Shoveling Fireview Ashes

Before you think too much about ash removal, how much heat do you want from this stove? I noted on another thread the Keystone firebox is about 1.5 cu ft, Fireview 2.2 cu ft, so a real difference there for potential burn time.

I haven't had mine long enough to answer your question. Had burned it 20 times (103 splits, approx 16.5cuft or .13 cords) before taking any ash out on Saturday morning. I don't even really think I needed to pull any out Saturday but just wanted to not have to deal with it anytime soon as I'm headed out of town this next weekend...

However, I would agree with branchburner - make your choice between Fireview and Keystone based on other factors, not the ash pan. Burn time and amount of heat you get are bigger deals really than getting ash out.

I had an ash drawer in my VC and really liked it. I thought I would not like dealing with shoveling in the FV. One out of one experience so far tells me it really is not a big deal. With the drawer (granted design is likely different) I found I was concerned about not doing it soon enough for fear of too much being there and having a mess to deal with. Shoveling - well, if there is too much then you will know to be careful opening the main door eh? It builds up very slowly.

If you go with the Fireview do yourself a favor and buy their ash pail on their web site. It sits right under the door and as you scoop the ash out all the dusty excess fly ash will get sucked back into the stove instead of flying all over the house.

I have to agree with Todd on the ash holder that Woodstock sells. It works like a charm with the Fireview.


Terry, during mid-winter we will empty ashes maybe once every 4 days. Other times we go a week or more before emptying.

One can imagine that it might be a difficult thing to empty ashes with no ash pan, but it isn't. In fact, I've heard of many folks who have stoves with ash pans and they hate them so don't even use them! But to get the ashes out is quite simple. Using just a poker, push most of the coals to the back (or front) of the stove. Clean the ashes, leaving 1-2" of ash in the stove. Then move the coals to the front (or back) and clean out there. It really is simple and easy.

I had an Avalon Rainer with an ash pan.

It worked fine removing the ash from the firebox, but I always had ash to clean up when I actually removed the ash pan from the stove.

I now have a Fireview and ash removal is pretty easy. Due to the relatively deep firebox ash can accumulate for some time before it is time to empty. I haven't had mine throught the winter to determine the interval between clean outs. I have a fiend who burns his Fireview 24/7 and says he usually empties the ashes weekly.

RickD

We're on a weekly routine with our stove, and we don't heat exclusively with it, so we can often go longer depending on the use the stove gets.

Add my voice to the chorus for the ash bucket available on their site. It's super! It minimizes debris and keep hot ashes safe until they cool down. Very handy!

What made you decide on the fireview? I haven't read any negative posts on the Hearthstone. You haven't mentioned
anything about how many square feet you have, and your home layout. These are all things that need to be considered. Not
the amount of ash. Both the Hearthstones and the Woodstocks are fine made, top quality stoves. Don't decide on how many Fireviews you
see in the signatures of the forum posts, but on what your needs are for heat and burn times. What ever you decide...I wish you the best
of luck with your new purchase.

I agree with Todd & Dennis. The ash pan available on Woodstock's site is a perfect fit for this stove. Ash production and subsequent removal will depend on burning needs.

Ted, its good to see you are still around. How is your stove working out?

Better than expected, actually. I have an unhealthy love for this thing. Still learning the nuances of it all but I'm having a blast. Thanks for asking!

Ash removal is not a big deal but I am wondering if anyone has seen a shovel with slots cut in it so you can simply sift out the ashes and be able to move all of the coals out of the way?

I use a rake for doing that. Rake the coals forward and then shove the ashes out with a shovel.

Personally, I think ash pans are a nuisance and a waste of time, but that's just my opinion.

If you go with the Fireview do yourself a favor and buy their ash pail on their web site. It sits right under the door and as you scoop the ash out all the dusty excess fly ash will get sucked back into the stove instead of flying all over the house.

Click to expand...

That ash pan is great. Just be careful not to chip the soapstone when you put it in place to remove the ashes. While I love to give Woodstock any business I can, it is a bit on the "pricey side" if you buy it from them (but certainly worth it). I believe it is manufactured by Pilgrim Hearth Products. I bought mine brand new on Ebay for about $20-30.

Woodstock has other accessories that are certainly worth the price such as their boot warmers for $8.00 per pair and the thermometers are a bargain for $10 (they are the most accurate that I have found).

Mike