Stove Top Fan and other accessory recommendations?

[bobanne]

Hey fellow wood stove enthusiasts!

We finally have our BK Ashford installed and are loving it. There are a few accessories that I've seen recommended and I wanted to get everyone's take on these.
1. Is it useful or decorative
2. Is there one you recommend
3. Are there other accessories you love using with your stove

First: The Stove Top Fan
Second: The water kettle
Third: The chimney thermometer

Thanks everyone!

 

[burning VC]

I'll go, since everyone seems a little shy right now.

EcoFans(heat powered stovetop mini fan)
I have one, after the first one died after giving several years of free assistive convection.
They ARE different.
My original was 3 blade, 5" width. It MOVED the air. I found it hard to imagine all those people thinking they were useless, toys, or cosmetic. I believe it got heat soaked, which will kill the peltier module...(electronics that make it work)
My new one this year is being 'tweaked'...It's a 4 blade 5" width. This one's designed for a Mr Buddy propane heater, but it's also a stovetop.
It's blades are terrible, barely push any air. I'm setting blades now, but honestly we haven't burned this year more than a handful of low burns so i can't tell you the final result.

HERE is a tip. Make sure the one you try has a Bi-Metal strip on the base. This is supposed to protect the module by lifting the foot off the stovetop if it gets too hot.

Here is a hack. You can buy modules off Ebay, Amazon for a dollar or two. Get a DVD/CD player(PC)at a thrift store for the motor. Use a chainsaw cylinder head for the heat sink. Buy aluminum fan blade off Amazon/ebay.
If you/someone can wire/solder you can make a multi-fan for a small cost.(Ecofans are high this time of year)

BONUS/ when the power is out, your ceiling fan, room fan isn't going to get warm air to the far areas without 120v. The Ecofan will stir the air.

THIS is important. YOUR stovetop temp determines the fan RPM. If YOUR specific stovetop only gets 340F, you are not going to get high CFM.
I have a sheet metal Fisher Grandpa Bear from '75?. When the stovetop temp clears over 624F, the fan wants to take flight. It roars, and You can feel circulation 15 feet away.(the old one, #1)

No brands, just recommend wider the better, and get a safety bimetal foot in yours. I bought the 'build your own' parts above, just no time yet to get to it.

 

[burning VC]

Kettle.
I would use a regular copper bottom tea kettle or coffee pot. Copper so it transfers effectively. It will also be soft, no scratch. Copper will not react/galvanize with the stove even when wet.
Cheap, rustic and functional.
My cast iron kettle doesn't like the plate metal used in my stovetop, with pitting and rust....so copper it is.

If I had a screaming potbelly stove, cast iron running wide open all day, it'd be perfect for the cast iron kettle.

 

[bobanne]

I'll go, since everyone seems a little shy right now.

EcoFans(heat powered stovetop mini fan)
I have one, after the first one died after giving several years of free assistive convection.
They ARE different.
My original was 3 blade, 5" width. It MOVED the air. I found it hard to imagine all those people thinking they were useless, toys, or cosmetic. I believe it got heat soaked, which will kill the peltier module...(electronics that make it work)
My new one this year is being 'tweaked'...It's a 4 blade 5" width. This one's designed for a Mr Buddy propane heater, but it's also a stovetop.
It's blades are terrible, barely push any air. I'm setting blades now, but honestly we haven't burned this year more than a handful of low burns so i can't tell you the final result.

HERE is a tip. Make sure the one you try has a Bi-Metal strip on the base. This is supposed to protect the module by lifting the foot off the stovetop if it gets too hot.

Here is a hack. You can buy modules off Ebay, Amazon for a dollar or two. Get a DVD/CD player(PC)at a thrift store for the motor. Use a chainsaw cylinder head for the heat sink. Buy aluminum fan blade off Amazon/ebay.
If you/someone can wire/solder you can make a multi-fan for a small cost.(Ecofans are high this time of year)

BONUS/ when the power is out, your ceiling fan, room fan isn't going to get warm air to the far areas without 120v. The Ecofan will stir the air.

