Using Envi Blocks to Start and reload with splits?

I like to build top down fires as they have been working quite well for me. I was thinking of getting Envi Blocks for my "north/south" bottom layer as they will fit great in my VC Montpelier. My second layer will be my 18-20" oak splits and the top is progressive kindling and tinders. Has anyone tried this method?

Once I get a great bed of coals I prefer just to put in more cordwood. I get plenty of heat from the Montpelier but I would like to get my temp up much faster.

I am asking about cold starting a new fire. I can get the temp up to where I want it but want to cut down on the startup time.

The key for me is to know how well Envi Blocks will help if at all in bringing temperature up quickly.

So far I have been finding some folks saying they are sometimes difficult to start.

That being said...

On a morning reload...

If I have only a few warm coals what is the best way to restart the fire if using an Envi block. For me it seems like what has been working best is to treat it like a new fire and stary again with a top down. Just have to load it and startup before bottom layer starts smoldering.

seabert said:

I like to build top down fires as they have been working quite well for me. I was thinking of getting Envi Blocks for my "north/south" bottom layer as they will fit great in my VC Montpelier. My second layer will be my 18-20" oak splits and the top is progressive kindling and tinders. Has anyone tried this method?

Once I get a great bed of coals I prefer just to put in more cordwood. I get plenty of heat from the Montpelier but I would like to get my temp up much faster.

Click to expand...

I picked up 2 packs of Envi Blocks today just to see how well they perform.I already had a bed of coals so I just tossed 2 Envi 8's in the coals. Very impressive and reliable burn. What was great is when they were down to just a strong glow and no more flame in goes a large split and it burned beautifully. The temp is right where I want it. My first burn was with an open damper so I only got 1.5 hours. My second set in in there now with damper at midpoint so I expect to get much more time. I will post the results.

As for my original post in this string I will try a cold start with the Envi and see how it goes but right now my thought are to go with a cordwood top down start and alternate envi-cordwood-envi through the burn. This will keep my burns very clean and steady.