x
Then place a few logs crosswise on the previous ones.
x
Close the door and leave the ash compartment door open by about 3 cm (1 1/8”).
Once these latest logs have burned some five minutes, straighten them into the grate direction
and fill the fire compartment lengthwise with solid split logs. Close the door and leave the ash
door open by 3 cm (1 1/8”) for a short while.
After this, slow down the burning by closing the ash door gap to 0.5–2 cm (1/4”-3/4”). During this
heating phase, the fire compartment walls should only heat up for a while to a red glow in their
upper parts. Usually, this will prepare the sauna for your bath in about 40–50 minutes, and you
should not need to add firewood during your stay.
3.3.2. A sauna bath on just one load of wood, lighting from above
Lighting from above is a departure from tradition. With this method, stove and stones heat up
slightly more slowly than with the usual way, but once you have found a good combination of
stove and chimney adjustments, the difference is not very big.
Lighting from above is more ecological, causes fewer emissions and raises more heat energy
from the firewood. As a result, you can bathe on less wood for a longer time.
x
Check that the chimney valve is wide open.
x
Use dry wood that has preferably been indoors for a day.
x
Fill the fire compartment with firewood up to the door’s upper edge.
x
Place ignition helpers on top, e.g. small sticks and a piece of bark.
x
Light the ignition helpers from the top.
x
Close the door and leave the ash compartment door open by 3 cm (1 1/8”).
x
Once the fire has burned for 5–10 minutes, the burning can be adjusted by closing the
ash door to 0.5–2 cm (1/4”-3/4”). Restrict excessive draught with the chimney valve, if
necessary.
During this heating phase, the fire compartment walls should only heat up for a while to a red
glow in their upper parts. Usually, this will prepare the sauna for your bath in about 50–60
minutes, and you should not need to add firewood during your stay.
3.3.3
.
Continuing the heating with a second load
Depending on how much you bathe, frost outside etc., you may need to continue the heating with
a second load.
Once the first load has turned to embers (in about 40–60 minutes, if the draft is right), place
sturdy logs lengthwise in the fire compartment. If you are not going into the sauna immediately
after adding the wood, leave the ash door gaping by a few millimetres. Now the fire should
remain just right for a long time. When you do go into the sauna, you can add a few logs, if
necessary.
4. Maintenance
4.1. Cleaning the stove
The stove’s surface can be cleaned with a mild cleaning fluid detergent solution by wiping down
with a soft, moist rag.
4.2. Ash removal
Excessive ash shortens the grate’s lifespan and weakens the burning. Remove the ash while it is
cold, always before the next heating, using a metal container to avoid a fire hazard.
4211-61 Kastor KS
11
3/25/11
Rev. 1