THIS is important. YOUR stovetop temp determines the fan RPM. If YOUR specific stovetop only gets 340F, you are not going to get high CFM.
I have a sheet metal Fisher Grandpa Bear from '75?. When the stovetop temp clears over 624F, the fan wants to take flight. It roars, and You can feel circulation 15 feet away.(the old one, #1)

No brands, just recommend wider the better, and get a safety bimetal foot in yours. I bought the 'build your own' parts above, just no time yet to get to it.

Cool hack idea. I'd love to see it. What do you mean by modules?

 

[gthomas785]

I have the stovetop fan and it does move some air. However having a top -loading stove means I have accidentally whacked it a few times with a split of wood so the blades are bent and it wobbles. The blades are pretty easy to bend back but hard to get it perfect. So if you don't abuse it, it's a nice little fan.

I have a pipe probe thermometer (condar brand) and rely on it every time I load the stove to know when it's time to shut the bypass. Highly recommended and practically essential if you have double wall pipe.

The moose kettle seems cute but a bit silly. If you have humidity issues in the winter I'd think it better to chase after the drafts in your house and get them sealed up.

 

[GG Woody]

I find a "kettle" helps, I have a custom square stainless water container on our insert most of the time, I can't believe how much water it will evaporate, around a gallon a day. However it has left a stain and some rust on the stove top so I'm not sure what I'll do this year on the new stove. Maybe just dry more we snow gear in the stove area.

Stove top fan is awesome, but I'm unsure that it actually does anything other than look neat. I would like a second one for stove #2, which one is best? Ours is off Amazon and seems pretty good.

Fire poker, I made a heavy duty one, I consider it essential.

 

[Duds13]

Hey fellow wood stove enthusiasts!

We finally have our BK Ashford installed and are loving it. There are a few accessories that I've seen recommended and I wanted to get everyone's take on these.
1. Is it useful or decorative
2. Is there one you recommend
3. Are there other accessories you love using with your stove

First: The Stove Top Fan
Second: The water kettle
Third: The chimney thermometer

Thanks everyone!

You have the BK Ashford, just get the fan kit for it. I didn't have it for my first season with my Ashford and after installing and using it for the past couple of seasons it really helps move warm air (in my situation - everyone's is different).

 

[burning VC]

I believe it got heat soaked, which will kill the peltier module..

Cool hack idea. I'd love to see it. What do you mean by modules?

It's the electronic that produces the voltage to power the fan motor. It's called a Peltier module, after the scientist who discovered the principle.
Jean Charles Athanase Peltier

dang when i bought mine, they were $1.....now $4.
Peltier module on A maazon (for example, not one i've used)

link to page, building ECOfan from junk

 

[burning VC]

Since you asked....
I have found an Infrared Temp Gun is essential, and i would certainly believe a New Woodstove Operator would agree
.

I would get one that has the highest reading temp, within reasonable cost. I think they are common to find between $15-25 for a good one for a woodstove.

As you burn over the years, you will find different woods burn at different rates, giving off varying amounts of heat over time, as you accumulate the knowledge from many burns.

You will learn what temps you can achieve with your stove, and also the appropriate heat supply needed FOR YOU, at THIS home, for whatever the CURRENT at the moment temperature and wind is to keep comfortable.


A great example is the 'What is in Your Stove Right Now?" thread.

The old, long seasoned burners almost always identify the wood, how much, the conditions outside and the conditions inside. They KNOW by now what each day will roughly require by having this experience you will gain over time.


Also, the IR gun will tell you how your stove is working for you. How much heat is provided at each moment of a burn cycle.


And finally, the IR gun will give you the BEST location for your ECOfan should you get one.

ooOo
oOXO
zoOo

Lets say that is your stovetop looking down.
o=400
O=525
X-650
z=290
You can see that your Ecofan will run at the fastest speed at spot X. If you put it at Spot o, it will move much less air, even with the same wood load. Spot z might barely spin, moving negligible air.

Your IR gun should also be a 'must' have, imho. I really showed a guy difference between burning wet wood for hours at Stove top temp 240F, vs a few dry sticks at 400F in ten minutes.


