Lighting a Hampshire Heater

[JumbleDuck]

This summer (sic) I have started using the Hampshire Heaters charcoal stove I fitted a couple of years ago. It works beautifully when it's going, but I find it a sod to light. Basically I can't get enough meths into the wick to get it started, and adding more when the first lot has run out and the stove is warm produces rapid evaporation and some rather alarming explosions.

Can any other owners give me hints on this? I'm thinking about fixing a stainless spike down the middle of the wick and impaling a firelighter on it.

 

[Aja]

JD

When we used a Pansy charcoal heater - the quickest way to get it started was to use a Gaz blowlamp. We did try using firelighters as well but found a couple of minutes with the blowlamp from underneath got the charcoal started.

Regards

Donald

 

[Fantasie 19]

This summer (sic) I have started using the Hampshire Heaters charcoal stove I fitted a couple of years ago. It works beautifully when it's going, but I find it a sod to light. Basically I can't get enough meths into the wick to get it started, and adding more when the first lot has run out and the stove is warm produces rapid evaporation and some rather alarming explosions.

Can any other owners give me hints on this? I'm thinking about fixing a stainless spike down the middle of the wick and impaling a firelighter on it.

Can you give the charcoal a bit of a covering of BBQ lighting gel (not the liquid - I find the gel burns longer)???

 

[duncan99210]

Cobb bricettes are coated with some sort of solid compound which gets the charcoal glowing within the a minute or two of lighting. Far too large to fit into your stove but you could break one into bits, use one or two at the bottom of the stove as a sort of lighter, loading normal fuel on top?

 

[VicS]

This summer (sic) I have started using the Hampshire Heaters charcoal stove I fitted a couple of years ago. It works beautifully when it's going, but I find it a sod to light. Basically I can't get enough meths into the wick to get it started, and adding more when the first lot has run out and the stove is warm produces rapid evaporation and some rather alarming explosions.

Can any other owners give me hints on this? I'm thinking about fixing a stainless spike down the middle of the wick and impaling a firelighter on it.

I note that the operating instructions say that using " easy light" charcoal produces large amounts of smoke which could make you unpopular with near neighbours but I guess in your neck of the woods you are not using packed marinas and crowded anchorages that much.

Perhaps therefore , much as Fantasie 19 suggests, could you try soaking the lower layer of charcoal in paraffin, AFAICS thats all quick lighting bags of charcoal for barbies are.

 

[Gordonmc]

I wonder if the problem is the same as I had with a charcoal heater, though not a Hampshire.
It was a swine to get going from cold because of a plug of cold air in the flue which effectively stopped it drawing. No matter how many firelighters, kindling and more extreme measures, it would not go.
The solution was to put a small gas blowlamp onto the flue, about half way up, for a few minutes before lighting.

 

[ffiill]

There is another small manufacturer out there that doesnt even attempt the meths approach but just uses a small blow torch.
I recently made a heater similar to the pansy and found after experimenting with meths and fire lighters that a blow torch was far simpler.preheat the chimney with it then stick it through the air vent at the bottom for a few minutes.
One question I have is how long does one of these burn on a fill?

 

[VicS]

One question I have is how long does one of these burn on a fill?

According to Hampshire Heaters' FAQ page for 12 hours or more

 

[JumbleDuck]

According to Hampshire Heaters' FAQ page for 12 hours or more

That must have been at a VERY low rate. With the air vent almost closed, mine gives six hours from a fill.

 

[aquaplane]

I was going to suggest a few pieces of charcoal from an easylight bag but someone bet me to it.

Is there a way to add fuel as it burns or do you get 6hrs and then have to let it cool down and start from scratch?

 

[Seajet]

Is there a way to add fuel as it burns or do you get 6hrs and then have to let it cool down and start from scratch?

I have the same snag with my Origo spirit heater, I don't feel inclined to add spirit / meths when it's hot; and like Jumbleduck I find the claimed endurance very optimistic, more like 6-8 hours than 12, just enough time for a toasty evening then freezing morning.

I can't help thinking all this talk of adding paraffin etc and using blowtorches may end in tears...

 

[VicS]

I was going to suggest a few pieces of charcoal from an easylight bag but someone bet me to it.

Is there a way to add fuel as it burns or do you get 6hrs and then have to let it cool down and start from scratch?

Yes you can top it up.......... All the info is on the website!

 

[VicS]

I have the same snag with my Origo spirit heater, I don't feel inclined to add spirit / meths when it's hot; and like Jumbleduck I find the claimed endurance very optimistic, more like 6-8 hours than 12, just enough time for a toasty evening then freezing morning.

I can't help thinking all this talk of adding paraffin etc and using blowtorches may end in tears...

Starting off with a little easy light charcoal at the bottom of the fire bed is not quite the same as attempting to add more meths once its hot.

Maybe a firelighter or two in the bottom layer would do the trick. Not sure which type would be best though.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I was going to suggest a few pieces of charcoal from an easylight bag but someone bet me to it.

Is there a way to add fuel as it burns or do you get 6hrs and then have to let it cool down and start from scratch?

In theory you can feed it as it goes, by lifting the lid and pouring more in. Welding gloves essential. In practice I find it easiest to fill it half full, run it for three hours till the fuel runs out and then use the considerable stored heat for another few hours. That's "Scottish summer evening" mode - I might review the technique if I ever use it in winter.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I can't help thinking all this talk of adding paraffin etc and using blowtorches may end in tears...

Pouring a bit of meths down the top before lighting doesn't work. Been there, done that, lost the eyebrows (almost).

 

[LittleSister]

I have a Bengco charcoal heater which is missing the meths lighter fitting. I have only fired it up a couple of times, and both times used a firelighter. Did the trick with no problem at all. Would probably work just as well with half a firelighter.

The first time I put the firelighter in the ash pan. Second time I put it in the main part of the fire, on the grate and under the charcoal. It was a little tricky to light the firelighter in that position, but once lit it seemed to get the fire going more quickly than the previous time.

 

[Scomber]

In theory you can feed it as it goes, by lifting the lid and pouring more in. Welding gloves essential. In practice I find it easiest to fill it half full, run it for three hours till the fuel runs out and then use the considerable stored heat for another few hours. That's "Scottish summer evening" mode - I might review the technique if I ever use it in winter.

Bump!
We've a Hampshire heater on order - just wondering about type of material for pad and type of mastic for through deck fitting - going for marine ply at moment. Anyone buying lumpwood charcoal in bulk from a reliable reasonable cost supplier?
Thanks