Introduction
Kindling is the heart of any successful fire in a wood-burning stove. Whether you’re a seasoned wood stove user or a beginner, understanding where to get kindling is essential for efficient and reliable stove operation. In this article, we’ll provide clear and concise information on obtaining the perfect kindling for your wood-burning stove.
What Is Kindling?
Kindling consists of small, easily ignitable pieces of wood that are used to start a fire in your wood-burning stove. It plays a critical role in the ignition process, as it quickly catches fire and helps ignite the larger logs that will sustain the fire.
Choosing the Right Kindling
Effective kindling should meet a few key criteria:
Dryness: Kindling must be dry to ignite easily. Wet or damp kindling will hinder your fire-starting efforts.
Small Size: Kindling pieces should be small and thin, typically no larger than your finger. This allows them to catch fire quickly.
Readily Available: Ideal kindling sources are abundant and easy to obtain.
Sources of Kindling
Commercial Kindling: Many stores sell pre-packaged kindling made from kiln-dried wood. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to gather your kindling.
Wood Shavings: Wood shavings or chips, often used as animal bedding, make excellent kindling. They are small, dry, and readily available at farm supply stores.
Newspaper: Crumpled newspaper can serve as effective kindling. However, it’s essential to use plain newspaper without colored ink or glossy coatings.
Wood Scraps: Broken or discarded wooden items, like old furniture or wooden crates, can be an excellent source of kindling. Break them into small pieces to use.
Twig and Branch Prunings: If you have access to a yard with trees or shrubs, you can gather small branches and twigs as kindling. Ensure they are dry and relatively thin.
Wood Shavings from DIY Projects: If you’re a DIY enthusiast, the shavings from your woodworking projects can be saved and used as kindling.
Preparing Kindling
Once you’ve collected your kindling, take the following steps to prepare it for use:
Dry It: If your kindling is not completely dry, allow it to air-dry in a well-ventilated area before use.
Sort by Size: Organize your kindling by size, separating the thinnest pieces from thicker ones.
Store It: Keep your kindling in a dry and accessible location near your wood-burning stove, so it’s always ready for use.
Using Kindling
To start a fire in your wood-burning stove with kindling, follow these steps:
Place the Kindling: Arrange the dry kindling in a crisscross pattern at the stove’s firebox bottom. Make sure there’s ample airflow between the pieces.
Light It: Use a match or a fire starter to ignite the kindling. Start with the thinnest pieces.
Add Logs: Once the kindling is burning well, gradually add larger logs to sustain the fire.
Conclusion
Kindling is a fundamental component of a successful fire in your wood-burning stove. By choosing the right kindling and knowing where to find it, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the warmth and comfort of your stove throughout the colder months. Whether you prefer commercial kindling or gather your own from various sources, a good supply of dry and readily ignitable kindling is the key to efficient and hassle-free stove operation.