It eliminates guesses as to 'is it the stove'? brrrrrrr

 

[Trevor Tahclep]

I have 2 Caframo Eco Fans, one I purchased about 20 or so years ago the other was given to me when a family member moved.
Yes they do move air, my upstairs actually gets 2°F warmer when I use them.
Here is an article that may help:

Pros and Cons Of Ecofans

The older Ecofan 800 and its successor Ecofan 810 Ultrair creating around 100 CFM of airflow are the smallest fans available and are most effective when used is smaller spaces.

stovefanreviews.com

 

[bobanne]

Since you asked....
I have found an Infrared Temp Gun is essential, and i would certainly believe a New Woodstove Operator would agree
.View attachment 332192

I would get one that has the highest reading temp, within reasonable cost. I think they are common to find between $15-25 for a good one for a woodstove.

As you burn over the years, you will find different woods burn at different rates, giving off varying amounts of heat over time, as you accumulate the knowledge from many burns.

You will learn what temps you can achieve with your stove, and also the appropriate heat supply needed FOR YOU, at THIS home, for whatever the CURRENT at the moment temperature and wind is to keep comfortable.


A great example is the 'What is in Your Stove Right Now?" thread.

The old, long seasoned burners almost always identify the wood, how much, the conditions outside and the conditions inside. They KNOW by now what each day will roughly require by having this experience you will gain over time.


Also, the IR gun will tell you how your stove is working for you. How much heat is provided at each moment of a burn cycle.


And finally, the IR gun will give you the BEST location for your ECOfan should you get one.

ooOo
oOXO
zoOo

Lets say that is your stovetop looking down.
o=400
O=525
X-650
z=290
You can see that your Ecofan will run at the fastest speed at spot X. If you put it at Spot o, it will move much less air, even with the same wood load. Spot z might barely spin, moving negligible air.

Your IR gun should also be a 'must' have, imho. I really showed a guy difference between burning wet wood for hours at Stove top temp 240F, vs a few dry sticks at 400F in ten minutes.


It eliminates guesses as to 'is it the stove'? brrrrrrr

Thanks for the detailed explanation.

 

[bobanne]

It's the electronic that produces the voltage to power the fan motor. It's called a Peltier module, after the scientist who discovered the principle.
Jean Charles Athanase Peltier
View attachment 332190
dang when i bought mine, they were $1.....now $4.
Peltier module on A maazon (for example, not one i've used)

link to page, building ECOfan from junk
View attachment 332191

Cool, thank you again

 

[MongoMongoson]

The stove pipe probe is good, the electronic version that puts a thermocouple in the center of the stove pipe makes a world of difference. Most people recommend the Auber Instruments version.

Thermometer for Stove Pipe,Chimney,Outdoor Wood Boiler,w/ Alarm Thermometer for monitoring temperature on stove, chimney, or outdoor wood boiler [AT200CHIM] - $79.99 : Auber Instruments, Inc., Temperature control solutions for home and industry

This thermometer kit can be used for monitoring the temperature in stove pipes, chimneys, and outdoor wood boilers. This thermometer reads a thermocouple probe, shows the temperature on its red LED display, and makes a buzzing sound when temperature rises above the pre-set alarm temperature. For...

www.auberins.com

I don't have the Auber, but mine is comparable. I still have my old dial indicator in case we have an extended power outage.

With the digital probe, I can see that turning on the range hood fan or bathroom fan results, seconds later, in the flue temperature dropping. I get immediate feedback from air intake or pipe damper adjustments. With the dial, you have a significant lag.

That might not matter much with your setup... but I have a tall stack and "easy breathing" non-cat stove that wanted to run too hot when it was first installed.

Whether you go electronic or with the dial, I think a stove pipe probe gives you a lot more valuable info than knowing the stove top temperature, unless you are trying to place you Ecofan in the ideal location. Then, use the IR gun as someone else suggested. An IR gun is a great tool to have. I got one at Harbor Freight and it works just fine. I almost never use it now, though, bcause the pipe temp is so much more useful.

