Wood stove window cleaning

We just installed a non-catalytic Jotul F3CB this autumn, and the glass soots up fairly easily. We're convinced it' because the air intake is toward the top of the firebox. Dumb design.
We can keep it clear if we get a raging fire going with perfectly seasoned wood. Unfortunately, perfect wood and raging fires are the exception rather than the rule around here.

We wouldn't buy this stove if we had a second chance...
the glass is only one issue.
It was too much $$$$$!!!
The grate in the floor is too big and the coals fall into the ashpan too soon.
The lack of firebrick to help hold the heat is also a great detriment, in our opinion. This thing cools down way to fast after it goes out.
This model can be very tricky to load, also.

Get a big catalytic Blaze King, with thermostat, and dual fans.

We love ours, and it works great.

Alex

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Thou art That

A little ammonia on a paper towel works great on ours. Wet the towell, wipe the slightly warm window and let it sit for a minute or two and then wipe clean. I usually have to repeat this cycle twice to get it really clean. I end up doing this about once a month during the heating season.

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Stush

quickest and easiest way to clean is with a single edged razor

Alex, this isn't the stove that cost $600.00 is it? Seems like an incredibly good stove if so. Does it have firebrick in it? What kind of heat does it do at the 40 hour burn? The most I would ever need it (I Think) is 24 hours.

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Minnikin, I almost bought that model myself. The F400 air intake is on the bottom, but, as you can see, it makes no difference in clearing the glass. If yours has an outside air hookup, I strongly recommend you doing so. Doesn't help the glass much, but it sure improves the burn.

I'm glad you are happier with your make stove, Alex, than we Jotul owners appear to be. Are you by chance a dealer of these 'Blaze Kings'?
I paid $1300 + $89 (heat shield) last March for this stove. It just wouldn't be sporting of me to toss it out, or make into a planter, without giving it every possible chance to redeem itself first. I try to be fair. Money has nothing to do with it, of course.

Copperhead, I try to think of this glass as fragile as the lens of a baby's eye. Now, would you use a "razor," no matter how carefully? I ask you? Do you use a steel scraper on your car windshield? Me either.

Stush, I tried "amonia" last spring when I was trying to break-in the new stove. I tried soap and water and scrubbie at that time too. For my brand of dirt, they were both total failures. Try the wet towel and ash. You won't even need to come back for a second wash. It's cheaper, and smells better, too. But, thanks.