Earth Fires Vortex User manual

User’s
Manual
Earth Fires Vortex and
Vortex Cub
www.earthfires.co.uk

Setting up your Vortex repit 3
How to light the perfect re 3-4
Tips & Fuel 4
Features of your Vortex repit 5
Warranty 6
Storage and maintenance 6
Important Safety Notices 7

Section 1: Setting up your Vortex repit
Section 2: How to light the perfect re
1. It is very important to read and adhere to the safety notices in Section 7 of this
manual before you operate the appliance.
2. Locate a level non-combustible surface on which to place your repit. We
recommend you place on a removable stone slab as the repit may create a
mark when the Corten steel completes its curing process.
»If you are placing your repit on a patio or any area with stone slabs, it is
important that you use the repit stand provided. This will protect the
patio below from excessive heat and likely cracking. Remember your
repit will get very hot on the bottom. Even if you are using a removable
stone slab to protect the patio from staining, the repit stand is still
required to protect from heat transfer.
»The repit can be placed on grass, but this will likely lead to scorching
of the grass below. The repit stand will reduce this, but not stop it
completely.
»The repit can also be placed on gravel or sand, which have the added
benet of allowing the rain water to soak away during the Corten steel
curing process. It is important that the surface is still level and secure.
3. To assemble the repit stand, rstly connect the two stands together, then
tilt the repit onto its side, before lining up the repit stand correctly with the
hole under the repit so it sits securely
4. The ashpan and grate t into your Vortex repit as illustrated below (your
repit will come with these already in position).
5. You can remove the top ring during initial loading, but it is important to
replace it before you light your re. This helps the Vortex re burn cleaner and
guides the ames into the center of the repit.
1. Cut a range of medium logs and small kindling that ts horizontally inside
your Vortex repit. The Vortex Cub (350mm) can t logs up to 9”/225mm. The
Vortex (600mm) can t logs up to 18”/460mm.
2. Starting with the medium-sized logs, place 2 pieces at on the re grate, with
enough space between them to allow air to circulate.
Page : 3

3. Now place about 6 smaller-sized pieces across the medium ones below,
crisscrossing each layer (as illustrated below). This will start to create the
fuel stack in your repit, which when ignited from the top, will create the
draw needed for the re to burn well. This is called the ‘top-down method’ of
lighting a re.
4. Place an Eco relighter on top of your stack and cover with one more layer of
kindling.
5. Ignite the relighter on top of the kindling.
6. Once the re stack has started to catch well, you can add full logs gently
using the heatproof glove provided.
Section 3: Tips & Fuel
Top tip 1: Do not ll your Vortex re above the secondary
airwash holes as the airwash will become less effective and
more smoke will be created.
Top tip 2: Always use kiln dried or seasoned wood. This is
better for the environment, produces more heat, and less
smoke. Look out for Woodsure’s ‘Ready to Burn’ logo that
indicates the moisture content is less than 20%. Make sure to
store your wood in a dry place.
Top Tip 3: Your repit will take 10-15 minutes for the airwash to take full effect.
During this initial ignition stage there will be more smoke, before you see the
ames become clear. So if you are having friends over, think of lighting your
Vortex repit 15 minutes before they arrive.
Page : 4

Section 4: Features of your Vortex repit
Primary air. The primary air is
particularly useful during the initial
ignition process, helping you to light
the re quickly.
Secondary airwash. This is a key
feature of your Vortex re that injects
air into the top of the repit, allowing
the re to burn cleaner and hotter.
This dramatically reduces smoke
which is great for you and for the
environment.
Grate and Ashpan. Your grate will
aid good combustion in the repit as
well as prolonging its life. The ashpan
makes cleaning the repit simple.
Page : 5
Top Ring. This works with the
secondary airwash to guide the ames
into the center of the repit, allowing
the re to burn hotter and cleaner.
Corten steel. Vortex res are made
from Corten steel which oxidises
to forms a protective layer on the
surface. Other steel will corrode in
damp conditions, but the unique
properties of Corten steel protect it
from corrosion and your repit will
actually look better over time. You will
notice the Corten steel change colour
as it seasons and during use; this is a
property of the steel.
Top Ring
Secondary Airwash
Grate & Ashpan
Primary Air

Page : 6
Section 5: Warranty
Section 6: Storage and maintenance
Your repit comes with a 12 month manufacturer’s warranty. It is important that
the recommended fuel (wood) is used as high-heat coal will shorten the life of
your repit and invalidate the warranty.
There is no need to cover your Vortex repit, nor to store it inside. Vortex res are
made from Corten steel which oxidises to forms a protective layer on the surface.
Unlike other steel this acts to protect the steel from corrosion from the weather.
Thanks to the clever chemical make-up, you can rest assured that you repit is
protected from the weather, and avoid the need to bring it inside when it rains.
After each use, wait until the repit has completely cooled then remove the grate
to empty the ashpan. This will ensure rain does not mix with ash, clogging the
drain holes and creating a messy residue on the ground. It will also prolong the
life of the re grate. We recommend this is done as soon as your Vortex repit
becomes cool.
From time to time you may need to clean ash out that has dropped into the
primary and secondary air holes. Do this when the repit has completely cooled.
First remove the top ring and grate then empty the ashpan. Now tilt the repit
on the edge of the base. Lastly tilt the repit from one side to the other. You
should see any ash fall out of the hole in the base. You may need a small brush
to work out any debris that has stuck between the layers. Two people will be
required to do this with the larger Vortex 600mm repit.

Page : 7
Section 7: Important Safety Notices
1. Your Vortex repit will be extremely hot when in use. Never touch
your repit until it has completely cooled down.
2. Ensure any highly ammable materials, including gas cylinders and
oil tanks, are kept at least 10meters away from the repit when in
use.
3. Your repit is for outdoor use only and should never be used indoors,
in an enclosed area, nor under a canopy. Poor ventilation can cause
buildup of carbon monoxide and lead to asphyxiation.
4. Keep all electrical cords away from the repit.
5. Do not wear ammable or loose clothing when operating your
Vortex repit as sparks or heat could cause these to ignite.
6. Do not use you repit under or near overhanging trees or shrubs.
Sparks could easily ignite the plants.
7. Your Vortex repit should not be operated by children.
8. Your Vortex repit should not be operated by a person under the
inuence of alcohol or drugs that may impair the user’s ability to
operate it safely.
9. Never leave your repit unattended. Particular caution should be
taken when children or pets are present.
10. Earth Fires recommend the use of kiln dried or seasoned wood. This
is better for the environment, produces more heat, and less smoke.
You should consult your local authority for further guidance on fuels
that can be burnt in that location.
11. Let the repit cool naturally as dousing with water when hot will
produce water vapor that can scald the user.
12. Do not move the repit when lit or still hot
13. Do not clean out the ashpan until the repit has cooled completely.
14. Earth Fires repits and BBQs are made from heavy duty Corten steel.
They are heavy and we recommend 2 people lifting in an appropriate
manner.

For more information see
www.earthfires.co.uk