 

[bobanne]

Since you asked....
I have found an Infrared Temp Gun is essential, and i would certainly believe a New Woodstove Operator would agree
.View attachment 332192

I would get one that has the highest reading temp, within reasonable cost. I think they are common to find between $15-25 for a good one for a woodstove.

As you burn over the years, you will find different woods burn at different rates, giving off varying amounts of heat over time, as you accumulate the knowledge from many burns.

You will learn what temps you can achieve with your stove, and also the appropriate heat supply needed FOR YOU, at THIS home, for whatever the CURRENT at the moment temperature and wind is to keep comfortable.


A great example is the 'What is in Your Stove Right Now?" thread.

The old, long seasoned burners almost always identify the wood, how much, the conditions outside and the conditions inside. They KNOW by now what each day will roughly require by having this experience you will gain over time.


Also, the IR gun will tell you how your stove is working for you. How much heat is provided at each moment of a burn cycle.


And finally, the IR gun will give you the BEST location for your ECOfan should you get one.

ooOo
oOXO
zoOo

Lets say that is your stovetop looking down.
o=400
O=525
X-650
z=290
You can see that your Ecofan will run at the fastest speed at spot X. If you put it at Spot o, it will move much less air, even with the same wood load. Spot z might barely spin, moving negligible air.

Your IR gun should also be a 'must' have, imho. I really showed a guy difference between burning wet wood for hours at Stove top temp 240F, vs a few dry sticks at 400F in ten minutes.


It eliminates guesses as to 'is it the stove'? brrrrrrr

I just ordered one.

 

[bobanne]

The stove pipe probe is good, the electronic version that puts a thermocouple in the center of the stove pipe makes a world of difference. Most people recommend the Auber Instruments version.

Thermometer for Stove Pipe,Chimney,Outdoor Wood Boiler,w/ Alarm Thermometer for monitoring temperature on stove, chimney, or outdoor wood boiler [AT200CHIM] - $79.99 : Auber Instruments, Inc., Temperature control solutions for home and industry

This thermometer kit can be used for monitoring the temperature in stove pipes, chimneys, and outdoor wood boilers. This thermometer reads a thermocouple probe, shows the temperature on its red LED display, and makes a buzzing sound when temperature rises above the pre-set alarm temperature. For...

www.auberins.com

I don't have the Auber, but mine is comparable. I still have my old dial indicator in case we have an extended power outage.

With the digital probe, I can see that turning on the range hood fan or bathroom fan results, seconds later, in the flue temperature dropping. I get immediate feedback from air intake or pipe damper adjustments. With the dial, you have a significant lag.

That might not matter much with your setup... but I have a tall stack and "easy breathing" non-cat stove that wanted to run too hot when it was first installed.

Whether you go electronic or with the dial, I think a stove pipe probe gives you a lot more valuable info than knowing the stove top temperature, unless you are trying to place you Ecofan in the ideal location. Then, use the IR gun as someone else suggested. An IR gun is a great tool to have. I got one at Harbor Freight and it works just fine. I almost never use it now, though, bcause the pipe temp is so much more useful.

I ordered the Auber AT200Chim. Our home is small so I didn't feel we needed the second remote monitor.

One question, your comment and others I've seen about the digital pipe probe talk about how valuable the data is. Are you talking about just visually seeing the temperature change, or is there a recorded data set that can be analyzed?

 

[burning VC]

I just ordered one.

You'll find them super handy for other things around the house as well.

If you use them around windows and doors, you can find bad seals, gaps and the like that allow colder air in winter and hot air in summer.

You can use it to detect whether your toaster is getting hot, or whether your Car Radiator Thermostat is opening at the correct temperature, or if the radiator fan kicks on at the correct temperature.

I checked my car's paint temp one hot day this summer. It's gloss black. The IR gun said 227 in the shade.

 

[MongoMongoson]

I ordered the Auber AT200Chim. Our home is small so I didn't feel we needed the second remote monitor.

One question, your comment and others I've seen about the digital pipe probe talk about how valuable the data is. Are you talking about just visually seeing the temperature change, or is there a recorded data set that can be analyzed?

