Due to there density corn or pellet fuel won't burn in a pile in a open fire. Therefore to get the fuel to burn, certain manufacturers will incorporate a combustion chamber into where the corn fuel is added with combustion air. Fuel is added by failing from above or auger up from below.

The feeding rate of the auger can be adjusted to increase the amount of corn burnt which will control the amount of fuel produced. This alone will not burn and as mentioned air combustion is required, this is done by blowing in oxygen into the combustion chamber by means of a small fan. Air is feed in from the outside and not typically by the room air.

When the corn fuel burns its by product is a clinker, with the small size of the combustion chambers its recommended you follow the manufacturers requirements n how often to clean. A specially designed poker is used to remove the clinker and with practice the corn stove will not be required to be shut down.

Within the stove a heat exchanger is used to move the heated air and relace with the room air which is then heated. A fan within the stove will be used to do this process.

There are different types of corn stoves that do not have augers to feed in the corn or fans to provide combustion air or move heated air to the room. By there design they burn corn at the bottom of the stove and the heat will radiate to heat up the room. Unlike the auger type of corn stoves that require electric these do not and they won't be affected by power outage.

To vent away the exhaust gases will depend to the particular design but follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the type of flue pipe required. It is best to keep the flue pipe as short and straight as possible (keep the number of elbows to a minimum) to maximize the stove's performance.

1. What is the heat output from the corn stove? and whats the hest required to heat yor home?
2. If you are trying to heat your whole house with a corn stove, does your house layout allow heat to travel around?
3. What is the size of the fuel hopper? Will I need to fill on a daily, weekly or biweekly basis?
4. What is the seasonal heating efficiency of the corn stove?
5. Does the unit meet UL and CSA standards?
6. Does the unit have hot exposed surfaces which could cause burns to skin? Big point if you have children
7. What type of exhaust venting is required? Does it require a chimney with a flue liner or can a combination flue/fresh air vent pipe be used?
8. Are you prepared to clean out the clinker daily and clean the heat exchanger of ash on a weekly basis?
9. Will the corn stove handle granular solid fuels other than shelled corn? This is important in the event that the economics of burning corn become unattractive or an alternative low cost pelleted fuel becomes available. You may want to use a pellet fuel as an alternative, example would be the Quadra- Fire Classic Bay 1200 which can use wood pellet as well as shelled corn
10. Will this corn burning appliance be a primary heat source or act as a supplementary heat source? Stoves with small fuel hoppers will not keep a house warm for long periods of time, unattended.
11. How will corn be stored for winter operation?

To get these fueks to burn some corn stoves use a small combustion chamber in which the corn is fed and combustion air is added. Two methods of adding the corn is either by dropping the corn in or by pushing up the corn by means of an auger. The feed rate can be adjusted and hence the heat produced will be changed.

The second requirement for burning to occur is oxygen. In order to support combustion, oxygen is blown into the combustion chamber by means of a small fan. The combustion air is usually brought in from outside, not room air.

As corn burns it produces a clinker, but due to the small size of the combustion chamber the clinker needs to be removed daily. The removal of clinker can be done without the need to shut down the stove.

Inside the corn stove, a heat exchanger is used to remove the heat created and transported around the room, a fan is used to move the room air though the corn stove whih is then heated and pushed out the other side.

The type of flue pipe required to vent the exhaust gases from the stove will depend on the design of the stove or corn burning appliance you have brought. These flue pipes can range from those commonly used in wood stoves to through-the-wall vent pipes which actually preheat the combustion air by removing heat from the flue gases. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the type of flue pipe required. It is best to keep the flue pipe as short and straight as possible (keep the number of elbows to a minimum) to maximize the stove's performance.

• Stove (some can be modified as a fire place insert)
• Space heater
• Hot air furnace
• Hot water boiler

The size of their fuel hoppers can also vary greatly, the hopper size can hold from one day upto around 10 days worth of corn fuel depending on the model.

One thing to consider with the freestanding stove or space heaters is the surface temperature of exposed metal parts. This is especially important if there are small children in the house.

How much corn does it use?

Typically a corn burning stove use approximately 1 bushel of corn per day with a bushel weights 56 lbs, storage/ disposal Corn is important

How large of an area will it heat?

This will vary depending on the model and manufacturer.

How do I clean out the stove?

If you are burning the stove continually with shelled corn you will have to remove a clinker, one solid rock like piece of ash about the size of your fist, once each day. This is done in about 20 seconds, while the stove is still running.

How do I start the stove?

Put a handful of wood shavings or wood pellets into the firebox, squirt on some starter gel or lighter fluid on top and light. By the time you make a cup of coffee, the stove will be running.

How much corn does it hold?

Corn stoves hold one bushel or more and will burn for approximately 24 hours or more depending on the model.

Can I control the heat?

Yes, there are themostat controls on the stove to control both the room fan and the corn flow into the firepot.

How is the heat circulated?

A variable speed fan in the stove circulates the air around the room. In reality a corn stove is a convection heater.

What type of corn can be used?

All grades of corn will burn in the stove, however the higher the grade of corn, the cleaner it will burn and the more heat it will produce. We recommend using screened corn for the best results.

Do I need a chimney?

A corn stove uses a direct vent system, something like a dryer. In other words you can put it straight through the wall.

What if my power goes off during a storm?

Your stove does need electricity to operate the blowers, so it will go out unless you equip it with an emergency power supply prior to it going out. Stoves can run on a car battery that is hooked into a power inverter.

Why corn stoves?

The corn stove is a natural choice that addresses many issues. Number one it is environmentally friendly since it is so clean burning. Secondly, it is safe to operate and third, it gives our farming community a market for their products so when you burn corn, you are helping them the most. For more interesting facts you may look at my About Corn stove Guide Page.