It is unusual for close-fire kitcheners to give trouble by smoking, and unless the cause is down-blow (which only occurs when the wind blows from certain quarters), then it must be concluded that the range is not properly fixed. Supposing the chimney is clear, it should be ascertained whether the brickwork of the chimney above the range is well clear of the flue outlets. There should be at least 12 in. clear space between the flue outlets at the top of the range and any brickwork that may come above them. If all is right in this direction, then ascertain whether there are any means by which air can enter the chimney from the room without passing through the tire, which is a common cause of kitcheners working badly, though it may not always make them smoke. The range should be set sound and air-tight, and there must not be any other flues running into the range chimney, except, perhaps, the copper flue, which must have a damper, to be closed when the copper tire is not alight. There must not be openings of any kind by which air can pass into the kitchen chimney except it go through the fire. It must be ascertained that the soot doors are complete and in their places, and that there are no apertures in the chimney.

The position of the fire in its relation to the room door need not be considered with these close-fire ranges.