heated from above?
It’s very simple. You light a fire on top of a prepared stack of wood and let it burn down slowly.
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- Place larger, dry logs at the bottom. Arrange them according to the size of the firebox and the recommended amount of fuel.
- Place smaller logs and wood shavings on top. Leave space between the wooden boards for air circulation.
- Place a suitable lighter on it. Use only products approved for use on stovetops.
- Set the combustion air supply to the ignition position. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Light the lighter and close the door according to the instructions. Once the fire is lit, regulate the air supply according to the recommended procedure.
And that’s it! You no longer have to open the door every now and then and rearrange the wood.
Why is firing from above advantageous?
If a large amount of wood is lit from the bottom, the logs on top can heat up and release flammable gases before suitable conditions are created for their complete combustion.
When properly ignited from above, the fuel ignites gradually, and less visible smoke is produced in a professionally constructed oven.
This means cleaner combustion, less soot and often fewer glass deposits.
But beware: Lighting from above alone is not enough to remedy damp wood, a defective chimney, or insufficient air supply.
So, is firing from below bad?
Not necessarily.
Some oven designs and their operating instructions may require a different heating method. The procedure prescribed by the manufacturer of the respective model is always authoritative.
If the manufacturer recommends top lighting, it makes sense to follow this recommendation.
Three mistakes that can ruin even a properly prepared fire
Wet wood: Instead of a quick fire, smoke, hissing, and clogged windows are produced. For normal firewood, a moisture content below 20% is recommended, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
Too little air: If the air supply is interrupted too early, the fire will be smothered and the combustion will deteriorate.
Too much wood: An overfilled combustion chamber does not result in better heating performance. Observe the maximum fuel quantity and all other restrictions specified in the operating instructions.
And one more rule: Never use gasoline, alcohol, or other unsuitable flammable liquids to start a fire.
Our final piece of advice
Do you want a beautiful fire behind glass? Start with the lighting method.
Dry wood, the correct amount of air, and the manufacturer’s recommended procedure contribute more to the operation of the stove than the most expensive firelighters.
And if you’ve spent your whole life looking from below, you might be surprised at how well the exact opposite approach can work.