I've read several threads in the past about top down starting method and one recent one last week here. My last two start-ups I tried top-down and I will have to say it went very well. I was reluctant that the splits on the bottom would not catch well and be smokey. I will admit I was wrong. It was nice to have all the wood in the stove and not have to go back to add the larger splits like a regular build when the small splits are going. I had regular two splits on the bottom, a few small pine kindling pieces and a small piece of Super cedar. It does take a few more minutes to get roaring, but once going it works equally as well as a regular build. I found no issue with not having enough of a coal bed on re-fill.
I have no draft issue or smokiness on door openings, but I figured I would try it. Add me to the list of top-downers.
I have no draft issue or smokiness on door openings, but I figured I would try it. Add me to the list of top-downers.