Firenzo CONTESSA User manual

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User Instructions
Contessa
Freestanding Woodburner
Firenzo Woodfires UK Limited
98 Niven Street, Napier 4142, New Zealand
Website: www.firenzo.co.uk

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Enjoy your new Firenzo stove!
Firenzo has been making stoves of the highest quality for over 30 years in New
Zealand. Pioneers in manufacturing stoves with ultra-low emissions and
superb efficiency Firenzo is ranked as one of the most respected brands in
New Zealand. By carefully following the instructions below, we are certain that
you will enjoy many years of comfortable warmth from your new Firenzo stove.
CONTENTS
1. Specification
2. Note of references to the current UK regulations:
3. Safety information
4. The chimney
4.1 Fresh air supply
5. Draught conditions
6. Firing/using the stove
6.1 Lighting instructions and fuelling intervals
6.2 Comparison between firing with wood and oil:
6.3 Use of the air control knob
7. For use in a Smoke Control Area
7.1 The Clean Air Act 1993 and Smoke Control Areas
7.2 Refuelling on to a low fire bed
7.3 Fuel overloading
7.4 Operation with door left open
8. HETAS Requirements
8.1 More detailed advice about existing chimney usage
8.2 Commissioning and handover
8.3 Warning note on fume emission
8.4 Extractor fan
8.5 Permanent air vent
8.6 Chimney cleaning
8.7 Periods of Prolonged Non-Use
8.8 Use of fireguard
8.9 Aerosol sprays
9.0 Routine stove maintenance
9.1 External maintenance
9.1.1 Cast iron surfaces
9.1.2 Painted Surfaces
9.2 Internal maintenance
9.2.1 Glass window
9.2.2 Reasons for sooty glass window:
9.2.3 Ceramic glass replacement
9.2.4 Refractory linings
9.2.5 Air supply components
9.2.6 Gaskets
9.2.7 General
9.3 Cleaning the stove/chimney
9.3.1 Ash
Your new Firenzo stove is EN 13240 and approved for the burning of well-seasoned wood logs in UK Smoke
Control Areas
HETAS Ltd Approval
These appliances have been approved by HETAS Ltd as an intermittent operating appliance for burning wood logs
only.

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1.Specification
This appliance has been tested for intermittent burning
Model
Contessa
Weight
kg
133
Nominal heat output
kW
10.7
Mean CO emission (at 13% O2)
%
0.17
Mean flue gas temperature
°C
363
Flue gas mass flow
g/s
9.6
Maximum hearth temperature
°C
37
Distances from combustibles
To rear
mm
215
To sides
mm
150
2. Note of references to the current UK regulations
In all cases the installation must comply with current Building Regulations, Local Authority Byelaws and other
specifications or regulations as they affect the installation of the stove.
It should be noted that the Building Regulations requirements may be met by adopting the relevant
recommendations given in British Standards BS 8303, BS EN 15287-1:2007 as an alternative means to achieve
an equivalent level of performance to that obtained following the guidance given in Approved Document J.
Please note that it is a legal requirement under England and Wales Building Regulations that the installation of
the stove is either carried out under Local Authority Building Control approval or is installed by a Competent
Person registered with a Government approved Competent Persons Scheme. HETAS Ltd operate such a
Scheme and a listing of their Registered Competent Persons can be found on their website at www.hetas.co.uk
This stove must not be installed into a chimney that serves any other heating appliance.
3. Safety information
All surfaces on the Lady Kitchener will get hot and cause burning if touched by bare hands. Firenzo
recommends using a fireguard.
The heat from the Lady Kitchener will effectively dry laundry and other wet articles; however such materials
including soft furnishings should be kept well clear of the heater to prevent accidental fires.
In case of chimney fire call 999, move materials away from stove and chimney if safe to do so, shut down
controls if safe to do so. Do not endanger any lives.
4. The chimney
An efficient, modern stove places great demands on the chimney, so have a chimney sweep check the condition
of your chimney.
This stove must not be installed into a chimney that serves any other heating appliance.
