At FERCAR, we know that understanding how your appliance works is essential to getting the most out of your wood-burning cooker, whether you are cooking or using BIO8H mode.
A common mistake is leaving the controls in an intermediate position without understanding the function of each one. To use your wood-burning cooker correctly, it is important to know what each control regulates and which positions are recommended for each operating mode.
In this guide, we explain how to adjust the controls on a FERCAR wood-burning cooker, how to distinguish the air control from the chimney damper, and what precautions to take when using BIO8H mode.
What Are the Controls on a Wood-Burning Cooker Used For?
The controls regulate the flow of air and combustion gases, according to the design and operating requirements of the appliance.
On FERCAR models equipped with the controls described in this guide, it is important to distinguish between three components:
- Chimney damper (CH): regulates the passage of combustion gases towards the chimney.
- Air control (AR): regulates the air supply for combustion and is linked to thermostat operation on models equipped with this system.
- Secondary air or secondary combustion control: regulates the secondary air supply, depending on the appliance's combustion system.
Each control has a specific function. Before using your cooker, make sure you can identify each control correctly and understand the recommended positions.
How to Set the Controls on a FERCAR Wood-Burning Cooker for Cooking
If you want to use your FERCAR wood-burning cooker for cooking, the recommended setting for the models covered by this guide is straightforward:
- CH – Chimney damper: position A.
- AR – Air control: position A.
- Secondary combustion – Secondary air control: position A.
This is the recommended configuration for cooking mode on the models covered by these instructions.
Before lighting the cooker, always check the instructions in your appliance's manual.
How to Use BIO8H Mode on a Wood-Burning Cooker
BIO8H mode is designed to provide extended operating time, depending on the model's specifications and operating conditions.
To use this mode on compatible FERCAR models, the recommended settings are as follows:
- CH – Chimney damper: must not be fully closed.
- AR – Air control: should be closed, in accordance with the model's instructions, to allow the thermostat to operate.
- Secondary air: set the control to position F.
Important: Air Control Position
The position of the air control is essential for BIO8H mode to operate as intended. If it remains open, the thermostat may not activate as expected.
For this reason, check the position of each control before using this mode.
Warning: never close the chimney damper in a way that compromises the safe evacuation of combustion gases. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual for your specific model.
Are the Controls on the Right-Hand or Left-Hand Side?
Depending on the cooker configuration, the controls may be positioned on either the right-hand or left-hand side.
This difference can cause confusion, especially when users are unsure which control regulates the air supply and which controls the flow of combustion gases towards the chimney.
If the Controls Are on the Right-Hand Side
For cooking, set the CH, AR and secondary combustion controls to position A.
For BIO8H mode, make sure the CH is not fully closed, set the AR to the position specified for thermostat operation, and set the secondary air control to position F.
If the Controls Are on the Left-Hand Side
The arrangement of the controls may be reversed. Identify each control by its function and check its position against the diagram for your model.
The recommended operating settings remain the same: position A for all three controls when cooking, and the specific configuration described above for BIO8H mode.
How to Distinguish the Air Control from the Chimney Damper
For the models covered by these instructions, the identification reference is as follows:
- The air control is on the outer side.
- The chimney damper is on the inner side.
Check this reference against your appliance's diagram, especially if the controls are arranged differently.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Controls
To use your FERCAR wood-burning cooker correctly, keep the following points in mind:
- Leaving the controls halfway without understanding why. Use the recommended positions for the operating mode you want.
- Confusing the air control with the chimney damper. Each control serves a different purpose.
- Leaving the air control open in BIO8H mode. On models with the system described, this may prevent the thermostat from operating as intended.
- Completely closing the flue outlet. Combustion gases must be evacuated safely.
- Ignoring the manufacturer's instructions. Always consult the manual for your specific model.
At FERCAR, we believe that choosing a good wood-burning cooker is only the first step. Understanding how it works and knowing how to use its controls correctly are also essential to a good user experience.
That is why we share useful information to help our customers better understand their appliances, answer their questions and use their cookers in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
If you have any questions about the control positions, BIO8H mode or how your wood-burning cooker works, please contact us. The FERCAR team will be happy to help with questions relating to your specific model.
Note: The settings described apply to compatible models covered by these instructions. Always check the positions and procedures in your appliance's manual. Never compromise the safe evacuation of combustion gases.