I understand the benefits of the top-down lighting method. I've used it, and I kinda like it, but I wonder, does it have any ill effects on catalytic combustor? If the wood at the bottom doesn't get hot enough to boil off it's moisture content until after the cat is engaged, I would think it would be detrimental to the life of the cat. Maybe this is not a real concern. Maybe the by the time the internal temperatures reach cat-appropriate levels, all the water is boiled out of even the bottom splits. After all, it does take a while to get to those temps when you're starting with a cold stove. Still, it seems possible the stuff on the bottom would still have a fair amount of moisture left in it.
Thoughts? Anyone tested this and found out for sure?
Thoughts? Anyone tested this and found out for sure?