There are a few folks who have purchased extra soapstone to place on their stove. Some have done it hoping for extra heat retention and others just for cooking. Woodstock has extra stone cut to size to fit the Fireview. Extra stone
On their website it states, "In general temperatures on the cooking stone are 1/2 that on the stove top directly." I got to wondering so when I started the stove from a cold start, I placed two of the boot driers where the thermometer sits and placed the thermometer on top of the extra stone. I then placed another thermometer on the opposite side.
The difference was a lot for sure. I noticed the biggest difference before reaching 250 degrees which is what I expected. Above 250, when the cat was engaged the temperature was close to 100 degrees difference. The hotter fire has to wait for colder temperatures outdoors but I'll do more experimenting.
The reason I bring this to the attention of others is if they are covering their stove top, they need to be aware of the difference if they are doing this on a cat stove.
Back to the cooking. We considered purchasing the extra stone but really doubt we need it. The reason for us is because we have 2 sets of the boot driers and one set of the glove driers. We find that using these between stove top and pot bottom works very well.....except when I have the boot driers out in the woods with me. I use them to put inside of extra gloves when going out to cut wood. That way if my hands get cold I can change gloves and have a really nice warm pair to put on. I also snow plow a few driveways with the atv and change gloves a few times while doing that. It makes the work go much nicer.
On their website it states, "In general temperatures on the cooking stone are 1/2 that on the stove top directly." I got to wondering so when I started the stove from a cold start, I placed two of the boot driers where the thermometer sits and placed the thermometer on top of the extra stone. I then placed another thermometer on the opposite side.
The difference was a lot for sure. I noticed the biggest difference before reaching 250 degrees which is what I expected. Above 250, when the cat was engaged the temperature was close to 100 degrees difference. The hotter fire has to wait for colder temperatures outdoors but I'll do more experimenting.
The reason I bring this to the attention of others is if they are covering their stove top, they need to be aware of the difference if they are doing this on a cat stove.
Back to the cooking. We considered purchasing the extra stone but really doubt we need it. The reason for us is because we have 2 sets of the boot driers and one set of the glove driers. We find that using these between stove top and pot bottom works very well.....except when I have the boot driers out in the woods with me. I use them to put inside of extra gloves when going out to cut wood. That way if my hands get cold I can change gloves and have a really nice warm pair to put on. I also snow plow a few driveways with the atv and change gloves a few times while doing that. It makes the work go much nicer.