Can anyone please help us better use this contraption. Have plenty access to wood but in a damp mountainous area. Not experienced fire starters.
1398453
Obviously this is a wood combustion stove...and dry wood is best...if you are in a damp climate where dry wood is difficult to come by, this may be a problem. You might try the small branches that still hang from the bottoms of the tree since they would collect moisture last and be most probable to dry first. This stove works best with any branches in the 1/2 - 1 1/2 inch diameter range. Try looking around the under side of pine trees first.
1982271
Providing you have a good draft; 1) Well seasoned firewood is key. the only sure way to know for sure is to use a Firewood Moisture Meter to test the moisture content in firewood. If your fire isn't burning well and continually needs attention like poking the fire or opening the door to get the fire going then it's very likely that your firewood isn't seasoned well. 2) Try splitting the firewood into smaller pieces and loading the wood stove with more smaller pieces than a few large ones. 3) Certain firewood puts out more BTUs than others. In most areas there isn't much of a choice but when you do have a choice try to get the firewood that produces a higher BTU output. IE: Oak is better than pine. 4) If your chimney has a slow draft you may need to clean the chimney.
813638
no, its not sold as a fire starter, very hard to start, but some people have done it before
723628
use the scoop and put on a hot fire,preferably a bed of red hot coals, works great for myself. RCM
1810122
Sound like ignitor is not creating any spark for the butane to light. I would consider returning it.
869223
Yes I have added some to a wood fire Haven't used only a charcoal fire but I think it would be ok. Something I will try this spring
295648
It would be a good tool for Scouts or anyone to learn to use for fire starting. I suggest some training on the proper use of this or any fire starter. It's a safe product, but learning how to use it properly will go a long way in avoiding frustration. It's not like lighting a match or lighter and putting the flame to some tinder. With the fire starter you need to have a tinder bundle ready, then scrape off some of the magnesium on it, finally striking the starter with steel to produce sparkw which ignite the scrapped off magnesium in the tinder.
2240912
The ZODI Outback is somewhat unstable so I'm careful to make sure it's on stable ground and I don't stray from it while it's in operation. I've heard it helps to put it on a piece of plywood/board but haven't yet tried it. I haven't had trouble igniting it. I'd think it would fit the connection for a larger tank but don't know if it does or would need an adapter.
524618
You should always have a way to start fire. If in a city I suggest getting some sterno. That way you can boil water.
945691
try a moist paper or cloth with cold ash from the fire.... i think it will help.
426474
I cooked a great beef stew for about 40 over bed of oak coals with 3 or 4 split oaks logs fed occassionly tokeep the fire going. Much more picturesque than propane burner but propane is often more convenient. Do keep the paddle stirring,use a lid,and keep the flames low.J.Johnson
1798034
It's pretty heavy and would get very hot; but if you have something safe to hold it up over a campfire, it should work just fine. It's made out of heavy-duty cast iron, already seasoned and ready to be used. I would recommend using a lodge item that has a handle though.
2112764
I used open fire (wood) in the backyard. Played with size of the fire and distance from it to the can to get it right. Using a grill would probably work, too, although it might get stained. You need a lot of heat, so a gas stove would not be enough, in my opinion, at least outside in any kind of wind. And I would never heat it up inside because of the smell. The plastic parts are pretty useless, they melt and break. The product itself is great. The quality of repair is excellent.
570030
1/ I dont think it will be a problem. 2/ Yes, or all the gas would come out the end. 3/ Sure I would put the flame side facing forward. I found that the draft going thru the fireplace pushed the flames back too far. So, I turned the device around and it hit more wood. Addtionally, for everyones sake. Know that this will take more gas to get the wood going. Because you are not using Kindling, just logs, the temp of the fire takes a while to build up in order to get enough coals to sustain the logs. Turn the gas off too soon and the fire will die.
1121593
We use small kindling type fuel. Small to medium branches would work also. We really enjoy the ambience this lends to sitting in our garden.
1541353
My husband and I just had this discussion as it is time to start using the fireplace. Both are very good at starting quickly but we think the Fire Starter squares are quicker, and burn a tad hotter. We decided to order only the squares when we finish up with the fat wood as they cost about the same as well.
340258
I'm adding it as part of my fire starting kit for camping/SHTF. It will work when a lighter doesn't. I am including a few lighters and water proof matches as well. Always good to have a few options to start a fire