The aperture of the chimney must comply with national and local regulations specifically section 2 of Approved
Document J of the Building Regulations (ADJ). We recommend you consult your installer to ensure your
installation will be compliant.
An overly large chimney aperture will mean that too much energy will be required to heat the chimney sufficiently
to achieve an acceptable draught. If you have a brick chimney with a large aperture, we recommend that you
install an insulating chimney liner of the proper diameter.This will increase the draught, and improve the fuel
economy.
The height and positioning of the chimney must comply with the guidance given in Approved Document J of The
Building Regulations, particularly Sections 2.6 –2.21 (pages 29-35).

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The chimney must be accessible for external inspection, and it must be possible to access the cleaning doors and
the chimney if it is to be cleaned from the top (e.g. steel chimneys).
Be aware of the following:
Discuss the cleaning options with your chimney sweep or installer.
If there is insufficient draught in the chimney, it may be a good idea to install the flue pipe straight up so as to
minimise smoke migration in the actual combustion chamber.
Avoid having more bends than necessary, and limit the length of the flue pipe so as not to reduce the draught.
4.1 Fresh air supply
A wood-burning stove requires air for combustion. As a result, firing a wood-burning stove will help create a
healthy climate in your house. The ventilation requirements are described in Sections 2.1 –2.3 and Table 1 of
the Approved Document J.
If it is necessary to install air grilles, they must be positioned so that they cannot be obstructed.
5. Draught conditions
If smoke comes out of the stove when the fire door is opened, it will be due to the poor draught in the chimney.
This type of stove requires at least 12 Pa of chimney draught to achieve satisfactory combustion and to prevent
smoke from escaping. Smoke may, however, escape in any event if the stove door is opened during vigorous
firing, so this should be avoided.
If in doubt, you may want to get your chimney sweep to measure the draught in the chimney.
Draught
The draught in the chimney is the result of the difference between the high temperature in the chimney and the
cooler temperature outside. Other factors that determine whether sufficient negative pressure can be produced to
create a draught include the length and insulation of the chimney, and wind and weather conditions. In the
unusual event of adverse weather conditions that cause downdraught, the appliance must not be used
The draught will be reduced when:
- The temperature difference is too low, e.g. in connection with a poorly insulated chimney. If the
chimney is cold, it may help to light (burn up) a rolled-up newspaper in the chimney‟s cleaning door.
- The outside temperature is too high, e.g. during the summer.
- There is no wind.
- The chimney is not tall enough, with the result that it sits in the lee of the roof surface or tall trees.
These conditions are also associated with the greatest risk of smoke coming back down the chimney.
- Air is entering the chimney in undesired places, e.g. through cracked joints or leaks in the cleaning
door or the flue pipe.
- Unsealed, unused fireplaces are connected to the chimney.
- The flue pipe and chimney are clogged up with soot due to inadequate cleaning.
- The house is too tightly sealed (please see the section on Fresh air supply).
A good draught is achieved when:
- There is a big difference between the temperature in the chimney and outside, i.e. when the need for
heating is greatest.
- The weather is clear and there is a good wind.
- The chimney is of the proper height, i.e. Minimum 4 metres above the stove, and clear of the spine of
the roof.
6. Firing/using the stove
Wood is a material that contains a great deal of gas (approx. 75%). The gases are released when the wood is lit
and heated. For this reason, it is important that these gases are ignited quickly after stoking. If the wood just lies
smouldering, especially after re-stoking, a lot of smoke is created which, in the worst case, may cause an
explosive ignition of the gases, resulting in damage to the stove.
In order to ignite the gases that are released from the wood, and to keep clear, lasting flames during the
combustion process, it is important to let in the required quantity of oxygen (air supply) at all times. The setting of
the air supply, the method of ignition and the lighting intervals depend on the draught in the chimney, the wind
and weather, the amount of heat required, the fuel, etc. This means that it may take some time before you get to
know the correct functioning of the stove under any given circumstances.
