Stove temps

[BigJ273]

im looking for a little guidance here:

I have a wood stove insert with a 6" insulated liner all the way up the chimney. I recently bought a laser style thermometer. I know optimal burning range is between 300-500 f. My questions is: where is this reading coming from? The front of the stove, top of the stove, or the chimney liner? Because the readings from the stove itself and the liner are a huge difference. Thanks.

 

[jatoxico]

Typically best reading (hottest) is mid-center on the top. The door doesn't give a good reading.

 

[begreen]

What insert is this for? Some have a convective top so the reading will be cooler. In that case, on the upper face, above the corner of the doors is an option.

 

[BigJ273]

When I'm burning pretty good, I'm getting g readings on the side of the door area between 300-500 degrees. But when I take a reading on the liner about six inches up, I'm getting readings of about 200. I guess I'm confused as to where this "optimal burning" temp reading is supposed to come from. I can't imagine my liner getting much hotter than it already is.

 

[BigJ273]

I'm also only using a laser thermometer on the OUTSIDE of the liner. So that may be why there is such a difference??? I'm sure if I had a probe going into the liner the temp would Be much higher on the liner.

 

[begreen]

The exterior of the liner can be 100% cooler than the flue gases inside of it, so a 200F reading could mean the flue gases are 300-400ºF. Also, shiny surfaces don't always give accurate readings due to their different emissivity.

What insert is this?