How to Change the Clinker in a Corn Burner

A corn burner is an alternative heat source for stoves and furnaces. Although designs vary, all burners function in a similar manner. A firepot component generates the heat. Usually started with wood pellets as kindling, the firepot then feeds on corn kernels, which are disbursed either automatically or manually from a storage chamber. In the process of consumption, the kernels leave a residue of sugar. This sugar congeals and hardens into a brick-like formation known as a “clinker.” To keep the appliance performing optimally, check for and remove clinkers daily.

Things You'll Need

• Fireplace tongs
• Fireplace poker
• Fireplace shovel

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Approach the burner with caution, as though stoking a fire in a fireplace. Use flame-retardant gloves. Select a tool that is easy to manipulate; fireplace tongs or grill tongs work most often for this procedure.

   • 2

     Open the firepot chamber door. Clamp the clinker and stand it on end in its tallest position. Lift it from the flame and scrape off any glowing embers adhering to the surface with a fireplace poker or shovel.

   • 3

     Push the clinker to the edge of the firepot bucket and flip it over the side, removing it from the flame.

   • 4

     Let the clinker cool, the time for which may vary. Use a poker to see how easily it crumbles prior to removal.