Hitzer 50-93 Gravity Fed Hopper Stove

The important factor is the whole grate area must be covered in order for the Anthracite Coal to burn properly. Also a deep bed of coal burns better than a shallow bed. This doesn’t mean the whole bed of coal will ignite, because coal burns from the bottom up. Therefore, it will only burn the bottom layers even if there is a deep bed of coal. Your coal will not burn if the whole grate area is not covered because the air flow will go around the coal instead of through the coal.

Yes, there is more heat produced by burning Anthracite Coal compared to burning wood. This is because there are more BTU’s in Anthracite Coal.

There are numerous ways to make the stove burn warmer. First, remove all the ash build up by shaking the ashes with the grate shaker. Next, allow for more air to enter through the air intakes. This can be done by adjusting the thermostat to a higher number, opening the ash door slides, opening the air intake knobs, or a combination of these methods. The last method is to apply more fuel, as you might not have enough fuel to maintain a hot fire.

Anthracite Coal starts differently compared to other fuel sources. There are three important factors that must occur to start Anthracite Coal successfully. The three factors are air flow, heat source, and fuel. First, there must be air flow and the air must come from the bottom and flow up through the coal. The next necessity is that there must be an already hot source of heat such as a kindling fire or hot charcoal. The last necessity is that there has to be enough Anthracite Coal to burn properly. This system of events occurs over a period of time and must be performed in stages. The first stage is to clear all of the ash to allow correct air flow. The next stage is to create a hot kindling or charcoal fire. And finally, the last stage is to cover the whole grate area one layer at a time with coal, allowing each layer to start burning before applying the next layer.

There are a lot of variables that can affect the burn time of the unit. These variables include the exterior weather conditions, room temperature desired, draft of the chimney, as well as many other conditions. Results may vary, but the average burn time between loads ranges from 8-24 hours. These burn times may exceed the averages, depending on the situation as every situation is different.

There are around 13,500 BTU per pound of Anthracite Coal.

The chimney should be cleaned a minimum of once a year. The preferred time is before the burning season to make sure there is no substance in the chimney. During the burn season it should be inspected at least twice monthly to insure the safety of the chimney. Upon inspection, if the chimney is dirty or plugged, have the chimney cleaned immediately.

Anthracite coal and Bituminous coal are very different. 

Anthracite Coal is a premium type of coal. It is very hard and compact. It is considered the highest quality of coal. It has the least amount of impurities, giving it the name “Clean Coal.” Anthracite coal has no soot residue and produces no smoke when consumed. 

Bituminous Coal is a “soft coal” that contains tar-like particles within the coal. It is dirty to touch as well as burn. Because of these tar-like particles called “bitumen” it leaves soot like residue. It also produces dark smoke full of impurities and bitumen when consumed.