Although you can fire your Firenzo stove with almost all kinds of wood, you should not fire with wet wood, or
unseasoned wood. Wood ought to be stored under a roof for at least 1 year, and preferably 2 years, with free
access to wind. Wood should be chopped as soon as possible after felling if it is to dry quickly. The wood can be

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used once the moisture is less than 20%. During the EN test, all stoves are tested with wood with a moisture
content of 16 (± 4%).
Never use driftwood as it usually has a high salt content, which damages both the stove and the chimney.
Impregnated and painted wood and chipboard emit poisonous smoke and fumes so they should not be used as
fuel either.
Please note that liquid fuel may not be used in the stove. It must also not be used as an incinerator.
The first few times you light the stove, the fire should be moderate so that the heat-resistant paint can harden
before firing more vigorously. During the hardening phase, the paint may develop obnoxious smoke and smell the
first time it is lit, which is very normal. Make sure that the room is well ventilated during this period.
6.1 Lighting instructions and fuelling intervals
Kindling requires a large flow of air. When kindling a cold stove, it is useful to leave the door ajar the first few
minutes and open the combustion air supply completely. In order to build up an insulating layer of ashes in the
bottom of the stove, it is recommended that you burn off 1-1.5 kg (2-3 pounds) of kindling wood the first time you
use the stove. Thereafter, always keep a 20mm bed of ashes in the bottom of the combustion chamber.
1. The layer of embers is formed quickly when lit with 2 kindling tablets or similar together with approx. 1-1.5 kg of
dry kindling. Place the kindling sachets evenly under the top layer of kindling.
2. Open the air supply control completely i.e. turn the air control knob on the right side of the fire to „HI‟.
3. After the paper/solid alcohol tablets have caught fire, leave the fire door ajar so that the chimney draws well.
4. When you can see that the chimney is hot enough to draw (after 5-10 minutes), close the door. If all the
necessary conditions are met; a thick layer of embers will have been formed in the combustion chamber after
another 15-20 minutes.
5. Re-stoking should normally be carried out while embers still remain. Distribute the embers in the bottom,
ensuring that most of them are at the front of the stove.
6. The appliance works best with 4 logs, approximately 225 –300 mm long, loaded front to back. Under normal
modes of operation, this fuel should last about 1 hour.
7. When reloading wood do not over-fill the fire box. Only load to approximately half of the capacity of the firebox.
8. Open the air supply to maximum and close the door; the fresh wood will then ignite within a couple of minutes.
9. Reduce the amount of combustion air to the desired position, and optimal combustion will continue until there
are glowing embers in the bed. During the nominal test, the stoking interval was about 60 minutes.
10. A new portion of wood can be added by repeating steps 5 & 6.
The stove door should normally be opened gently the first 2-3 cm, then you should wait until the pressure has
equalised before opening the door all the way. This technique will prevent smoke from getting out, particularly
when there is a poor draught.
The stove is designed to be operated with the door closed. It should only be open when igniting and reloading.
Operation with the air controls or appliance dampers open can cause excess smoke. The appliance must not be
operated with air controls, appliance dampers or door left open except as directed in the instructions.
Once the wood has burned out, it becomes glowing charcoal. If a good layer of embers has already formed on
top of a sufficient layer of ash, the stove can keep warm for a very long time, not least due to the favourable
qualities of the cast iron.
We would strongly recommend that you do not leave your stove alit at night. It harms the environment and
constitutes very poor use of the wood as the gases in the wood do not ignite at the low temperature, but settle as
soot (unburned gases) in the chimney and stove. Extreme conditions, such as poor draught in the chimney, large
quantities of wood or wet wood, may in the worst-case scenario cause an explosive ignition.
When firing in the summer period, when there is minimal need for heat, the combustion will be poor. The stove
provides too much heat so the combustion should be reduced. But always remember to make sure that there are
lasting flames until the wood becomes charcoal. If you want a weaker fire, stoke up using less wood.
