Jotul Holliday F445 fire starting - newspapers?

[ronny9r]

We're in the process of getting a Jotul F445, and I've read/heard/watched several opinions on the use of newspaper to start a fire. Some swear by it, and others say to never ever use it. So what does the board think? Any issues with using plain, b&w newspaper in the beginning?
Thanks!!

 

[begreen]

Plain black and white newsprint is ok. If concerned, try 1/4 of a SuperCedar puck. Regardless of choice, good dry kindling helps a lot.

 

[Plynwfire]

Going on my 31st year in the hearth business. Gas, wood, hearth design NFI certified. Absolutely no with newspaper. Although it is great and is an instant flash fire. As some of those particles get up and into the flue system they tend to stick to the side walls. Eventually balling up and plugging the flue causing a flue fire and/or draft issues. Just my opinion.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Going on my 31st year in the hearth business. Gas, wood, hearth design NFI certified. Absolutely no with newspaper. Although it is great and is an instant flash fire. As some of those particles get up and into the flue system they tend to stick to the side walls. Eventually balling up and plugging the flue causing a flue fire and/or draft issues. Just my opinion.

Interesting. Can't really see newspaper plugging up a flue. I could see wet wood doing that tho. Maybe you could still read the print when it was stuck to the chimney?

 

[begreen]

Over 30 yrs of wood burning here. If I saw an issue, I would not suggest it. Good dry kindling will take off with a few balls of newspaper, not the whole paper. That said, there are alternatives and if one is burning 24/7, a relight may not be needed for months.

 

[bholler]

I have absolutely never seen any issues caused by newspaper bring used within reason of course

 

[all night moe]

With good dry kindlin, I've never had issues with a couple balled up pages of newspaper.
I've only been burning for 20-25yrs though .....

 

[Todd]

Let us know how the new F445 works out, it’s a great looking stove! I don’t think I’d use news paper in the F445 because there no bypass for the cat. I’d try a clean burning top down fire with kindling and fire starter.

 

[stoveliker]

I believe my manual (or I read someplace...) says that paper with a glossy finish is bad for a cat.
Black and white newspaper is fine.

 

[stoveliker]

Okay, I checked. It says not to burn glossy paper and not burn colored paper.