How to Buy Coal Stoves

Coal stoves: stoker

There are two basic types of coal stoves: modern automatic stoker coals and the old-fashioned front-loading, manual type. Learning the pros and cons of each is important when looking for and planning to buy coal stoves.

Instructions

1. 

   Find out about the different models of coal stoves available. Stoker coal stoves have an automatic system much like pellet stoves. Every few days, you add coal to the hopper in the back and empty the ashes from below the firebox. The stove's system automatically adds coal to the firebox and shakes out the ash as the coal burns. These require electricity, but some models have a battery back up -- key for power outages.

2. 

   Learn about coal stoves that are manual. For these types, which have front-loading fireboxes and no hopper, you'll have to stoke and add coal yourself every couple hours when maximizing heat output.

3. Consider your schedule. If you are gone most of the day, a stoker stove that can keep burning without nay attention for 12-18 hours will be ideal. Old fashioned, manual coal stoves require more frequent attention.

4. Think about price. The older models, whether actually used or newly manufactured, are generally much less expensive. In fact, if you live in a coal-burning area like PA, you can often find pre-owned coal stoves very inexpensively.

5. Place your order, or shop for your used coal stove, months before the winter. Once the fall and winter hit, coal stoves are harder to find.

Tips & Warnings

• Coal stove manufacturers may have a long back order list as coal is becoming more popular after years of little growth.

• Never keep kindling, papers or other items on the hearth.

Resources

• Imperial Mfg Group Black Fireplace Coal Hod & Shovel set
• US Stove Company Caboose Potbelly Coal/ Wood Stove
• Heat Resistant Leather Fireplace Gloves