Maintenance
Does the stove require a lot of maintenance?
No, if the stove is used properly, little support is needed. Ash can remain in the stove, provided it is not too thick. Ash insulates well and with a thick layer there is a chance that hot, glowing embers will remain in the ash layer long after it has stopped firing.
To remove the ash layer from the stove, simply use the ash scraper. Collect the ash in a can and when you are sure that the ash has cooled down, you can put it in the residual waste (not the green waste). You can also use the ash for fertilization in the vegetable garden or throw it away in nature. Please note, do not dispose of the ashes in water or concentrated in one place; this changes the PH value of the spot.
How do I clean the glass?
Use the handy Winnerwell sponge for this. This consists of three separate parts and will clean your window (and stove) in no time. In case of stubborn spots, moisten the sponge and dab it in the white wood ash. Then you wipe the window clean and take it off with the clean (polishing) sponge part.
Black deposits on the glass can be prevented by burning clean, dry wood with as little smoke as possible. Also prevent the wood from touching the glass.
How do I clean the pipe parts?
The pipe should be cleaned regularly. Over time, soot and creosote will constrict the pipe sections, which greatly reduces the draft of the stove. There is also a small chance of a 'chimney fire'. At least clean the pipe parts when you see that the spark arrester starts to soot shut.
Cleaning the flue pipe is easy; use the matching Winnerwell PipeBrush for this.
Will the stove rust and warp?
The stove is made of high quality 304 stainless steel, will not rust. The stove and the pipe parts will give the well-known 'patina' discolouration, but this does not damage the stove and its functioning.
Deformation is possible, even with the thick steel. Whether the stove will deform and to what extent, depends on various factors. Among other things, the way and extent to which the stove is used and fired. High firing temperatures, where the flue pipe also turns cherry red, has more influence on the stove than when firing gently. Direct temperature differences, for example due to water/rain on the stove, can also have an influence. Deformation is not serious and will not affect firing.