Stanley Superstar Solid Fuel - basics/help please?

emeraldeye

Hi, I recently moved into a property with a Stanley Superstar Solid Fuel range, I've never used a range before and I'm hoping someone can help me with the basics?

I have found a manual online which has helped, but I don't think it explains things in simple terms for me.

The range apparently also heats the radiators and water (there is a pump), I won't be using it as a cooker, but would really like it to help with heating the house (the house also has oil heating).

I have some ZIP firelighters and a large pile of peat.

So really what I'd like to know, if anyone can please help, are tips on how to get the fire started, and which dials/switches should be used. Also any other tips that could be helpful.

I've uploaded some photos but as I am a new user I'm not allowed to post a URL yet.

Here's what I think I know:

-- For starting --

- There is a switch (I think called a damper) which reads Bypass or Oven (see photos), as I don't want the oven I'm assuming this would be left on Bypass?

- There is a thermostat on the ash pit door. The manual says to open this when lighting a fire (so I would assume this would be set to automatic and no.5 to begin with?)

- The Flue box can be opened slightly (I've heard this helps with getting a fire started)

- I guess I would now put in the peat, and a firelighter, place the firelighter on the peat (or beside?) and light the firelighter?

-- Once lit --

- I read that once lit you would turn the thermostat to no.3 (automatic) for heating radiators etc?

- And once burning well I would then close the flue box completely?

- And overnight if still burning I would turn it down to no.1 (automatic)?


-- I'm also wondering --

- do I have to stoke the fire? how often?

- do you use the riddling rod once the fire is out, or could you use it while lit?

I'm completely new to this so I'm happy for any help or advice.

Thanks for taking the time to read my first post :-)

zoe 3619

emeraldeye wrote: »

Hi, I recently moved into a property with a Stanley Superstar Solid Fuel range, I've never used a range before and I'm hoping someone can help me with the basics?

I have found a manual online which has helped, but I don't think it explains things in simple terms for me.

The range apparently also heats the radiators and water (there is a pump), I won't be using it as a cooker, but would really like it to help with heating the house (the house also has oil heating).

I have some ZIP firelighters and a large pile of peat.

So really what I'd like to know, if anyone can please help, are tips on how to get the fire started, and which dials/switches should be used. Also any other tips that could be helpful.

I've uploaded some photos but as I am a new user I'm not allowed to post a URL yet.

Here's what I think I know:

-- For starting --

- There is a switch (I think called a damper) which reads Bypass or Oven (see photos), as I don't want the oven I'm assuming this would be left on Bypass?

- There is a thermostat on the ash pit door. The manual says to open this when lighting a fire (so I would assume this would be set to automatic and no.5 to begin with?)

- The Flue box can be opened slightly (I've heard this helps with getting a fire started)

- I guess I would now put in the peat, and a firelighter, place the firelighter on the peat (or beside?) and light the firelighter?

-- Once lit --

- I read that once lit you would turn the thermostat to no.3 (automatic) for heating radiators etc?

- And once burning well I would then close the flue box completely?

- And overnight if still burning I would turn it down to no.1 (automatic)?


-- I'm also wondering --

- do I have to stoke the fire? how often?

- do you use the riddling rod once the fire is out, or could you use it while lit?

I'm completely new to this so I'm happy for any help or advice.

Thanks for taking the time to read my first post :-)

Hi.
Have no experience with that model,but I do have a solid fuel range and thought I'd chip in as you seem to be short on replies.
Riddle it before you light a fire to get rid off the ash out of the fire box (I use a metal pokey thing to rake the ash through which seems to work better)
Open up the vent/valve under the firebox to let air in underneath and have the damper open.
A bit of kindling would help(dry twigs would do)on top of the lit firelighter and add turf once it's burning.
When the fire's established shut down the vent at the bottom and the damper.if the damper on mine is open all the heat goes up the chimney.If it's shut too far the fire gets smokey,so I guess you have to experiment a bit.
Bypass the oven as you say if you don't want to use it,but it should be fantastic for cooking in/on and is worth learning how to use.
Important thing is to clean it out regualarly.Empty the ash box when it's full and there should be several access points which will need cleaning ( best google that depending on model-but can help if you need more info..)

emeraldeye

Thanks very much Zoe :-) It was recently cleaned so there is nothing in the fire box at all, so I guess I'd need quite a good base of kindling etc. to get things going.

There appears to be a valve on the inside of the firedoor, which I think is supposed to open but appears jammed, looks like I may need to get it sorted.

The fire door itself doesn't appear to close properly either, I think the rope around the seal has melted and hardened, looks like I may need to get that sorted aswell :-/

When you say damper, that must be the vent attached to the flue box I think? It's like a plate that can be opened slightly.

zoe 3619

emeraldeye wrote: »

Thanks very much Zoe :-) It was recently cleaned so there is nothing in the fire box at all, so I guess I'd need quite a good base of kindling etc. to get things going.

There appears to be a valve on the inside of the firedoor, which I think is supposed to open but appears jammed, looks like I may need to get it sorted.

The fire door itself doesn't appear to close properly either, I think the rope around the seal has melted and hardened, looks like I may need to get that sorted aswell :-/

When you say damper, that must be the vent attached to the flue box I think? It's like a plate that can be opened slightly.

Damper on ours is above the stove on the begining of the stackpipe/ chimney.There's a rotating plate inside regulating the amount of heat/air going up the chimney.
Even if the door on the firebox doesn't seal it should still work but may be less efficient.Best thing to do might be to light it and experiment a bit-think they all have their individual quirks.
Ours does all heating/radiators plus all hot water and is great for cooking as well.

emeraldeye

Ah, I think the vent I mentioned must be the damper.

I'm going to give it a go :-) Looking forward to getting it going ;-)

Thanks again for your help :-D

banoffe2

Had a Stanley Super Star, found Stanley excellent, have a Stanley Donard now, both Solid Fuel, its the one thing in the house I wouldn't do without, management, and regular cleaning is key so you have a good draught, and a mix of well seasoned dry wood and a shovel of coal, you will have the rads hot in no time and the kettle whistling on the hob!

emeraldeye

banoffe2 wrote: »

Had a Stanley Super Star, found Stanley excellent, have a Stanley Donard now, both Solid Fuel, its the one thing in the house I wouldn't do without, management, and regular cleaning is key so you have a good draught, and a mix of well seasoned dry wood and a shovel of coal, you will have the rads hot in no time and the kettle whistling on the hob!

Thanks banoffe2, I had a go at getting it started earlier tonight; I have a lot of peat in a shed which came with the house.

Tried with some rolls of paper and firelighters then stuck the peat on top/around the firelighters, it's just about ticking over at the minute so I'm not sure if the peat is damp or maybe I should have used some wood underneath.

I'll have to have another look in the morning ;-)

emeraldeye

Just a quick update incase anyone's interested: I've now managed to regularly get the stove lit I'm using 'extreme' ZIP firelighters (one or two is usually enough) and a small amount of coal at the base then placing peat around the edges to create a sort of wall, then stacking it in a square around the firelighter, and eventually a wigwam type thing.

I start by opening the damper (which is on the flue), and leaving the door open a little bit to begin with. After about 10 min or so things are generally ticking over and I close the damper and door.

There were some 'standard' ZIP firelighters that came with the house but I've found they tend to go out and I used loads to get things going the first few attempts.

Thanks again to everyone's help and advice