There is a learning curve with all of these stoves. ...it helps to understand these.
First they are compact.......a compact stove will always be touchier than a bigger volume stove.
They work best with a medium fire- not too much...not too little. So you have to keep feeding them evenly.
You have to take care in assembly- making sure the baffle doesn't restrict the pipe and is seated properly with the right spacing.
They aren't airtight so keeping them venting is critical.
Its best to start them with fine twigs....a small hot fire to get it venting.
You have to make sure any screens [at the top or bottom of the pipe are clean,,,,and you can't let the ash build up too much.
My stove works like a champ....but then I've been using stoves for 30+ years. You have to keep your buddy from trying to cram it chock full of wood.
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