Efel Giant Without the Coal Hopper

Has anyone used an Efel Giant for coal without the coal hopper. Hand fireing it like a Harman Mark # stove. Mounding the coal instead of filling the hopper. Did it work? How well? Any tips? Thank you

I know this is a very old post but just in case someone is searching for Efel info... This stove works fine without the hopper and I have used mine that way often however it's designed to be hopper fed and the parts are still available although expensive. If you find yourself looking at an Arden giant 084-65 missing its hopper it's because the previous owner burned it up which is a problem with these. Still a great stove without one but way better with. A welding shop could custom make a hopper of boiler plate for less than the part costs at woodsman's. Im on my second hopper and it is now warped and fights me if I try and remove it. all around great stove either way. Hope this helps.

I can provide many burning tips for this unit if anyone is interested feel free to message me.