Pan Burner Soot: Normal Flame Characteristics and Cleaning Tips

A practical guide to understanding and maintaining pan burner soot, explaining normal flame characteristics and providing simple cleaning techniques for effective fireball maintenance.

Written by Rett Rasmussen

Updated at February 25th, 2025

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Pan burners naturally produce a yellow, smoky flame with characteristics that might seem concerning but are actually normal during operation. The woodlike flame generates black soot, which can accumulate on the surface of your fireball during use.

While the soot might look unsightly, it's a standard byproduct of the burning process. Fortunately, there are simple maintenance techniques to manage this residue effectively:

  • Clean soot when the fireball is extremely hot
  • Use a spray bottle with water
  • Spray the sooty areas to dislodge residue
  • Allow dislodged soot to travel up the chimney

Important note: While these cleaning methods won't restore the FireBalls or logs to its original pristine condition, they will help maintain its functionality and appearance between uses. Repeat the cleaning process as needed to keep your pan burner in good working condition.

cleaning techniques soot buildup

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