Six Top Tips for New Woodburner Owners

Starting out with your first woodburner is exciting. These six top tips will help you enjoy every fire while protecting your stove for years to come.

September 25, 2025
By Reece Toscani
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Guides & Knowledge

1. Warm the Chimney Before Your First Fire

If you’ve just had a woodburner installed, you’re probably eager to light that first fire and settle into cosy evenings by the flames. But before you strike a match, it’s worth learning a few essentials that will help you get the very best out of your stove from day one. These six top tips for new woodburner owners cover everything from warming your chimney to choosing the right logs, giving you confidence as you start your wood-burning journey.

One of the most common problems new stove owners face is smoke spilling back into the room instead of rising up the chimney. This usually happens because cold air is trapped in the flue, blocking the smoke’s escape.

To avoid this, you’ll need to “prime” the chimney before lighting your fire. Simply place a lit firelighter near the baffle plate inside the stove for a minute or two. This warms the air in the flue, encouraging an upward draught. Once the chimney is drawing properly, your stove will light more easily and burn more cleanly.

2. Crack the Door to Prevent Condensation

When you light your stove for the very first time, the rapid temperature change can cause condensation to form on the ceramic glass. While it usually clears quickly, it can temporarily cloud your fire view.

The solution is simple: leave the stove door slightly ajar as you light the fire. This allows a gentle flow of air to equalise the temperature and prevents condensation building up. It also gives your fire a better chance to establish a steady flame in those early minutes.

3. Take It Easy on the First Burns

Think of your new woodburner like a car engine — it needs a little running-in. For your first few fires, avoid building roaring blazes that push the stove to maximum temperature. Instead, light a series of smaller to medium fires that burn well without overheating the appliance.

This gradual process helps the metal components settle into place and reduces the risk of distortion. Two or three gentle burns are usually enough before you can move on to longer and hotter fires. Just be sure not to underfire either, as this can cause the glass to blacken and waste fuel.

Want to go deeper? We’ll be covering each of these six top tips in more detail soon. Keep an eye on our Knowledge section for individual guides, or leave a comment with the topic you’d like us to cover first.

4. Expect a Curing Smell and Ventilate Well

Don’t be surprised if your first fire comes with a chemical-like smell. This is completely normal—it’s just the stove’s paint curing under heat. Some owners even notice a light haze for the first couple of burns.

The easiest way to deal with it is to crack open a window and let the smell disperse. After a few fires, the curing process will be complete, and all you’ll be left with is the natural scent of burning wood.

5. Learn Your Stove’s Air Controls

Unlike an open fire, a woodburner gives you precise control over how your logs burn. The air controls regulate how much oxygen feeds the flames, affecting everything from the intensity of the fire to how cleanly the stove runs.

Most modern stoves have separate controls for primary and secondary air. Getting to know these settings will help you balance efficiency, heat output, and glass cleanliness. It might take a little practice, but once you master them, you’ll see why this is one of the most valuable wood burning stove tips for beginners.

6. Build a Log Pile with Properly Seasoned Wood

The fuel you use is just as important as how you burn it. Wet or unseasoned wood produces smoke, soot, and tar, which can damage your stove and chimney. Always aim for logs with a moisture content below 20%—many suppliers label their wood as “Ready to Burn” to guarantee this.

Starting a dedicated log pile at home ensures you’ve always got a supply ready to hand. Better still, using a proper log store will keep the wood neat, dry, and easy to rotate. It’s a small step that makes a big difference to your stove’s performance.

Your new woodburner is more than just a heater—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. By following these six top tips for new woodburner owners, you’ll not only protect your investment but also make every fire easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

From chimney priming to log stacking, each tip lays the foundation for years of efficient burning. And remember, the more you learn about your stove, the more rewarding it becomes.

Have you just installed your first woodburner? What was your experience with the first fire? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from fellow new stove owners.

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Stove Owners Guide, Stove Safety

Reece Toscani

Reece has over two decades in the fireplace and stove world — testing, reviewing, and occasionally getting covered in soot, all in the name of wood-fired home heating. He cuts through the nonsense, busts the myths, and shares straight-talking advice to help you enjoy your stove without the confusion. From Fireplace Products to Redefining Woodburners, if it burns wood, he’s probably tested it, fixed it, or argued about it. Now, through Woodburner Insights, he shares that experience with the world — both here and on YouTube.