There are flames coming out of the back of my Ooni 3.

February 13 2023 11:18am

If you're seeing flames come out of your chimney or the back of your Ooni 3, don't worry. This is called 'backdraft', and it's completely normal.

Backdraft happens when the door is removed and the flow of convection is broken. Instead of the flames being pulled through the oven and out the chimney, the flames are pulled through to the back of the oven.

This is why it's important to leave 3 feet/1 meter of clearance on all sides of your oven. Also, when removing the door, make sure that the back of your oven is clear. 

To reduce backdraft:

  • Keep the door on unless launching, turning, or removing your pizza.

  • Keep your pellets topped up at all times.

  • Angle your oven so that wind flows through the back rather than into the front.

  • Ensure the hopper lid is kept on at all times unless topping up with pellets.

  • Position your feeder with the bolt screwed in just past halfway - this should leave approximately 3cm (just over 1 inch) of space for the pellets to flow into the grate.

You may also find our Pellet Burner Quick Start Guide useful.

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