Masport MATAKANA 1200, Installation & Operation Instructions

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5.2 Permitted Fuels
The quality of the firewood you burn can have a considerable effect on the cooking performance and
quality of the Matakana 1200 outdoor fire. The Matakana 1200 Outdoor fire is designed to burn wood fuel
that meets the following criteria:
- Less than 25% moisture content
- Has not been treated with preservatives or impregnated with chemicals or glue
- Is not chipboard, particleboard, or laminated board
- Is not painted, stained, or oiled
- Is not driftwood or other salt impregnated wood
Burning materials that do not meet the above criteria can damage the firebox and put you at the risk of
voiding the warranty of the Matakana 1200 Outdoor fire.
In NZ, radiata pine or macrocarpa is the most commonly available softwood species suitable as firewood.
Other hardwood species like eucalyptus (bluegum) can be mixed or burned with softwood to achieve
longer burns.
If you are cutting your firewood, only wood that has been air-dried in a sheltered, well-ventilated stack,
preferably for at least 12 months, maybe burned in the Matakana 1200 Outdoor fire. To ensure that the
wood has a moisture content of 25% or less, store it under a roof or protected against heavy rain. If you
purchase firewood, buy firewood that is well seasoned and has a moisture level below 25%. We
recommend "Good Wood" merchants approved by your local council.
Do not burn coal, driftwood, treated or painted wood, highly resinous wood, such as "Old
Man's Pine," plastic, plywood, chipboard, garbage, flammable fluids such as gasoline,
naphtha, engine oil, refuse, milk cartons, colored or printed paper. The combustion of
such materials can emit toxic, corrosive, and hazardous fumes that will pollute the
environment and spoil the cooked food.
5.3 Testing Wood Moisture
There are several ways to confirm if the wood is dry enough.
- The wood moisture meter is the best way to check the moisture content of the wood fuel. Split a
piece of wood and then press the metering prongs firmly into the long side of a split piece to test
moisture content. 15-20% percent of moister content is ideal.
- If you are purchasing firewood, ask for dry seasoned wood and get it checked from your wood
merchant.
- Dry wood weighs much less than wet wood.
- Wet wood is hard to light and will emit moisture from the ends while burning.
- Two dry pieces banged together sound hollow, and wet pieces sound solid and dull.
5.4 Recommended Log Sizes & Fire Starters
- A packet of matches or lighter
- A packet of firelighters. We recommend green firelighters made of wood waste
- Finely split, dry softwood kindling
- Seasoned firewood about 300~350mm long in various sizes