Home Garden

How to Remove a Hopper From a Surdiac Stove

Surdiac coal stoves give owners the option of heating with or without the use of the coal hopper. When the hopper is in place, coal automatically feeds into the fire to keep the stove running over a long period of time. People sometimes remove the hopper from the stove to clean away ash or residue left behind from the heating process. The hopper is easy to remove once it is empty.
  1. The Hopper's Function

    • Fresh coal pellets are added to the hopper to keep the fire burning for a long period of time. Pellets at the bottom, the ones closest to the grate, burn and gradually turn into ash, which collects in a tray at the bottom of the stove. The hopper is designed to funnel in fresh, unburned coal as it uses up the old coal.

    Emptying the Hopper

    • Before removing the hopper, empty the ash and pellets into the pan. To do this, use the door opening tool supplied with the stove to slide the stem protruding from the right side of the stove to the right. This motion fully opens the grate and empties the hopper. Slide the pan out to access the coal and ash.

    Removing the Hopper

    • At the end of spring, when the stove is no longer needed, lift the top of the stove and pick up the iron hopper. If there are any screws holding it down, remove them. Always make sure the stove is completely cool before removing the hopper or touching any of the internal parts.

    Cleaning the Hopper

    • After a full season of use, your Surdiac hopper will need to be cleaned. Brush or vacuum any loose ash or debris outside in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside. Use a damp cloth to clean up any discoloration or coal marks on the inside of the metal hopper. Let the metal dry before placing it back inside the stove.