rack or no rack...

[cammee]

I'm burning with an old hutch rebel from my parents. We bought a rack to put it in and use but my Dad swears we aren't supposed to use one in it cause it's an airtight. He says we would get a much better fire without the rack in there, but I thought you always had to have the wood up off the florr of the stove in order for it to burn properly. It is lined with what looks like concrete pads on the floor and walls.
What do you all think? Rack or no rack?
Thanks for your help....

 

[SteveT]

I'm not familiar with your particular stove. But as a caution, unless you KNOW FOR SURE that it is designed to allow for a rack I wouldn't do it. There is a chance of over fire with the added air circulation the rack would allow.

Some stove manuals specifically say no racks. Unless you find a manual for your stove and it says a rack is OK (or someone on this site is able to say for certain that it is allowable) don't do it.

 

[smokinj]

I'm burning with an old hutch rebel from my parents. We bought a rack to put it in and use but my Dad swears we aren't supposed to use one in it cause it's an airtight. He says we would get a much better fire without the rack in there, but I thought you always had to have the wood up off the florr of the stove in order for it to burn properly. It is lined with what looks like concrete pads on the floor and walls.
What do you all think? Rack or no rack?
Thanks for your help....

I would listen to Dad! (or what engine rep said overfire can be bad news)

 

[Titus]

I just have to say that I have always appreciated a nice rack.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Just leave an inch or two of ashes in the bottom of the stove. (This is added insulation.) No need for a rack and the stove will probably work much better and you'll have more room for fuel.

 

[LLigetfa]

I think the proper term is grate and EngineRep is spot on.

 

[hensonconst1]

you got it from your dad so listen to him I hate how my father is always right but he is.