It is fair to say that wood-burning and multifuel stoves are built to last, built to withstand significant heat and generally have a relatively long lifespan. However, from time to time you will come across issues where parts break or warp and sometimes you might wonder why. In this article we will look at why wood-burning grates warp or break and what you can do to stop this.
What might cause wood-burning grates to warp or break?
There are four main reasons why your grate may need replaced and while you can address the majority of these reasons, good old-fashioned wear and tear issues are part and parcel of life with a wood-burning stove.
Wear and tear
The position of the grate and the fact it has burning fuel sitting on top can over time lead to general wear and tear. This does not necessarily mean there was a fault with the part, it is just the intense heat will have an impact on the metal in the long run. The wear and tear could take literally years to become visible but you will likely see an ever reducing decline in efficiency. The good news, you can buy grates online with delivery direct to your doorstep. They are also one of the simplest spare parts to replace!
Overfiring your stove
When you mention the dangers of overfiring your stove you will be surprised at the number of people who do not appreciate the damage this can do. The practice of overfiring is simply the action of running your stove at too high a temperature. There are two main reasons why this may occur:-
• Too much fuel – if you pile too much fuel into your stove then this will create more than the recommended temperature and place undue pressure on part such as the grate.
• Too much oxygen – we all know that fire needs oxygen to survive and grow. However, if your vent is over utilised then this will draw more oxygen into the stove than required and lead to overfiring. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and you will be fine.
If you are unsure whether you are overfiring your stove you can buy temperature gauges which will alert you when the temperature is too high. These temperature gauges are relatively inexpensive but can be worth their weight in gold!
Burning pet coke
We have on numerous occasions come across stove owners who have fuelled their machines to the letter of the manufacturer’s instructions. So, how might they still encounter warped/broken grates?
Unfortunately, while normally what you see is what you get with regards to fuel for your stove, this is not always the case. We have seen situations where pet coke has been inadvertently mixed with other fuels thereby leading to heat which is too intense for the stove. The gases released together with the heat can take the temperature above and beyond recommended levels. As a consequence, warped and broken wood burner grates are commonplace in this environment.
Burning the wrong fuel
The amount of people we have come across who “know better” when it comes to the right fuel to use for their wood-burning stove would amaze you. Despite the fact that these machines have been tried and tested by the manufacturers, in relation to recommended fuel, there is always somebody who seems to know better. If one particular type of fuel is not recommended by the manufacturer when it is simple, do not use it.
It is also worth mentioning that use of incorrect fuel, against the manufacturer’s guidelines, may well invalidate your warranty. The stoves have been tested with various fuels and it would pay to heed the advice of the manufacturer.
Conclusion
While replacing a warped/broken grate is relatively simple, you don’t really want to be replacing any items on a regular basis. General wear and tear is unavoidable, it will happen over time, but burning the wrong fuel, overfiring your stove and burning pet coke are avoidable. Let’s remember, these machines are manufactured to last many years. They are rock solid, can withstand intense heat and while they may look relatively simple they are extremely efficient. Use them correctly and the value for money from your wood-burning stove will be very impressive.