Top down vs. Bottom Up

[Chris Cringle]

Been heating almost exclusively with wood for 9 winters now. For most of that time I built "bottom-up" fires. Last winter started using the "top-down" method. After a few fires got the hang of it. Now it's my preferred starting method.

 

[Michael E]

I agree. It works well and produces a lot less smoke and emissions. That's even more important if you live in a big city like me, with lots of apartment buildings all around...

 

[SimonHS]

Top down always for me.

 

[Del_]

Top down and near the front air input.

 

[Greg Tracy]

Many years ago I learned top down by accident. Game changing got a lot of flak for doing top down

 

[BeatCJ]

Ummm, Middle? Two big quarters on the bottom, tinder and kindling in the V with a few chunks on top of that. Leave a channel so air can flow through.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

When does this matter other than starting a new fire?

 

[Del_]

When does this matter other than starting a new fire?

It's only about starting a new fire.

If I've got coals left I rake them towards the air box at the front of firebox and place large wood towards the back of the box, then place smaller wood on the coals. My Jotul F600cb loads from the side door.

 

[tomsteve]

back in the 80s I helped a man build his home. assisted with the fireplace construction. although a smaller firebox the chimney was quite something. all refractory block and quite a wild smoke/exhaust/chimney path to get as much heat absorbed into the block before exiting.
thats when I learned about top down fires. one fire in the morning one in the evening. the fireplace was always radiating heat.