
Mountain Series
Installation and Operation Manual
An ongoing program of product improvement may require us to change
specifications without notice. WS-MS-(4, 5, 6, 7)-W,
Revised November 2014. Doc no: M0035.01
Wood Stone Corporation
1801 W. Bakerview Rd.
Bellingham, WA 98226 USA
Toll Free 800.988.8103
Tel 360.650.1111
Fax 360.650.1166
18
INITIAL START-UP
READ BEFORE BUILDING FIRST FIRE
Your oven was cured at the factory� However in the course of shipment, storage on site, etc� the ceramic materials will have
absorbed moisture� It is critical that the procedure below be followed to ensure that this moisture is driven from the ceramic in a
controlled fashion� This will minimize cracking and prevent damage to the oven that could otherwise occur by bringing the oven to
temperature rapidly the first time it is used� This initial procedure need only be followed the first time the oven is fired and/or if the
oven has not been used for an extended period of time�
DAY ONE
1. Build a small kindling fire of newspaper and 5–7 lbs� of heavy, hardwood� We suggest using a fire starter (paraffin/sawdust
stick) to start the fire� Begin with (3) small pieces of wood (about 1–3" diameter and 14–16" in length)� Build the fire directly
on the floor of the oven against the side or back of the dome� The fire should be built far
enough inside and of a size that doesn’t permit the flame to go up the flue� Slowly bring the oven temperature up to 300–400
°F� Maintain this fire for 4–5 hours�
2. Once the oven temperature has reached 300–400 °F, increase the oven temperature by increasing the size and amount of
wood being used� Based on what is already burning, gradually increase the amount of wood per hour� This will bring the oven
temperature up to 500–550 °F�
NOTE: THE MORE WOOD ADDED TO THE FIRE, THE HOTTER THE OVEN WILL GET.
It is recommended that on the first day of heat-up, the oven does not exceed 550 °F within the first 8 hours� If your goal is to cook
at higher temperatures, the oven should only be brought up to 550 °F on day one� Once the oven has reached the 550 °F, more
wood may be added to the fire as necessary to bring the oven to the desired operating temperature� The amount of wood required
to bring the oven to the specified temperatures may vary depending on the type and quality of the wood� Never use any type of
flammable liquid or fuel to start a fire in a Wood Stone oven. Doing so could cause a dangerous situation and/or damage
to the oven ceramic.
DURING THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF OPERATION, SMALL AMOUNTS OF WATER MAY APPEAR DRIPPING FROM THE OVEN.
THIS IS NORMAL AND WILL STOP WITHIN A FEW DAYS.
IMPORTANT NOTES
• One pound of properly cured, heavy, hardwood produces the potential of 6,500 BTU/hr�
• The temperature sensor (thermocouple) is located at the center of the floor, one inch under the surface� The thermocouple will
give false readings if the fire is placed on top of it�
• If at anytime the oven is allowed to cool to room temperature for an extended period of time, especially outdoor installations,
this heat-up procedure will need to be repeated to avoid thermal shocking of the refractory stone which can cause excessive
cracking�
• Small “crazing” cracks will occur with normal heating and cooling� They will not effect the performance or durability of the oven�
If cracks of 1/8" or more develop, contact Wood Stone for evaluation�
DO NOT POUR OR SPRAY LIQUIDS ONTO THE OVEN DECK OR INTO THE OVEN INTERIOR
AS THIS CAN DAMAGE THE CERAMIC AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.