What does smoldering look like?

[Jkr]

I'm up and running! First fire today in my new PE Alderlea insert.
I know I'm not supposed to allow smoldering. I can't quite figure out when it's smoldering vs coals with bigger chunks. Help?

 

[Grisu]

Look outside for smoke coming from the chimney. There should not be any especially at the coaling stage. If you see dark yellow flames in the firebox, you are also likely burning "dirty". In the coaling stage, flames should be orange-blue. Btw. Congrats, have essentially the same insert and love it.

 

[BrotherBart]

Until it is down to coal stage, flames good. No flames, smoldering. All coals, no flames and not smoldering.

 

[Jkr]

It's dark so I can't really see from the chimney. Flames are orange and blue (barely flames). I guess it's coaling, I was just concerned cuz some of the pieces still look fairly large.

 

[Grisu]

My stove can easily still be 1/3 full when I have virtually no flames anymore, just glowing coals. Still, no problems with smoldering. Opening up the air just a tick can help burning down the coals a bit quicker and with a little bit more of flame. In the first season, it helps to inspect the chimney regularly and do an occasional sweep to assess burning performance.

 

[WoodpileOCD]

Until it is down to coal stage, flames good. No flames, smoldering. All coals, no flames and not smoldering.

No flames and smoldering isn't a bad thing if you have a cat eating the smoke and water vapor coming out of your chimney[emoji5]️. Don't know if yours is a cat stove or not.

 

[BobUrban]

No one really knows what smoldering looks like because their glass is covered in black. JK

All of the above are spot on.

 

[Jkr]

Ha, love it. Thanks all,you are hugely helpful and I appreciate it. I will no doubt be back with plenty more questions in the weeks to com. For now, LOVE that I woke to coals and got it going this morning with no trouble at all, on my very first day/night. Woohoooo.

 

[branchburner]

No one really knows what smoldering looks like because their glass is covered in black.

I was about to post that sooted glass is a sign of smoldering, but I think you phrased it perfectly!