How to Build a Fire in a Rumford Fireplace Ep. 93

[@peneloped.wenman4388]

... thanks so much for the wonderful introduction to the Rumford Fireplace ... those of us who love the natural comforts of home, value above all else a wood burning source of heat & cooking ... even if it seems a bit rustic ... I'm reminded of the time in childhood, when my family went to visit a new family that had just built their lakeside 'bungalow '... ...how stunning it was as a contemporary horseshoe shaped driveway led up to the rear entrance of the home, which was built out over rocky shoreline ... but, the most astonishing surprise of this lovely panabode was it's remarkable fireplace, which boasted of all things, of four swing out grills that allowed for fireside cooking ... apparently this was a tradition in the ancestral homes of our Host's ... amazing ... although a spacious contemporary kitchen was just around the corner, this rustic alternative was used as kind of an indoor b.b.q. ... ... so, this astonishing Rumford Fireplace is a true piece of genius ... an invention from the discoverer of convection heat ... well, where I live there is some contemporary contention over the validity of wood burning fireplaces, & outdoor wood fire b.b.q. ovens ... ....yet, there is nothing more wonderful on our soggy seaside coast, when the fog rolls in like the proverbial pea-soup'; mist clouds hugging the surface of the conjuring carpet of glassy waters, under which the fish remain fast asleep ... we hug our mugs of morning coffee, cocoa, or tea ...& listen to the happy snapping of the wood fire & are warmed to the bones by deeply restorative warmth .. the entrancing relaxation the more you bask in the warmth, drastically reducing blood pressure as you deeply rest in the primordial ancestral way ...

[@lisaray9404]

Thank you for this very interesting and informative video. While I don't have a fire place, I do have a 9 foot fire pit in my back yard AND this is exactly how I build my huge fires. It's wonderful in the cold evenings and perfect for sitting around and sipping warm drinks. Thank you, again! Stay warm and stay safe! 🤗💖🙏

[@robinj.9329]

My Grandfather's "Rumford Style" fireplace did not use bricks on the inside "reflecting" surfaces. The back, sides, and upper covings were all smooth, polished slabs of grenate or marble. Thus to reflect more of the radiant heat out into the room. One house, in our family since about 1790 has 5 such fireplaces. It's in Massachusetts and there are tours let in to see it during the summer.

[@tillybinkieking7258]

Hallo Kevin! Your vids are Never dull! This one has brought back such memories! (as usual). We had fireplaces, although not Rumford, and different techniques to 'draw' the fire to get it going furiously. In England now, this is from long ago. (yes, I am an old lady!). I do so enjoy your videos but, can you please (pretty please) post more about your doggies - please. X

[@edwardenglishonline]

You come across as a nice, kind, happy -yet serious gentleman. Loovely discovery for an autumn morning (or fall morning... whichever you prefer). Cheers 🙂

[@beverlyweaver899]

I'm enjoying all your vidio's

[@louisecroft1914]

You are very informative Kevin I like that you’re explaining everything , enjoyed it !❤

[@Valerie__22]

so interesting- never heard of a rumford fireplace before this.. Thanks for the lesson and history

[@dianemamura6811]

What a nice video. The fire burning in the fireplace is mystifying and beautiful.

[@eugeniotapia6765]

Other than the angled sides and straight back of the firebox, you should have mentioned the unique design of the Rumford fireplace is the curved throat just above firebox that is integral to the operational success of the Rumford by easily drawing airflow up into the flu for a positive ventilation. The design of the throat is as important as the slanted firebox.

[@stormypole]

Can anybody give me the dimensions of the throat for a 36”by 36” rumford

[@eugeniotapia6765]

@@stormypole I believe the upper throat opening on the basic rumford for a 36x36 is 4"x 20", however don't quote me on those specific numbers ! If you are seriously interested in building a rumford check out Buckley-Rumford.com "plans and designs" for all sizes and dimensions ! You could build one from the ground up just following the sheet specs ! Smash thru that site plans you'll definitely find out what you need, good luck 👍 !

[@stormypole]

Thank you so much

[@stormypole]

Due to lack of materials eg the clay throat.... I made an improvised throat but ultimately it’s spewing back smoke.. now I’m just lost how to go about 😰

[@eugeniotapia6765]

@@stormypole STOP your build, don't continue going up until you figure out your throat problem ! There are vid clips on youtube that show you the materials to make a refractory brick ! If you get the mix right you can make a form and then pour yourself a throat (in several sections if necessary) ! Go thru every single rumford vid clip on youtube and become so familiar with them it would be like making a cake ! Even watch the clips of the outdoor rumford fireplaces, they show a few throats being made and set ! THEN study the specs and diagrams on the website I be mentioned ! Go slow, one little step at a time, be analytical on the diagrams, I'm telling you it is possible to make one even if it takes you three-four months ! 👍

[@lucyroper2459]

I enjoyed and profited from this video as I do from all your videos. Thank you.