If you fire the stove using wet wood, a lot of the fuel‟s thermal energy will be spent forcing the water out of the
wood, without releasing any heat to the stove. This incomplete combustion results in a layer of soot being left in
the stove, pipe and chimney.

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6.2 Comparison between firing with wood and oil:
Type of wood (moisture content 20%) No. of cubic metres per 1000L oil
Oak 7.0
Beech 7.0
Ash 7.2
Sycamore 7.5
Birch 8.0
Elm 8.9
Common spruce 10.4
Silver fir 10.9
Please note that HETAS Ltd Appliance Approval only covers the use of wood logs on this appliance. HETAS Ltd
Approval does not cover the use of other fuels either alone or mixed with the recommended fuels listed above, nor
does it cover instructions for the use of other fuels.
6.3 Use of the air control knob
The air control knob (damper) is situated on the upper right hand side of the fire as you look at it to the front.
To open the damper turn the knob to „HI‟, clockwise, this allows more air into the firebox to create greater
combustion. To close the damper turn the knob to „LO‟, counter clockwise, this restricts the amount of air into
the fire box to reduce combustion.
7. For use in a smoke control areas
This appliance has been tested and approved for use in UK smoke control areas. If being used in such
areas the following also applies:
The Lady Kitchener has been recommended as suitable for use in smoke control areas when burning wood
logs.
7.1 The Clean Air Act 1993 and smoke control areas
Under the Clean Air Act local authorities may declare the whole or part of the district of the authority to be a
smoke control area. It is an offence to emit smoke from a chimney of a building, from a furnace or from any
fixed boiler if located in a designated smoke control area. It is also an offence to acquire an "unauthorised fuel"
for use within a smoke control area unless it is used in an "exempt" appliance ("exempted" from the controls
which generally apply in the smoke control area).
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has powers under the Act to authorise
smokeless fuels or exempt appliances for use in smoke control areas in England. In Scotland and Wales this
power rests with Ministers in the devolved administrations for those countries. Separate legislation, the Clean
Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, applies in Northern Ireland. Therefore it is a requirement that fuels burnt or
obtained for use in smoke control areas have been "authorised" in Regulations and that appliances used to
burn solid fuel in those areas (other than "authorised" fuels) have been exempted by an Order made and signed
by the Secretary of State or Minister in the devolved administrations.
Further information on the requirements of the Clean Air Act can be found at: http://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/
Your local authority is responsible for implementing the Clean Air Act 1993 including designation and
supervision of smoke control areas and you can contact them for details of Clean Air Act requirements
7.2 Refuelling on to a low fire bed
If there is insufficient burning material in the firebed to light a new fuel charge, excessive smoke emission can
occur. Refuelling must be carried out onto a sufficient quantity of glowing embers and ash that the new fuel
charge will ignite in a reasonable period. If there are too few embers in the fire bed, add suitable kindling to
prevent excessive smoke
7.3 Fuel overloading
The maximum amount of fuel specified in this manual should not be exceeded, overloading can cause excess
smoke.
7.4 Operation with door left open
Operation with the door open can cause excess smoke. The appliance must not be operated with the appliance
door left open except as directed in the instructions.

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8. HETAS requirements
8.1 More detailed advice about existing chimney usage
NOTE: A chimney height of not less than 4.5 metres measured vertically from the outlet of the stove to the top of
the chimney should be satisfactory. Alternatively the calculation procedure given in EN 13384-1 may be used as
the basis for deciding whether a particular chimney design will provide sufficient draught.
The outlet from the chimney should be above the roof of the building in accordance with the provisions of Building
Regulations Approved Document J.
If installation is into an existing chimney then it must be sound and have no cracks or other faults which might
allow fumes into the house. Older properties, especially, may have chimney faults or the cross section may be too
large i.e. more than 230 mm x 230 mm. Remedial action should be taken, if required, seeking expert advice, if
necessary. If it is found necessary to line the chimney then a flue liner suitable for solid fuel must be used in
accordance with Building Regulations Approved Document J.
