Cast iron, while very durable, expands and contracts as it is heated and cooled. After installation, this type of construction requires the stove to be “broken-in” gradually so that thermal expansion does not occur too quickly. The following steps describe the proper break-in procedure
1. Light a small fire of newspaper and kindling. Only allow the stove to reach a maximum surface temperature of 200°F (93° C). Burn for approximately 1 hour.
2. Allow the stove to cool to room temperature.
3. Light a second fire, allowing the stove to reach a maximum temperature of 300°F (149°C) for 1 hour.
4. Cool the stove to room temperature.
5. Light a third fire and gradually allow the stove to reach a surface temperature of 400°F (204°C).
6. Cool stove to room temperature. This completes the “break-in” procedure.
Note: Keep the stove under 400°F (204°C) surface temperature during any “break-in fire”, with the exception of the last “break-in” fire. If the temperature exceeds 400°F, move the primary air control lever all the way to the left to shut off the air supply completely. It is normal that the stove top temperature will continue to climb until the fuel burns down somewhat. Once the fire is out and the stove has cooled to room temperature, continue the break-in procedure. Never attempt to reduce the temperature by removing burning logs from the fire.
NOTE: It is normal for a new, painted stove to emit odor and smoke during the first few fires. This is caused by curing of the high temperature paint and will diminish with each fire. Open a window or door to provide additional ventilation to alleviate this condition.
Enamel Stove: You may notice moisture condensation on the surface of the stove during the first few fires. To avoid permanent spotting of the surface, use a soft towel to wipe the moisture away.
WARNING: DO NOT OVERFIRE YOUR JOTUL STOVE OR FIREPLACE INSERT. IF ANY PART OF THE STOVE OR CHIMNEY CONNECTOR GLOWS, YOU ARE OVERFIRING. A HOUSE FIRE OR SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE STOVE OR CHIMNEY COULD RESULT.
ATTEMPTS TO ACHIEVE HEAT OUTPUT RATES THAT EXCEED HEATER DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS CAN RESULT IN PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE HEATER.
