I've used a Klondike wood burner add-on furnace for almost 30 years, but it's nearing the end of the line. I'm looking at a Keystoker Koker to replace it, but also looking into wood/coal combo units.
We really want a stoker for the convenience, but one person told us that no wood/coal combo units are made with a coal stoker and are all hand fed. Can anyone confirm that wood/coal units must be hand fed?
Any opinions or input on the Koker would be appreciated as well.
Thanks, Greg
Any Wood/Coal Stokers? Are All Wood/Coal Combos Hand Fed?
- coaledsweat
- Site Moderator
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- Joined: Fri. Oct. 27, 2006 2:05 pm
- Location: Guilford, Connecticut
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Axeman Anderson 260M
- Coal Size/Type: Pea
They are all hand fed to my knowledge. The nature of stokers requires a different style of firebox from hand fed units and wood is definetly a hand feed item.
- coalkirk
- Member
- Posts: 5185
- Joined: Wed. May. 17, 2006 8:12 pm
- Location: Forest Hill MD
- Stoker Coal Boiler: 1981 EFM DF520 retired
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Jotul 507 on standby
- Coal Size/Type: Lehigh anthracite/rice coal
Not only that, but I've never seen a "combo" unit that will burn wood and coal well. Decide on a fuel and get the best burning unit you can. For most factors, unless you get wood for free, coal has a huge advantage.
- coaledsweat
- Site Moderator
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- Joined: Fri. Oct. 27, 2006 2:05 pm
- Location: Guilford, Connecticut
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Axeman Anderson 260M
- Coal Size/Type: Pea
Usually, anything that combines two different processes makes concessions on it's parameters that takes it away from being as efficient as possible in a single mode.
Even if the wood were free the only thing it's good for is starting a coal fire. Go with a coal specific unit, you'll be much happier in the long run.
Even if the wood were free the only thing it's good for is starting a coal fire. Go with a coal specific unit, you'll be much happier in the long run.