Everything you need to know to get the best from your Ecco Stove – from first light to seasonal care.
The key to efficient, clean combustion is the top-down lighting method. This approach brings the combustion chamber up to optimal temperature quickly while minimising smoke and emissions.
Place 2-3 larger logs at the bottom of the firebox, arranged with small gaps between them for airflow.
Layer medium-sized kindling pieces on top, building a stable platform for the firelighters.
Add natural firelighters and fine kindling at the very top of the stack.
Light the firelighters. The fire burns downward, creating a clean, smoke-free start.
Once the combustion chamber reaches 900-1000°C, close the ash pit door. The silicon carbide body will absorb and store the heat for gradual release.
For models with contraflow channels, if starting from cold (beginning of season), place firelighters in the bottom access plugs first to warm the channels and establish the "pull" before lighting your main fire.
Ensure that you don't open the door too quickly — this will cause a vacuum effect and smoke can spill out into the room.
Open the door about 2mm and allow some air to pass behind the door, then open the door fully.
Close the ash pan once the fuel/wood is wrapped in combustion.
Ensure the ash pan is opened when refuelling to allow fuel to combust.
The contraflow channels in our larger models capture additional heat from combustion gases before they exit the flue. Keeping these channels clear ensures optimal efficiency.
Always ensure the stove is completely cold before cleaning channels.
Carefully remove the access plugs at the front of the stove to access the internal channel system.
Use the brush provided to sweep ash and debris from the channels until clear.
Sweep or vacuum out the ash that collects at the base of the channels.
Refit the access plugs, ensuring the rope seals create an airtight fit.
The EC580 uses a triple baffle system instead of contraflow channels. Simply brush the baffle surfaces during your seasonal maintenance – no plug removal required.
The Ecco Stove is designed for minimal maintenance. The exceptional durability of silicon carbide means your stove will provide decades of reliable service with just occasional attention.
Simply dust off the exterior with a dry cloth as needed. For painted models, we supply touch-up paint. For natural finish, light sanding removes any marks.
Use a damp cloth with wood ash to clean the glass door – a gentle, effective natural cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Remove ash from the firebox when it builds up to approximately 2 inches. Leave a thin layer as it aids combustion.
Check the rope seals on doors and access plugs annually. Replacement rope and adhesive are available from us.
Like conventional cast iron stoves, we advise getting your stove swept once to twice per year. We recommend using a registered sweep to get the stove swept. Please be mindful due to the internal set up of all our stoves, the stoves need to be swept through a sweeping hatch on the flue pipe. If your sweep has any problems or questions sweeping your stove, please advise them to get in contact with us.
We offer a health check service for your Ecco Stove. Our team can inspect your stove to ensure it is performing at its best and identify any maintenance needs. Contact us to book your annual health check.
As of 2022, Eco Design regulations state all stoves must be fitted with a catalyser. These are fitted to combat dust particulates to avoid any unnecessary particulates to atmosphere. Under heavy use, these can entrap dust and are required to be checked/cleaned monthly or bimonthly.
Remove the lower baffle by removing the 4 pins. Lower down onto the grate. Remove the upper baffle by removing the 4 pins lower down on grate. The catalysers can be vacuumed in place or lifted out and vacuumed to ensure the dust entrapped is removed. Replace the catalysers into their space in the baffle brick and refit in reverse ensuring the 25mm rope is in place both above the air box at the back and 25mm rope above the baffle front top.
Remove internal bricks, back brick, lower baffle and upper baffle by removing the pins. This will expose the cat carrier and catalysts. Reach up and slide to left hand side, tilt and lower down gently. Remove catalysts, clean and replace. Reinstall and complete instructions in reverse.
The catalysers can be viewed through the front left and right cleaning plugs when the stove is not alight or by removing the pins in the inner door frame which holds the curve double leaf front of the baffle up in place. Lift the weight of the baffle off the pins; remove the pins and the baffle will hinge down and rest on the stoves grate base section. The catalysers can be vacuumed in place or lifted out and vacuumed to ensure the dust entrapped is removed. Replace the catalysers into their space in the baffle brick and refit in reverse ensuring the 25mm rope is in place both above the air box at the back and 25mm rope above the baffle front top.
This will be evidenced by lack of performance or smoking back.
The catalyser will need replacing after two years or earlier dependent on usage. This will be witnessed by a breakdown of the cells within which will appear distorted and closed. You can call or email our sales team who can provide a quote for replacement.
Our customer support team is here to help with any questions about caring for your Ecco Stove.