Model-specific stove maintenance

These owner tips were first shared in 2023. The Steelhead and Caboose checklists below describe the components discussed at that time. Use the instructions for your exact model and revision, and contact us if a part arrangement differs.

Let the stove and ashes cool before inspection or cleaning. Start with our manuals and reports; the U.S. Fire Administration’s heating-safety guidance also explains the importance of chimney inspection and maintenance.

Steelhead Wood Stove: Stove Maintenance And Tips

1. Check the gasket on your door to make sure it is still sealed correctly.
2. Check the window channel tape to make sure it is sealed correctly.
3. Look at the grey baffle boards to make sure they are not burned through.
4. Inspect your 3 center burn tubes for burn through.
5. Inspect your chimney for cleaning and have it done for sure if needed.
6. Inspect your firebricks for damage or displacement. Follow the manual’s replacement criteria and ask Flame Innovation if you are unsure about their condition.
7. Burning 16” to 17” Dry wood in roughly 5” chunks seem to be the best burn times from our feedback from you guys.
8. Check the metal baffle and gray baffle boards against the placement diagrams in the manual for your Steelhead version. Restore the specified arrangement before operation.

Caboose Wood Stove: Stove Maintenance And Tips

1. Check the gasket on your door to make sure it is still sealed correctly.
2. Check the window channel tape to make sure it is sealed correctly.
3. Look at the gray baffle bricks up top to make sure they are not burned through and correctly placed up against the back wall, so you don’t get exhaust straight up your pipe.
4. Inspect your chimney for cleaning and have it done for sure if needed.
5. Inspect the Caboose firebricks in the bottom, sides and back. Match replacement bricks and their placement to the manual for your model, and ask Flame Innovation to assess uncertain damage.

Original Mini Me 8, 12, 8F and 12F

The original Mini Me range includes different firepot and brick arrangements. Identify the version before following a removal procedure or ordering a component. Our legacy Mini Me listing describes that range; the current pellet stove is a separate model.

The pellet adapter and add-on hoppers discussed for the original Mini Me are for the original Mini Me 8 and 12. Confirm accessory compatibility with Flame Innovation rather than choosing by appearance.

Keep the specified air passages clear, inspect door and glass seals, and check the bricks and chimney according to the correct manual. If parts are missing, damaged or fitted differently from the instructions, stop and ask for model-specific guidance before operation.

Older 8F/12F instructions described a particular firepot arrangement and a brick modification. Ask our team to confirm the procedure for your exact stove before removing a firepot or modifying refractory parts. Do not transfer that procedure to the current pellet model.

Current Mini Me pellet stove

Use the current Mini Me pellet stove instructions for its air inlets, pellet feed, ash removal and reassembly. Keep all required components in their specified positions and use the manual’s operating procedure rather than a universal damper setting.

Cleaning tools are not included with the current stove. Choose suitable equipment for the procedure, and follow the manual’s requirements for cold-ash handling.

When to ask for help

If smoke enters the room, a component no longer seals, or the stove behaves differently after cleaning, stop using it and have the issue assessed. For a parts question, send Flame Innovation the model information and clear photographs. Professional chimney inspection and maintenance remain part of owning a solid-fuel stove.