Any existing chimney must be clear of obstruction and have been swept clean immediately before installation of
the stove. If the stove is fitted in place of an open fire then the chimney should be swept one month after
installation to clear any soot falls which may have occurred due to the difference in combustion between the stove
and the open fire.
If there is no existing chimney then any new system must be to the designation described above and in
accordance with Building Regulations Approved Document J.
A single wall metal fluepipe is suitable for connecting the stove to the chimney but is not suitable for use as the
complete chimney. The chimney and connecting fluepipe must have a minimum diameter of 150 mm and its
dimension should be not less than the size of the outlet socket of the stove.
Any bend in the chimney or connecting fluepipe should not exceed 45°. 90° bends should not be used.
Combustible material should not be located where the heat dissipating through the walls of fireplaces or flues
could ignite it. Therefore when installing the stove in the presence of combustible materials due account must be
taken of the guidance on the separation of combustible material given in Building Regulations Approved
Document J and also in these stove instructions.
If it is found that there is excessive draught in the chimney then a draught stabiliser should be fitted. Fitting of a
draught stabiliser will affect the requirement for the permanent air supply into the room in which the stove is fitted
in accordance with Approved Document J (see also combustion air supply).
8.2 Commissioning and handover
On completion of the installation and commissioning ensure that the operating instructions for the stove are left
with you, the home owner or stove user, by the installer. Ensure you are advised on the correct use of the
appliance and that you understand to use only the recommended fuel for the stove.
8.3 Warning note on fume emission
Properly installed, operated and maintained this stove will not emit fumes into the dwelling.
Occasional fumes from de-ashing and re-fuelling may occur. However, persistent fume
emission is potentially dangerous and must not be tolerated. If fume emission does persist,
then the following immediate action should be taken:-
(a) Open doors and windows to ventilate the room and then leave the premises.
(b) Let the fire go out.
(c) Check for flue or chimney blockage and clean if required
(d) Do not attempt to relight the fire until the cause of the fume emission has been identified
and corrected. If necessary seek expert advice.
The most common cause of fume emission is flueway or chimney blockage. For your own
safety these must be kept clean at all times.

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CO Alarm
Your installer should have fitted a CO alarm in the same room as the appliance. If the alarm sounds
unexpectedly, follow the instructions given under “Warning Note” above.
8.4 Extractor fan
There must not be an extractor fan fitted in the same room as the stove as this can cause the stove to emit
smoke and fumes into the room.
8.5 Permanent air vent
If the stove requires a permanent and adequate air supply in order for it to operate safely and efficiently.
In accordance with current Building Regulations the installer may have fitted a permanent air supply vent into the
room in which the stove is installed to provide combustion air. This air vent should not under any circumstances
be shut off or sealed.
8.6 Chimney cleaning
The chimney should be swept at least twice a year. It is important that the flue connection and chimney are swept
prior to lighting up after a prolonged shutdown period.
If the stove is fitted in place of an open fire then the chimney will require sweeping after a month of continuous
operation. This is a precaution to ensure that any “softer” deposits left from the open fire usage have not been
loosened by the higher flue temperatures generated by the closed stove.
8.7 Periods of prolonged non-use
If the stove is to be left unused for a prolonged period of time then it should be given a thorough clean to remove
ash and unburned fuel residues. To enable a good flow of air through the appliance to reduce condensation and
subsequent damage, leave the air controls fully open.
8.8 Use of fireguard
When using the stove in situations where children, aged and/or infirm persons are present a fireguard must be
used to prevent accidental contact with the stove. The fireguard should be manufactured in accordance with BS
8423:2002 (Replaces BS 6539).
8.9 Aerosol sprays
Do not use an aerosol spray on or near the stove when it is alight.
9.0 Routine stove maintenance
9.1 External maintenance
9.1.1 Cast iron surfaces
Cast iron is a live material. There are no two ovens that are identical. This is partly due to the tolerances of the
casting process, partly because the stoves are a work of craftsmanship.
The cast surfaces of the stove are painted with high temperature Stovebright paint. It is best maintained by simply
vacuuming it with a soft brush attachment or wiping it down with a dry, dust-free cloth when cool.
