How To Use Wood Stoves

Wood stoves are some of the oldest in existence. As you might expect, they are very different from the modern versions we use today. However, they have the same purpose: to cook healthy and natural. Learning to use wood stoves will help you get the most out of this appliance.

Originally, wood stoves were made underground. You would put embers in the bottom of the hole and then add the food. Then you will cover the stones to keep the heat inside. This would cook the meat in its own juice and preserve all its nutritional properties.

Modern wood stoves have a different shape, but the cooking method is the same. They retain a lot of heat, so they are quite efficient. You can also make some very delicious meals: pizza, meat, bread and pastries.

How to use wood stoves

In today’s article, we will share some guidelines on how to use wood stoves in the most efficient way possible. You should note that they are cheaper than modern stoves since you save on gas and electricity. In addition, your meals will taste better than ever!

Get a good fire started

First you will get a good fire in the stove. The secret is to get good firewood. If you do not have much time, you can start with conifers that catch fire quickly. After the fire reaches the right temperature, you can add harder wood.

Place the wood, about 4 inches thick, over the entire bottom of the stove. Be sure to use the finest wood first. Then you can gradually add the thicker wood.

Let the fire blow

First you want to leave the oven door and the draft door open. In this way, a good amount of oxygen will be able to drive the fire.

Cooking

Before you can start cooking, the fire must reach about 930 degrees Fahrenheit and stay there for about half an hour. Then, when the flame has gone out, remove some of the embers and wait for the oven to cool to about 480 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, you will reduce the circulation to a little more than half by closing the door.

Although the cooking temperature will vary depending on the amount and type of food you cook, you can start cooking when it reaches 480 degrees.

Additional guidelines for wood stoves

Some of these guidelines may seem minor, but they do end up making a big difference in your end product:

• Wood: Feel free to use oak wood.
• Wood shape: Put the wood in the wood stove and form a pyramid. You can also use paper or fire starters to light your flame.
• Fire: Be sure to keep the cover and door open while lighting.
• Food: You must put the food in the oven when the embers turn white.
• Use: When the flame starts to cool down, you can use it to make stews or fish.
• Time: You will fire up the oven an hour and a half before you actually plan to start cooking.

Be careful when using wood stoves

Like all other appliances that use fire, you need to be careful. Wood stoves have high temperatures, so you risk burning yourself. The doors and handles can get very hot. Therefore, we suggest that you use oven mittens and always have them handy, so that you do not forget to use them.

You also need to be careful when opening the door because you will not feel the heat immediately. As a result, you may think that nothing is happening. However, convection currents work differently than gas or electric heaters. So you should open the door and try to stay as far away as possible.

In addition, make sure you have all the tools you need. For example, you may need a shovel with a long handle that allows you to reach the bottom of the oven without having to get too close. There are also special gloves for handling hot items that will be very useful.

Conclusion

Cooking in wood stoves is a wonderful experience that takes you back to the origins of culinary art. They are very easy to use, as long as you follow the guidelines we share with you.

Remember to pay attention to the temperature. For example, you fry bread at 430 degrees Fahrenheit, meat at 480 degrees and stews at 300 degrees.

We hope you can get the most out of your wood stove and that you can enjoy some nutritious and tasty meals. However, you need to make sure that you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones when cooking.