How to Use a Wood Stove Thermometer
- 1). Place one of the magnetic thermometers on the metal flue of the wood stove. Attach the base to the pipe approximately 2 to 3 feet from the stove. This will give an accurate reading of the exit temperature of the flue gases.
- 2). Attach the magnetic base of the second thermometer on either the top of the stove or on the top third of the metal firebox. This location will give a good reading of the interior temperature of the combustion chamber. Placing the thermometer lower will interfere with correct readings. Most wood stoves have the lower half portion of the stove lined with high temperature firebrick.
- 3). Light the fire in the stove and observe the readings on the dial face.
- 4). Note that the dial has a color-coded area from 100 to 260 degrees F. This area indicates the fire is too cold and creosote will form on the inside of the flue.
The next temperature indication area is from 270 to 460 degrees. This temperature zone is for best operation of the wood stove.
A reading higher than 480 degrees indicates the fire is too hot, which can create metal fatigue in the stove and flue. - 5). Adjust the air intakes on the stove until both thermometers register in the 270 to 460 degrees range.