I don't have an Auber but I don't think the Auber records any data. I just like the quick response time. This morning I made a fore with shoulder season wood. It took a little while to get going. The stove pipe was at about 440 for a while. Then when the secondary flames finally kicked in, it shot up over 700 in a matter of 20 seconds. A bimetallic coil dial probe would have still been reading in the low to mid 500s. Obviously you can see the flames kick in as well so it would be no surprise that the temp was on its way up, but I was surprised how fast it took off this morning.

Then I went and took a shower and could see the temperature through the shower glass while I was showering. You can't do that with a dial unless your stove is in your bathroom.

 

[1990Jotul]

I'll go, since everyone seems a little shy right now.

EcoFans(heat powered stovetop mini fan)
I have one, after the first one died after giving several years of free assistive convection.
They ARE different.
My original was 3 blade, 5" width. It MOVED the air. I found it hard to imagine all those people thinking they were useless, toys, or cosmetic. I believe it got heat soaked, which will kill the peltier module...(electronics that make it work)
My new one this year is being 'tweaked'...It's a 4 blade 5" width. This one's designed for a Mr Buddy propane heater, but it's also a stovetop.
It's blades are terrible, barely push any air. I'm setting blades now, but honestly we haven't burned this year more than a handful of low burns so i can't tell you the final result.

HERE is a tip. Make sure the one you try has a Bi-Metal strip on the base. This is supposed to protect the module by lifting the foot off the stovetop if it gets too hot.

Here is a hack. You can buy modules off Ebay, Amazon for a dollar or two. Get a DVD/CD player(PC)at a thrift store for the motor. Use a chainsaw cylinder head for the heat sink. Buy aluminum fan blade off Amazon/ebay.
If you/someone can wire/solder you can make a multi-fan for a small cost.(Ecofans are high this time of year)

BONUS/ when the power is out, your ceiling fan, room fan isn't going to get warm air to the far areas without 120v. The Ecofan will stir the air.

THIS is important. YOUR stovetop temp determines the fan RPM. If YOUR specific stovetop only gets 340F, you are not going to get high CFM.
I have a sheet metal Fisher Grandpa Bear from '75?. When the stovetop temp clears over 624F, the fan wants to take flight. It roars, and You can feel circulation 15 feet away.(the old one, #1)

No brands, just recommend wider the better, and get a safety bimetal foot in yours. I bought the 'build your own' parts above, just no time yet to get to it.

I have 2 Ecofans running on top of my stove. As burning VC experienced, one of mine died after a number of years. However I was able to easily bring it back to perfectly new condition by putting a new electric motor in it. EcoFan sells replacement motors and they are really easy to install. No wire soldering- they plug right in. The reason these motors fail, is exposure to excessive heat from the stove. The motors contain magnets, which permanently weaken when they get too hot. I actually found this out when my first fan was brand new. I had it sitting on top of the cold stove and I started the stove in a manner I usually never do. I had a lot of very dry old sticks I wanted to get rid of. So the fire started very rapidly and quickly became a hot inferno. This cased the stove pipe right next to the fan to throw off intense heat. Meanwhile the stove top had not yet heated up enough to get the fan turning. When operating, the fan itself will pull cooler air over the motor and keep it cool, but if it not running, and it has a close to red hot stove pipe next to it, the intense heat will kill the magnets. Fortunately EcoFan gave me a free replacement motor, so I started right off learning how to replace them. I subsequently bought a second fan. After about 5 years the first one started to get sluggish, so I replaced the motor on that one. I have another motor on hand for when the second fan needs it. They key to making these last, is not to run them too hot, especially when they haven't started running yet.

 

[GerryM]

We had our stove cranked at the camp during deer season (it was about 15 F out) on the last night and the Ecofan started to smell HOT setting off the smoke alarm. So I am wary of them.

 

[xman23]

We have all been there, thinking we need those things. But you don't. The one you might get it the stove top temp gauge. When you know what your doing just look at the fire. For me, I don't run hot enough to boil water. A fan type humidifier works much better. As to the fan it's a great novelty. Just make sure you can explain to everyone how it works.