[Stoves] RE: improving charcoal stoves

[Tom Miles]

Crispin,

Is charcoal preferred for long periods of simmer or for short periods of
high heat? Or both?

How is the Jiko normally used in cooking? Is the door used as you describe?
How often is the fuel recharged?

I imagine that the quality of charcoal varies considerably. During a visit
to South Africa many years a go we noted a great deal of interest in making
charcoal for export to Europe but there was a concern at the time that it
was difficult to meet the standard for volatiles. If I recall local charcoal
was said to contain about 40% volatile carbon (compared with wood at 80%
volatile carbon). You would expect to see a lot of flame in early burning.  

Tom    

-----Original Message-----
From: stoves-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:stoves-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of Crispin
Pemberton-Pigott
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2006 5:11 PM
To: Stoves
Subject: [Stoves] RE: improving charcoal stoves

The problem with the JIKO is the little door which is closed to 'turn the 
stove down'.  It lowers the power output by choking the fire of oxygen which

if course generates massive amounts of CO.