ash & embers

[Suit]

My manual says to clean the ash down to a 1" bed. (Pacific Energy 2.5 insert) I am trying to keep my stove running constantly. The ash is usually mixed up with the embers. If I drag all of the embers to the front before reloading I can scoop out ash from the front later, but that leaves a lot of ash and embers mixed together behind. Much more than an inch.

Should I scoop out the embers and coals? Leave them in and just keep dragging them forward? Get one of those grates that separates the embers from the ash? I have seen a couple of tools that claim to separate the ash from the embers. Are they any good?

 

[S Roche]

It may not be the right way but I move some of the embers to the side and scoop out everything else into a steel bucket with lid. Move the embers to the center and pile on the splits. As far as disposing of the bucket I have a dirt lined pit they go into and then I cover it with tin. Yes, the embers will be hot for a few days.

 

[DougA]

Just separate the big red chunks, scoop out everything else. As S Roche says, be careful where you put the ash bucket. Mine goes on a cement pad, then spread on our gravel driveway after an ice storm.

 

[madison]

http://www.koalkeeper.com/

Best used at the end of the burn cycle, turn off all blowers and fans, open stove draft. Short learning curve to limit the amount of fine ash dust exiting the stove during the sifting process.

**FYI the initial paint fumes that burn off the shovel can be rather nasty if you have asthma. **