Doing the top down Firing Your Oven Discuss Doing the top down in the Oven Management forums; Thanks to JP and his post with this link.... Top down I tried the top down method... The advantages of ...

[Xabia Jim]

Thanks to JP and his post with this link.... Top down

I tried the top down method...

The advantages of the top-down fire building method are:
minimal start-up smoke;
no chance that the fire will collapse and smother itself;
no need to open the loading door to add larger pieces once the kindling fire is established

I will add that there was a very even burn and relatively fast.

I started with large wood, one flat piece of paper on top to hold the small stuff, one crumple and a bunch of bits on the top...even some dry rosemary!

I'd say a thumbs up to doing the top down....

[Xabia Jim]

....where's the oven?

sorry......it's a fire for a paella....

probably twice as much wood as needed but it was my first time top down....

[gjbingham]

I think you need bigger pieces at the bottom XJ. The first time is always a scary adeventure, regardless of what you are doing.

[Xabia Jim]

Originally Posted by gjbingham

I think you need bigger pieces at the bottom XJ. The first time is always a scary adeventure, regardless of what you are doing.

for the oven, absolutely right George...add big wood under the stack.

but for the paella, all I want are some coals, and quickly! then I just keep the fire burning with a few sticks....

[gjbingham]

How about a cooking vid XJ? I couldn't guess my way to paella, even though I've had it several times.

[Xabia Jim]

Originally Posted by gjbingham

How about a cooking vid XJ? I couldn't guess my way to paella, even though I've had it several times.

George I don't vid, yet

Paella....it's much easier than you think and very forgiving...you just need a good soup stock and then go for it!

[Xabia Jim]

NOW....how about a vid on being a stay at home dad...

my daughter has twins, just crawling last week.....

[Frances]

Hey Jim, I've been making stock since you posted your paella recipe... I haven't used any yet, but still...

[talisker63]

I did a top down yesterday in the WFO - perfect. Minimal smoke and faster startup. I was really surprised at how well is caught on.

[Acoma]

Doing the top down method right now. It is so much better than starting with sticks, then moving to logs. I love this, and now, I need to perfect it