Propane Firestarter INSIDE Stove?

[Jeff Childers]

I have seen a propane firestarter installed inside a woodburnign stove's firebox. It was essentially a gas outlet with the valve located outside the stove on the gas line going into the firebox. You load the firebox, lights the gas jet, and shut the door. In a few minutes, you just turn off the gas and you have a roaring fire. This is a real convenience, but is it safe?

Has anyone else rigged up a firestarter like this? If so, please provide some details on how it is done.

Does anyone know how this affects one's homeowner's insurance?

Thanks for any information you can provide.

Jeff

 

[stoveguy2esw]

personally i think its extremely dangerous! if there is a unit out there that is designed and tested to include that type of ignition system i have not heard of it. i would expect that your insurance company would have an absolute cow if they knew you had such a setup. and certainly "retro rigging" an existing unit to be operated that way would void your warranty as well as void the "ul listing" for the stove due to unauthorised alteration. i would suggest as strongly as possible that you not pursue this idea. gas is not somthing to play with lightly as it can have a nasty tendancy to go BOOM when its not used properly. risk aint worth the reward, just my 2 cents (as a manufacturer of wood and gas products)

 

[laynes69]

I think some gas or oil/wood furnaces have this feature. Maybe the yukon? Its not a safe practice whatsoever to try something like this. I'm not sure where coal gas and propane compare, but I have had a firebox full of coal gas and when it ignites BOOM. Its not a good feeling. I couldn't see insurance companies allowing this. Lets say something goes wrong and you have a gas leak. You have a potential for one hell of an explosion. I wouldn't even try to attempt. Stick with the firestarters if you have a problem starting a fire. Very Dangerous!

 

[MountainStoveGuy]

simply NO WAY.

 

[elkimmeg]

Has anyone else rigged up a firestarter like this? If so, please provide some details on how it is done.

Does anyone know how this affects one’s homeowner’s insurance?

I think the last guy that retrofitted wood stove with a gas starter is no longer with us. Too Bad I liked Jeb. Everbody warned him but he did not listen
Now he listens to no one. I don't know how things came out with the insurance company, hard to negotiate from a closed casket.

 

[Jeff Childers]

Yes, I can already see how the future posts on this topic will go. It's a bad idea.

I suppose if my firestarting abilities don't improve I can always get one of those handheld propane torches and just sit there in front of the unlit fire for a few moments blasting it with the blue flame from that gizmo.

I've never used those gels to start a fire but maybe it's time I give them a try.

Of course all of this was caused by a failure to plan. I'll take more care to cut enough firewood this summer and try to get it dry before next winter. Burning wet willow is a bad idea!!

Thanks guys!

Jeff

 

[restorer]

Ouch Here comes the tush battering. Can't think why someone would be so lazy. Even the wood fired pizza ovens start with kindling. I don't want that roman candle or rocket motor any where near my home.

 

[stoveguy2esw]

Yes, I can already see how the future posts on this topic will go. It's a bad idea.

I suppose if my firestarting abilities don't improve I can always get one of those handheld propane torches and just sit there in front of the unlit fire for a few moments blasting it with the blue flame from that gizmo.

I've never used those gels to start a fire but maybe it's time I give them a try.

Of course all of this was caused by a failure to plan. I'll take more care to cut enough firewood this summer and try to get it dry before next winter. Burning wet willow is a bad idea!!

Thanks guys!

Jeff

jeff , give me a shout. ill help ya, it aint hard just takes some getting used to, seriously give me a yell if you are fighting it , i'll go over the whole thing with ya. if you are having trouble it could be hookup not necessarily the technique.