Grainstoves from J. A. Mitchell Marketing

Chapter Four: The Second Half of the Grain Burning Process

Once the grain is burning in a “V” shape, the process is about half-way completed. The most important thing now is to ensure a complete burn so that you get as much heat as possible out of the grain. A complete burn maximizes the efficiency of the stove and produces less waste to clog the system. To achieve a complete burn, we have created a burn pot with air holes specifically designed to burn grain. These air holes provide the right amount of oxygen to the flame as the air is chanelled through the bottom of burn pot. These holes are also small enough to prevent grain and ash from falling through the holes.

In addition, the PC-45 has a stir stick with several rods to mix the grain and break-down the clinkers so the grain can burn completely. This process is vital because grain is generally dryer on the outside than in the center so it needs to be stirred when burned. Wood pellets on the other hand have the same moisture content throughout and do not need to be stirred in order to burn. The stir stick also helps to keep the burn pot clean and drastically reduces the amount of cleaning needed.

You should observe flames and coals in the burn pot as the grain is being burned and stirred. However, by the time the grain reaches the end of the burn pot, the burn should be completed. You should see glowing coals and flame up to around two inches before the end of the burn pot. If you see flames or glowing coals closer to the end of the burn pot than that, or if you see flames coming out of the end of the burn pot, the grain is being fed too fast. The stove is not burning efficiently and the fire will eventually be smothered. You should always keep in mind that grain is much denser and more difficult to burn than pellets and it is very easy to feed the grain too fast and overwhelm the fire. Successful grain-burning requires close attention and care not to over-feed the fire on the initial adjustment of the stove.

Grain fed too fast

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Warning, J.A. Mitchell Marketing Ltd. is not the manufacturer of the Harman PC-45 or any other product. J.A. Mitchell Marketing Ltd. is not responsible for any loss or damage caused by the Harman PC-45 or any other product. J.A. Mitchell Marketing Ltd. provides no representations or warranties. If you are confused or unsure at any point, contact your local Harman dealer.