Jotul Kennebec insert doors are black

[mamabear]

I am trying to problem streamline the process for using our new Jotul insert. I am used to using a stand alone stove and am not sure why we have ended up with blackened glass doors after just a few days of use. Our wood is well seasoned (over one year) and so I am thinking that this is an issue of not burning the fire hot enough? How do I know if the fire is hot enough... is there a way to burn a smaller fire without the concern of blackening the doors and finally, how do I get the doors cleaner??

 

[Famer]

I just had a Kennebec installed last week and did my break-in fires this weekend and don't have any build up...and I don't think I was burning too big or too hot. I was amazed at the air flow inside the box. It was no problem getting the fire going.

 

[BrotherBart]

With relatively warm temps right now and the elevation (5,300 ft.) in Albuquerque insufficient chimney draft is probably the problem right now.

 

[oconnor]

I've been using mine for about two weeks now. Small splits, air open, and I wipe the glass evey 2 days. I find that if I keep it clean, I get less buildup (I know, that sounds odd, but you know what I mean).

I'm burning what are essentially flash kindling fires - gives me lots of practice with my top down fire starting technique.

 

[mamabear]

I realized that we probably are dealing with several factors, including burning on a warm day, not getting the fire hot enough before adding a big oak log and then leaving it to smolder a bit. It is roaring quite well now and I will clean any buildup once it is cool. Should not happen again. Thanks for all of the replies.