Potential problems you may encounter, and possible solutions:

Cannot get the coal to light.

  • The entire grate area is not covered.
  • Draft controls are not in the full open position.
  • Not enough draft

Cannot keep a coal fire going.

  • There is not a deep bed of burning coal.Shaking the grates too little.
  • Too much ash built up.
  • Not adding enough coal.
  • Poor drafting chimney.

There is a well-established fire, but no heat.

  • Poor quality of coal.Hard pulling chimney. Too much draft.
  • Too much ash builds up.

Still having problems with your anthracite coal stove?  Contact That Coal Guy at Champaign Coal & Stove Co.! He’s always happy to help.

For more information see:

This article adapted in part from an article entitled “Operation of Hand-Fired Anthracite Stoves” provided by Hitzer Inc. drawing from their decades of experience burning coal and building coal stoves.