Awesome video, thank you for sharing your experience. The catalytic converter usually glows when operating but is still functioning at temps. as low as 600° (which would not be glowing). You can also restore a catalytic back to 85-90% of it's functional state by soaking it a water/vinegar solution. An overnight soak with air-dry for a day afterwards will break up any build-up that is reducing effectiveness. ( 4 parts distilled water to 1 part white vinegar). Thanks again.
Great video. How wide is the shelf that those pots are resting on? When I look at the Aspen on the Kuma site, it doesn't seem to have any shelf at all. Does your firebox not sit very far back in the fireplace opening? We'd really like an insert with a cooktop/warming shelf and yours is about the best we've seen. Thanks!
We don’t live at that house anymore, but I would guess the top surface that held the humidifiers was about 5 to 6 inches, so it was pretty small, but still some space. Good luck deciding on your purchase. Give the company a call and I bet they will be more than happy to talk to you and give you details.
All Kuma inserts have a unique adjustable surround trim. This allows the insert to be installed out onto the hearth (as seen in this installation) or to be recessed into the fireplace for a more flush look.
I actually thought it was pretty. I liked that it was easy to see the brand and small enough. I’ve noticed that with some stoves out there it’s hard to decipher who makes them without a lot of looking.
Hi there, we get the fire going from a bed of coals or from scratch for about 10 minutes and then choke it down completely overnight. The wood stove is packed full with wood and has a nice bed of coals in the morning.
@@MontanaMidValleyFarm I do the same thing but the cat stops glowing in short order! Have you checked your cat to see if it works after u choke it back?
Get a new cat!! It’s not that expensive and easy to change. No catalytic converter lasts forever it’s the nature of the beast,and you probably did something to destroy it. Just saying.
We probably did mess it up at some point. If we would have stayed at this house we probably would have replaced the cat. It has been a great stove overall!
So with my Kuma Aspen I generally use compressed air to gently blow the ash that accumulates in the catalytic converter. When it no longer gets bright orange it just takes about 15 seconds. They recommend about 20 lbs max pressure so I use a pressure regulator on a tank. Then it is rejuvenated like new for a couple months. As for Kuma quality, I have been heating with wood for 40 years with various brands of stoves here in Alaska and this is my first Kuma, and it really is the best I have ever owned.
Awesome video, thank you for sharing your experience. The catalytic converter usually glows when operating but is still functioning at temps. as low as 600° (which would not be glowing). You can also restore a catalytic back to 85-90% of it's functional state by soaking it a water/vinegar solution. An overnight soak with air-dry for a day afterwards will break up any build-up that is reducing effectiveness. ( 4 parts distilled water to 1 part white vinegar). Thanks again.
Thanks for the insight! It’s a great stove as we mentioned. Glad you were able to check out the video!
I am a fan of the free standing wood stove, air circulation all around in my mind makes for better heating.
Yes we agree! With the house layout that wasn’t really an option in the space. We did love our free standing version at our house before this one.
It would be interesting to see your wood cutting saws and other tools you use. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for your ideas. I’ll keep that in mind!
Great video. How wide is the shelf that those pots are resting on? When I look at the Aspen on the Kuma site, it doesn't seem to have any shelf at all. Does your firebox not sit very far back in the fireplace opening? We'd really like an insert with a cooktop/warming shelf and yours is about the best we've seen. Thanks!
We don’t live at that house anymore, but I would guess the top surface that held the humidifiers was about 5 to 6 inches, so it was pretty small, but still some space. Good luck deciding on your purchase. Give the company a call and I bet they will be more than happy to talk to you and give you details.
All Kuma inserts have a unique adjustable surround trim. This allows the insert to be installed out onto the hearth (as seen in this installation) or to be recessed into the fireplace for a more flush look.
The other style of wood stove other than catalytic converter is air reburner i think.
Do you guys mind the kuma label right on the glass? That seems to be a poor placement.
I actually thought it was pretty. I liked that it was easy to see the brand and small enough. I’ve noticed that with some stoves out there it’s hard to decipher who makes them without a lot of looking.
Glad you are enjoying the stove. Thanks for sharing!
@daviddelahanty5088 you’re welcome ☺️
How much do you choke it down at night?
Hi there, we get the fire going from a bed of coals or from scratch for about 10 minutes and then choke it down completely overnight. The wood stove is packed full with wood and has a nice bed of coals in the morning.
@@MontanaMidValleyFarm I do the same thing but the cat stops glowing in short order! Have you checked your cat to see if it works after u choke it back?
Get a new cat!! It’s not that expensive and easy to change. No catalytic converter lasts forever it’s the nature of the beast,and you probably did something to destroy it. Just saying.
We probably did mess it up at some point. If we would have stayed at this house we probably would have replaced the cat. It has been a great stove overall!
read the manual. kuma recommends periodic cleaning of the cat with soft brush/compressed air. this will extend the life and efficiency
So with my Kuma Aspen I generally use compressed air to gently blow the ash that accumulates in the catalytic converter. When it no longer gets bright orange it just takes about 15 seconds. They recommend about 20 lbs max pressure so I use a pressure regulator on a tank. Then it is rejuvenated like new for a couple months. As for Kuma quality, I have been heating with wood for 40 years with various brands of stoves here in Alaska and this is my first Kuma, and it really is the best I have ever owned.