Bernie Rocket Stoves
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What is Bernie?
Bernie is a wood fueled rocket stove, perfect for heating a kettle or pan, quickly, safely and efficiently with almost no smoke.
Based on simple rocket stove/burner principles, the wood is burned with an excess of air to create clean and smoke free combustion, leaving very little ash or unburnt material.
Fuels:
Any dry, untreated timber, around the diameter of a pencil is the perfect fuel for Bernie.
Kindling, sticks/twigs, scrap wood, chips or pellets can be burned.
Bernie can provide very high temperatures at the top of the chimney when burning a range of fuels provided they are dry and the correct diameter.
How to get going:
There are a few ways to get Bernie lit…..
The simplest is to use a small piece of solid firelighter, lit, and dropped down through the fuel tube and into the combustion chamber followed by some small sticks. Slowly add small sticks or twigs until the fire is established.
If you have very dry and thin kindling you can simply light the end of a few pieces and gently place them into the fuel tube, slowly adding more fuel.
You can also add a small piece of charcoal from another fire or BBQ in place of the fire lighter mentioned above and then slowly add more fuel.
The first time using Bernie, you may notice some thin smoke from the shell and outer surface, this is perfectly normal and will only last for a few minutes on first use.
Bring the heat:
Bernie blazes best with small diameter fuel, around the size of a pencil is perfect, added little and often to keep a strong and even burn. Bernie responds quickly with roaring heat when fed correctly, you’ll soon notice what works and what doesn’t.
Adding too much fuel or too large a diameter too quickly will cause burning to slow down and smoke.
Small amounts of 100% wood pellets and charcoal chips can be added with other fast burning fuel like softwood kindling, this gives good heat and stability.
Cooking and heating:
If you intend to cook or heat a pan, make sure the cross beam is fitted first.
In less than 10 minutes Bernie will have established some nice glowing embers and be ready to cook. Add a suitable pan to the cross beam and continue adding fuel at regular intervals to keep a consistent heat. Bernie gets very hot so regular stirring or turning of food is recommended.
Your Bernie:
No two Bernies are the same, each one is hand built and unique. There are markings from manufacture and processing that each Bernie wears with pride. Through continued use a patina will become evident, telling the tale of previous adventures. The most noticeable is the chimney changing colour from bright silver to a pale straw and then a bronze colour. This is the stainless steel reacting and oxidising due to the heat of the fire. Any temperature over 200°c will begin to change the colour of the stainless steel.
Bernie is cleaned and degreased before packing, any new marks or fingerprints on the chimney will change how the metal oxidises and may remain visible on the chimney.
Add your own personal touch:
BEFORE first lighting, this can be a good time to add your own unique detail……
Any fingerprints (or whole hand) on the chimney will show up once the material changes colour from the heat and will stay permanently, or can easily be removed with wire wool or a scotch pad and you can start all over.
To do this before first use, ensure the chimney is thoroughly wiped over with the alcohol wipe so it is completely clean. Allow any alcohol to dry off and now you can add any fingerprints or handprints to the chimney. Provided the chimney is thoroughly heated (use Bernie for at least 45 mins) then your custom chimney markings should stay permanently.
Cleaning, Maintenance & Care:
Bernie can be cleaned with a damp soapy cloth as and when required, do not use any harsh or abrasive cleaning agents or pads on the painted surfaces. Never leave Bernie out in the rain or immerse in water.
Always ensure the chimney is empty before storage.
Safety:
Bernie is for outdoor use only, never indoors.
Always use Bernie on a flat, level and non flammable surface that will be unaffected by the heat produced from burning.
Once lit do not pick up or move Bernie.
Bernie must never be left unattended while hot.
Use pegs through the feet on soft ground.
Take extra precautions when using Bernie in a wooded area or near dry grass.
A few bricks or slabs are perfect to lift Bernie off the ground and protect the floor.
Never use liquid or gas fuels to light or power Bernie.
Only use untreated dry timber as fuel.
Allow at least 30 minutes after use for Bernie to cool down before handling.
Remove any hot embers from the chimney before storage or transportation.
Returns:
Returns are accepted within 30 days from receiving the order, providing they are unused, undamaged and in their original packaging
Refunds will be returned to the original form of payment. Bernie does not offer store credit or gift cards for returned products. Bernie does not accept returns on customised products.
Returned items shipping cost is covered by buyer.
Any returned products must be unused and undamaged and returned in its original packaging for refunds.
Product is no longer eligible for a refund 30 days after the original purchase date.