If the stove is used too vigorously, the painted surface may assume a greyish tinge over time, but the stove can
easily be freshened up with high temperature Stovebright paint.
9.1.2 Painted Surfaces
Painted surfaces are coated with a specialist high temperature finish. To clean use a damp/dry cloth. Do not use
abrasive cleaners/materials that may cause scratching to the surface .
9.2 Internal maintenance
9.2.1 Glass window
If the stove is used correctly, very little or no soot will be deposited on the ceramic glass window. If soot does
form on the glass as the stove is being lit, it will burn away once normal combustion begins in the stove. If the
glass window becomes thoroughly covered in soot due to incorrect operation, the soot can be easily removed
using an approved glass cleaner. The glass must be cold when you clean it. Avoid stoking the stove with pieces
of wood that are so long that they press against the glass window when the door is closed.
9.2.2 Reasons for sooty glass window:
- The fuel is too wet.
- The pieces of fuel are to big/uncut wood.

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- The combustion temperature is too low.
- Insufficient air for the combustion.
9.2.3 Ceramic glass replacement
Only replace with genuine Firenzo Robax™ glass.
Ceramic glass cannot be recycled because it has a higher melting point that ordinary glass.
If ceramic glass is mixed with ordinary glass, the raw material is spoiled, and the reclaiming process may be
halted. Take care that the ovenproof glass does not end up among ordinary recycled waste. That will be a great
benefit to the environment.
Note: Should be handed in to a recycling station as ceramic glass.
9.2.4 Refractory linings
The base of the fire uses our special Firenzo refractory kiln bricks.
The sides, back and baffle of the fire uses Firenzo Scamolex™ bricks.
The condition of the refractory linings needs to be checked annually by your chimney sweep and replaced if
signs of deterioration are evident.
9.2.5 Air supply components
Air supply components are made from high temperature bearing stainless steel and need to be checked
annually by your chimney sweep and replaced if signs of deterioration are evident.
9.2.6 Gaskets
Over time, the gaskets and seals around the stove will wear and should be replaced as needed in order to
prevent uncontrolled combustion. Use only the original Firenzo seals and gaskets.
9.2.7 General
Reasons for overly rapid wear of internal parts
- Stove fired too vigorously
- Use of very dry wood (wood from old furniture).
- Too much soot on top of the baffles (please see the section on Cleaning).
- Too much ash in the ash pan (please see the section on Ash).
Please note that no unauthorised alterations of the design may be undertaken, and that any parts that are
replaced must be replaced with genuine original Firenzo parts. Failure to comply may render the warranty
invalid.
9.3 Cleaning the stove/chimney
It is important that the stove is regularly maintained by a competent engineer and that the whole system (stove,
flue connector and flue) are cleaned regularly.
In particular on the topside of the baffle plates, layers of ashes and soot will form as a result of the chimney draft
and after a sweep.
The baffle plates may be taken out of the stove under normal cleaning. When they are removed, there is access
to clean the flue chamber above the baffle plates.
The baffle plates are cleaned before they are reinserted, and care should be taken that they are properly put in
place.
Nowadays, the chimney sweep must remove the soot in the stove, in addition to sweeping the chimney and
cleaning the flue pipe. The number of annual sweepings/cleanings of the stove should be determined in
consultation with your chimney sweep.
9.3.1 Ash
As noted above, there should be a layer of approx. 20mm of ashes in the bottom of the combustion chamber in
order to achieve a high combustion temperature. If the layer of ash is too thick, it can be scooped intoan ash
bucket and removed.
In most cases, the ash will need to be taken away by the waste disposal company. Because embers may be
concealed in the ash pan for several days, it may be necessary to store the ash in a container made of non-
flammable material before pouring it into a rubbish bag.
Ash from a wood-burning stove will not be of any benefit to your garden as fertiliser. If you have burned colour
brochures, or painted or treated wood, etc., in the stove, the resulting ash mustnot be poured onto soil as it may
contain heavy metals.