insert ss temps

[mainstation]

OK, another topic on wood insert temps, I have a R14 insert , burn a seasoned mix of hardwoods, mostly maple and ash. The $10 thermometer on the front usually reads 300F, having gone as high as 475F. This reading is through the heavy plated steel of the insert so my question is : What do you think the SS flex pipe temp would be around 20" up the chimney. I am going up this weekend to inspect my chimney for clean out purposes .
I usually "open" the insert up once or twice a day if possible for an hour with the fan off.

 

[bokehman]

The temperature recorded on the front has no relationship with the stack temperature. My stack temperature goes up when I reload and have the air open. Normally rises to about 600. At this time the top-centre-front of the insert where the air comes out is around 200. Once the air is closed, or almost closed the stack temp drops to around 250 and the top-centre-front temp is around 550 for nearly 2 hours.