combos with stoker?

pinecroft · By: **pinecroft** On: Mon Feb 19, 2007 11:22 am

I've used a Klondike wood burner add-on furnace for almost 30 years, but it's nearing the end of the line. I'm looking at a Keystoker Koker to replace it, but also looking into wood/coal combo units.

We really want a stoker for the convenience, but one person told us that no wood/coal combo units are made with a coal stoker and are all hand fed. Can anyone confirm that wood/coal units must be hand fed?

Any opinions or input on the Koker would be appreciated as well.
Thanks, Greg

coaledsweat · By: **coaledsweat** On: Mon Feb 19, 2007 11:53 am

They are all hand fed to my knowledge. The nature of stokers requires a different style of firebox from hand fed units and wood is definetly a hand feed item.

coalkirk · By: **coalkirk** On: Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:35 pm

Not only that, but I've never seen a "combo" unit that will burn wood and coal well. Decide on a fuel and get the best burning unit you can. For most factors, unless you get wood for free, coal has a huge advantage.

coaledsweat · By: **coaledsweat** On: Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:50 pm

Usually, anything that combines two different processes makes concessions on it's parameters that takes it away from being as efficient as possible in a single mode.
Even if the wood were free the only thing it's good for is starting a coal fire. Go with a coal specific unit, you'll be much happier in the long run.