Buring anthracite in multi fuel stove

savers_united

Hi
Looking for advice on burning anthracite in my Clearview Pioneer stove, no problems burning wood but first time with anthracite as this was recommended by the manufacturer. Anyone here burn anthracite in a multi fuel stove and even better if they burn it in a clearview as unsure of how to set the controls for solid fuel to get the best from it.

Cheers

SU

w50nky

I have a pioneer 400 and have used anthracite in it with no problems. It does burn quite hot so do not go to mad with your first few burns, say just a shovel full - don`t fill it up. You will need to add a fair bit of kindling to get the anthracite to start to burn though. You will need to close the bottom air control (the sliding rod) with solid fuel and open the "wheel" air control on the door fully to allow air below the grate to the get the anthracite burning well. When I have a good bed of coals glowing bright I close the wheel in fully and then open again approx 3/4 of a turn or so. Your flue may draw more or less than mine so you may have to tweek these setings accordingly. A tad of air via the sliding control may help to stop the glass from sooting up.
You will find that you have more ash to dispose of and don`t let the ash build up and touch the grate as it may damage the grate over time.

Good luck.

Tabatha_Kitten

Mine is the smallest Pioneer and I use anthracite. Its particualarly good for keeping the stove in overnight or whilst Im out at work.
To do this I make sure that the ash tray is empty, put on a couple of shovels and leave it with the "wheel" half a turn open and the bottom rod about a thumb nail out.
I usuallly find the stove needs to be at about 300o first before the anthracite will light.

savers_united

Great advice.. Thanks will give it a try and feedback.

spinningsheep

I can get my cheap chinese inset stove to burn for about 5 hours on 2 small shovels of Stovesse small nuts, I haven't tried an overnight burn, simpy as I do not need the stove to stay in all night long. As others have said, you need a good hot wood fire first to get the anthracite to catch. An ideal fire means as soon as you add the coal, it starts to crackle, and as long as you have your primary air control fully open, you should have a roaring hot fire very quicky. I find I get a mix of yellowy translucent flames and blue ones too, and then a good bed of glowing coals. I tend to turn the air right down when it gets to this stage and it keeps in for a good 4 hours before it needs a poke and another shovel of coal. The glass soots up loads though, but this just wipes off with a damp cloth. And as others have said, never let your ash build up and touch the grate, empty the ashpan regularly,this may be twice a day or more if burning 24/7, especially with cheaper "manufactured" ovoid coals, natural athracite produces very little ash,as if you block the grate it can warp if it overheats.

( word of warning, do not use the ash produced on a damp cloth/newspaper to clean the glass, it will scratch it unlike wood ash)

suki1964

I use the anthracite if Im going to be out all day - keeps the fire in a treat.

I usually burn the smokeless nuggets, when I have a good all over glow on those I just put on a thin layer of the anthracite, close down all the air vents and thats it - fire is gonna last 5/6 hours.