Batch Vs. Hopper Feed Coal Stove

Batch Stoves

• A batch coal stove is the traditional type of coal-burning stove. This type of stove requires more manual operation than a hopper-style stove. The owner must add the coal to the stove using a bucket or a coal hood. Batch stoves are popular because they produce heat over a long period and you don't have to stoke the coals as frequently as you do with a hopper fed stove. Batch stoves require a masonry base for safety because the stove exterior can get very hot. They also incorporate a shaker grate for sifting and disposing of ashes.

Hopper Stoves

• A hopper-style coal stove feeds coals into the stove automatically. Hopper stoves are often the choice of those who don't want to hassle with the coal-tending requirements of batch-fed stoves. Hopper stoves perform the stoking and feeding tasks all by themselves. Hopper stoves can also be connected to a wall-mounted a thermostat so you can keep the room temperature consistent with the flick of a dial.

Similarities

• Batch and hopper units require ventilation. This can be achieved with a draft system on a hopper unit, whereas a batch stove requires a traditional chimney-style ventilation system with a stovepipe. Ventilation units for hopper systems can be less conspicuous, utilizing a metal draft system that runs from the rear of the unit and allows emissions to exit to the outdoors. Because of the safety issues, potential zoning regulations, and initial complexities involved in properly installing coal stoves, batch and hopper stoves should be professionally installed.

Differences

• Batch stoves require kindling wood to ignite the coals. The kindling layer is placed on the bottom grate inside of the stove, and then coals are added on top. Hopper units don't need kindling and operate strictly on coal. Batch stoves require a fair amount of manual tending (hence the term -- "hand-fired"). The coals must be "stoked" by moving and shifting them once or twice each day. Stoking the coals keeps them lit and fired so the stove produces heat continually. Otherwise, the coals can go out and you have to relight them. You should also empty the ash pan at least once a week so it doesn't build-up. That can lower the efficiency of the stove.