[@ladyw605]

This is a very interesting video!!! When I began watching your channel, I noticed almost immediately that there was something very different about the fireplaces. I find it interesting that no andirons are used. I live in the deep south and I have never seen a fireplace used without andirons. Even though the Rumford fireplace emits fast and efficient heat, I would be very careful not to ever leave the fireplace unattended-I noticed in another video that you used a fire screen which is very smart. I would be afraid that popping coals would leave the fireplace and damage the floor or even start a fire. I assume you are trying to emulate the traditional fire used at the time this house was built, but at some point in time you may want to consider gas logs. Thanks for sharing the information about the inventor of this fireplace and all of his other inventions. I know from experience, that a lot of work is involved in maintaining a fireplace, especially when it’s the primary heat source. If you are purchasing your seasoned firewood I also know that it is very expensive. At one time, we had a modern wood burning stove in our home, but my husband got tired of gathering firewood and it became just too expensive to purchase already cut and split wood locally, so we took out the stove. We only miss having it when it gets really cold. We already had central heat so we found paying a higher utility bill was really better than all the work and expense associated with a wood stove. In a beautiful old home like yours, I know you want to maintain as much of the original character as possible, so I definitely understand why you do what you do. I know the winters in New York can be brutal, so I hope central heat has been added to your home to make it a more comfortable place to live. I have also been wondering, if you don’t have central heat and air conditioning, how your beautiful pianos adapt to extreme cold and hot temps???!!! I know from experience that air quality-especially low humidity and a constant temperature is a must for the well being of a piano as well as many other musical instruments and also most electronics.

[@jensummer3549]

Thank you for this informative video! We will be building a house soon and now I know to build a Rumford fireplace. I enjoy watching all your videos.

[@jensummer3549]

Also, your fireplace is gorgeous!

[@originalchoochoo]

You are such a delight!

[@micknufc5011]

Hi keven do you have a flu going up the chimney thanks great video 👍

[@marysue7165]

I learned a lot! Thanks

[@carcaneismynameo8098]

Thanks it helped a lot

[@Lifecomesfromwithin]

The back is supposed to be angled as well. The bottom went about 16 " in, then the back went up about 18" and angled to the front where there was a 4in flue opening across most of the front. It created a smoke shelf which he wanted, and the smoke was supposed to rise almost straight up but smoothly angled back a bit and in from the sides. People are forgetting about the angled back for some reason. It was usually taller than wide and could be four feet high for the rough opening. Being so big and tall is what makes it so warm because all of that masonry becomes a radiator, and the angled back would help to burn up its own gases

[@jdub2878]

What you're describing is what I have. My fireplace is taller than it is wide. The floor area inside is square not angled back, but the back wall at the top of the fireplace angles towards the front. 20.5" wide X 13" deep X 29" tall

[@margaretblack8491]

Really fascinating! Thanks, Kevin! Now I will have to find out more about Count Rumford. :)

[@shirleywelch577]

Enjoyed the video, love a fire in the Fall and Winter months. I would love to convert my regular fireplace (built in 1924) to a Rumford~

[@stacijohnson5253]

Miss a wood burning fireplace yours is awsome

[@sallyfreund9788]

i just built a new house with 2 rumfords (one inside and one outside) and am learning how they work...do you ever lay the wood side ways? and what is the best length? you have to use only seasoned wood, i have learned that so far....i love them

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

A new house with 2 new Rumfords? Lucky you!!! I always build a tall fire -- wood upright -- to get the greatest amount of radiant heat. Length of wood can be 14-20 inches, depending on the size of your firebox.

[@stormypole]

I just built a rumford improvised due to lack o materials but it’s spewing back smoke.... would be awfully glad if you can share your experience on the throat dimensions for 36x36 “ fireplace

[@kettch42]

2 years later, what do you think of the outdoor and indoor rumfords? Anything you'd change?

[@maryv6816]

Nothing matches a wood fire. I do not have a Rumford just regular fireplace but use mine often. We do have a cast iron fireback that helps to throw the heat out. What no flue, doesn't it get very drafty?

[@ruthmorgan1007]

I am surprised you have NO damper. Does the room fill with cold air as the chimney is wide open?

[@LincolnJKashtanek]

Great video

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@geraldinefields1730]

Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford

[@silverharper]

No offense Mr. Jacobs, but the mountain of newspaper at the back of the fireplace is completely unnecessary. I grew up in rural Oregon and our only source of heat all winter was our fireplace. When it is an everyday chore, you learn to make less work for yourself. In point of fact, burning all that paper actually just makes a lot of needless ash for you to clean up later. It fills up the fireplace very quickly with a lot of fluffy loose ashes, when a single fire starter square sold at any local hardware store would take the place of all the newspaper and yet still get the fire quickly lit, leaving only the ashes of the actual wood to be cleaned up later. As they are sold in parcels of approximately 140 squares for about $16 at your local ACE Hardware I consider the expense well worth the reduction in clean-up and the newspaper could then, instead, be recycled.

[@Lifecomesfromwithin]

I like to start a fire like the way they described people doing in the stories by Charles Dickens where they used the wax from a candle driped over the kindling pile and then a piece of kindling drawn through the top of the candle to get wax on it and lit like a torch and stuck into the kindling pile

[@jeanne17118]

I notice that in other videos you build your fires differently now, April 2024. Or maybe that video was of a fireplace in a different room.

[@eugeniotapia6765]

....and he invented the microwave !"