To Grate or not to grate?

[Heatherhoney]

Hi.. we bought a 1997 house with an original Hearthstone (soapstone) woodstove. It came with a metal grate inside, but no manual. Is the metal grate necessary to protect the floor of the soapstone stove? Or would we be burning much more efficiently without it? The unit is too old to make out the model number on the back, so I don't know how else to find out!

(I'm originally from Florida & didn't grow up with one, so any imput is greatly appreciated!)

 

[begreen]

Grates are for fireplaces, not woodstoves. A good bed of ash is best.

 

[ozarkoak]

As long as its not the ash grate. like this thing.

Mansfield Upper Ash Grate 2010-160

HearthStone Mansfield 2010-160 Ash Grate

www.rockymountainstove.com

 

[begreen]

As long as its not the ash grate. like this thing.

Mansfield Upper Ash Grate 2010-160

HearthStone Mansfield 2010-160 Ash Grate

www.rockymountainstove.com

Good point. The H1 didn't have an ash grate but the H2 did.