What could cause your baffle plate to warp and bend?

Why won’t my baffle plate sit properly?

It is safe to say that a baffle plate is situated in the most challenging and the hottest area of your stove. This piece of metal has a very tough job, deflecting and reflecting heat back into the firebox to build up the temperature. The key to a successful wood-burning/multifuel stove is the ability to maintain control of the heat and ensure that it is circulated in a controlled manner. So, what might cause your baffle plate to warp and bend?

How to spot a warped baffle plate

In some cases the bend/warp of a baffle plate might be relatively small and not always visible to the naked eye. However, once you take your baffle plate out to clean and then replace it, you might spot some tell-tale signs. These might include:-

•    A hole on the baffle plate itself
•    Difficulty refitting the baffle plate
•    An unevenness when moving the baffle plate

It is neither difficult nor expensive to replace a baffle plate but obviously you want to ensure that your spending on spares is minimal and you get the best value for money. So, what might cause a baffle plate to warp and bend?

Over firing your wood-burning stove

Many people are surprised to learn that you can actually “over fire” your wood-burning stove which can cause potential problems. While these machines are manufactured to absorb enormous heat the accumulated impact of over firing can be significant. There are various ways in which you might over fire your wood burner which include:-

•    Using too much fuel
•    Opening air vents too wide
•    Operating your stove with the door open

We all know that fire needs oxygen to burn therefore it is probably obvious that the more oxygen available to the fire, the more powerful the heat. This excess heat can have a significant impact on even the hardest of metals and most robust of stove parts. It is therefore essential that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines with regards to oxygen levels and “over fuelling”.

How can excess heat create a hole in your baffle plate?

You will notice that your stove baffle plate tends to be a magnet for hot ashes which is why it is advisable to clean your plate on a regular basis. If the baffle plate is not cleaned on a regular basis then ash will accumulate and eventually start to corrode the metal. Once this process has begun the baffle plate should be replaced. There is no going back; it will eventually become a hole in your baffle plate which defeats the point of the part.

Making your baffle plate last

Many people fail to take notice of simple maintenance and usage advice when they acquire a wood-burning or a multifuel stove. While we try to get this point across, it is imperative that you take care of your stove to maximise efficiency and minimise the requirement for spare parts. In reality, over the years some spare parts will need replaced but to give you an example, some people can make a baffle plate last years while others may warp and bend one in just 12 months. Avoiding over fuelling, using the appropriate airflow and general cleaning of the baffle plate will have a material impact on its life and efficiency.