How to get a temp reading on a flush stove insert

[kamg]

About 3 years ago or so, I bought a Lopi Declaration fireplace insert for burning wood to heat my house. Runs great and I love it, but I'm concerned because I have no idea how hot its getting and I'm wondering if I may be overfiring it from time to time when it really gets going.

It's a flush insert with windows on the front and paneling surrounding the facing side, so I have no access to the actual metal of the woodstove (unless I take the paneling off), and thus no place to stick a magnetic temp gauge. Does anyone know of a product that might work, like a remote temp gauge or something?

Also, what happens to a stove when it's overfired? Is there any way to tell? Of course glowing red would be an obvious sign, but even if my stove was glowing I probably wouldn't be able to tell since it's hidden in the fireplace.

 

[Max Headroom]

Taking the panel off and putting magnetic thermometer on the firebox is the best solution. it's pretty easy to pop the panel off and get it back on. An IR thermometer is your other (more expensive) option.

 

[kamg]

Yeah it is easy enough to take the panel off occasionally - but not every time I want to peek at the temperature! Or did you find a place where it visible with the panel still on?

 

[Fod01]

I have the same issue with my insert. I'm going to try sticking it inside one of the hot air outlets on top. Turn the blower off for a sec before looking at it.

 

[Max Headroom]

On the declaration you can see it pretty well through the grate, even with my middle aged eyes. With the fan running you get a lower reading but that's not a big deal at all.

 

[kamg]

I will try that, thanks. I got one of them fancy grates but maybe it will still work.

Don't know why I never thought of that...

 

[brooktrout]

Just ordered a laser thermo gun from harbor freight- $29 plus shipping. Reads up to 1000 F. That oughta do it.

 

[jbroich]

I shoot my laser/IR thermometer through the upper grate. Works well.

 

[Nice-N-Warm]

Sooo.... what temps do you guys normally see on your Declarations? I have my thermometer placed on the firebox inside front panel, as mentioned above and can see temps range anywhere between 350 and 500, although 400/450 seems to be the sweet spot as that seems to give the best combination of heat output and burn time... Wood is pretty well seasoned, mostly oak and maple. (although I do run across pieces in the pile every now and then that don't burn as well).