Will it burn effectively?

[Metalhide]

Hello all…long time reader of the forum and a first time poster. I have a hitzer 983 coal/wood insert, and was wondering if I could burn pellets effectivly?
I have a buddy who stumbled across a good supply of pellets (mostly free), and before I do an experiment I am curious if anybody has any suggestions/concerns.

1.Never burned pellets
2.Air supply on my stove is under the fire.

 

[Jags]

I'm not sure how "effective" it will be, but I have seen baskets that are designed for this. I would also think that a bottom air feed may be an advantage in burning pellets, but that would depend on how well your stove controlled the air. Heck, give a hand full a shot. Its pretty hard to hurt a coal stove. Them things are usually built like tanks.

 

[Metalhide]

It is a tank...and from what I have researched pellets like their air from below similar to that of a coal fire. When you say basket, I invision a recepticle that will prevent the pellets from falling through the grates?
I have excellent control of the air supply...

 

[Jags]

It is a tank...and from what I have researched pellets like their air from below similar to that of a coal fire. When you say basket, I invision a recepticle that will prevent the pellets from falling through the grates?
I have excellent control of the air supply...

Yes, the basket is designed to "contain" the pellets. They look flimsy to me, but I have never seen one in person. I cannot confirm the longevity of the contraption.

Sounds like its time to get the experiment in motion. :coolsmile:

 

[begreen]

A stainless mesh pellet basket in a coal stove it might work if the stove has nice strong draft. A coal stove can feed air from below the fire which makes a big difference. Seems worth a try considering the fuel is free. As a test, maybe get some 3/16" mesh stainless hardware cloth, cut it to completely cover the grate and fold up the sides about 6". Then try a load or two. You'll probably need a SuperCedar or some starting gel to get it going. Let us know how it works out.

If it works well, here's a link to a homemade design that is inexpensive.

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/43805/#553970