Old Friend New Stove

coalder · Post by **coalder** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 6:59 pm

Well gang, I seem to find myself in a new debacle. The other week, while gassing up the truck: someone walked up behind me. and said " Jimmy I hear your burning coal now". And I replied yes I am, and it's going quite well. It was my neighbor Bob who lives about 1/2 mile from me. He then proceeded to tell me at 74 yrs old he couldn't do wood any more. And he wants to go to coal. He further stated that his Son in law recommended Pellets, but according to Bob " pellets are gay"

. After that comment I had made my mind up to do all I could to help him. Now here comes the question. This quy is a real good guy; However he is a VERY basic man. And I believe a hopper stove for him would be counter productive/dangerous. I can just see him raking from underneath the hopper and winding up with 20LB of coal on the floor. I'm looking at a hand fed, no hopper unit That he can take his time with on 12 hr intervals. Choices are in this order HITZER 254, HITZER 55 and DS CIRCULATOR W/O hopper. I realize this may be asking a bit much; But I also realize that "ifn it cant be found here it ain'n nowhere".
THX in advance-------------AND "ALL" opinions are expressly appreciated!!!
Jim

Stoker6268 · Post by **Stoker6268** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 7:04 pm

A hopper detrimental? ? I think its easier. I never rake from the bottom but if I did I cant imagine dumping 20 lbs (or any) on the floor.

Post by **franco b** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 7:16 pm

Hopper and thermostat make things simpler and easier.

coalder · Post by **coalder** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 7:38 pm

This is what I'm lookin for "OPINIONS". However this guy is very BASIC!! and I'm affeared to get too complicated. At 74 he might enjoy the rigors of tending a truly hand fed unit. Hell he's got nothing else to do. If I advise him to rake and shake, It's possible for him to unload the whole hopper. Whereas tending a truly handfed unit, this severely limits errors. Trust me on this one, I assuredly respect the benefit of a hopper, however not in this particular case. However this is just my opinion, and I will be as objective as possible.
THX
Jim

oliver power · Post by **oliver power** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 7:52 pm

J F Graham wrote:This is what I'm lookin for "OPINIONS". However this guy is very BASIC!! and I'm affeared to get too complicated. At 74 he might enjoy the rigors of tending a truly hand fed unit. Hell he's got nothing else to do. If I advise him to rake and shake, It's possible for him to unload the whole hopper. Whereas tending a truly handfed unit, this severely limits errors. Trust me on this one, I assuredly respect the benefit of a hopper, however not in this particular case. However this is just my opinion, and I will be as objective as possible.
THX
Jim

Like others have said, Hopper & Bi-metallic thermostat. You can't get much easier, and basic than that. A hand fired with hopper IS a true hand fired stove. You could go more primitive. But I'd be more concerned of this guy raking hot coals out by mistake, which would be a big error.

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 8:02 pm

You're right there in the midst of it Jim. Do what ya feel is best for the guy. Don't forget CO detectors & I keep a fire extinguisher right close to my HITZER.

warminmn · Post by **warminmn** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 8:10 pm

Get a Hitzer hopper stove and take the hopper out. Then maybe he can learn it both ways.

coalder · Post by **coalder** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 8:17 pm

Fred & OP, you guys are truly the 2 most respected guys in "My court" regarding HITZER hand fireds. Now ifn it's not too much to ask what's your guys take on the 55 vs the 254. Kinda narrowed it down to these two but just can't figure owt the math. One fire box is large the other is normal. Each has the same BTU'S. "A penny for your thoughts".
And as it is late for me "Goodnight Mrs Kalibash wherever you are" Thx to all, see Yall in AM
Jim

Scottaw · Post by **Scottaw** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 8:19 pm

Yes, If he gave up wood because he couldn't handle it, he will truly appreciate a hopper fed.

That said both the current 50-93 and the DS Circulators have removable hoppers. The DS even came with a plate to burn wood more efficiently.

I went with a 50-93 for myself, simply because I found a great used one. Love it more and more every warm day. I laugh at my wood burning friends for how much easier mine is to actually heat the house. I never "bank it down" or have to run home every 6 hours to keep it burning. I usually shake at 12 hours but can easily run much longer with no adjusting.

michaelanthony · Post by **michaelanthony** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 8:21 pm

If he truly has nothing to do how about a nice reconditioned antique Glenwood from one of our esteemed craftsmen that make them new again? just a thought, nothing wrong with the previous suggestions.

coalder · Post by **coalder** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 8:35 pm

Scottaw & Mike A, You're putting me in a real bind!!! I tried politely to tell everyone that my friend could possibly become confused with a hopper situation.?? For the sake of our embarrassment, on both our parts, please stay on subject. I asked a particular question for a "particular" person. Please kindly bear with me.
Thx
Jim

oliver power · Post by **oliver power** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 8:38 pm

J F Graham wrote:Fred & OP, you guys are truly the 2 most respected guys in "My court" regarding HITZER hand fireds. Now ifn it's not too much to ask what's your guys take on the 55 vs the 254. Kinda narrowed it down to these two but just can't figure owt the math. One fire box is large the other is normal. Each has the same BTU'S. "A penny for your thoughts".
And as it is late for me "Goodnight Mrs Kalibash wherever you are" Thx to all, see Yall in AM
Jim

Personally, I like the 254 better. However, I like warminmn's idea of getting the one with removable hopper. Simular size would be the HITZER 30-95. YOU take out the hopper, and still load from top. Much easier than shoveling in the front door. Yet, your friend could still shovel in the front door if he wants. Some day you could stop by to visit, and say "Hey, did you know HITZER makes a hopper for that stove"......... Both, the 30-95, and 254 have bi-metallic thermostats, and manual ash pan door vents. He can pick, and choose which ever options he wants. Almost like having two stoves in one.

Scottaw · Post by **Scottaw** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 8:50 pm

I've seen a 55 in person in a stove shop, but it wasn't running when I was there. It was before I bought my stove, and had never burned coal. But for what I remember it had a bimetallic damper.
It seemed a but small at least for my needs, but it looked to be a very nice and well built stove.

scalabro · Post by **scalabro** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 8:54 pm

Chimney details, sq ft of house, style of house and floor plan please.....

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Tue. Feb. 17, 2015 9:23 pm

oliver power wrote:
J F Graham wrote:Fred & OP, you guys are truly the 2 most respected guys in "My court" regarding HITZER hand fireds. Now ifn it's not too much to ask what's your guys take on the 55 vs the 254. Kinda narrowed it down to these two but just can't figure owt the math. One fire box is large the other is normal. Each has the same BTU'S. "A penny for your thoughts".
And as it is late for me "Goodnight Mrs Kalibash wherever you are" Thx to all, see Yall in AM
Jim
Personally, I like the 254 better. However, I like warminmn's idea of getting the one with removable hopper. Simular size would be the HITZER 30-95. Take out the hopper, and still load from top. Much easier than shoveling in the front door. Yet, your friend can still shovel in the front door if he wants. Both, the 30-95, and 254 have bi-metallic thermostats, and manual ash pan door vents. He can pick, and choose which ever options he wants. Almost like having two stoves in one.

Ditto on OP's thoughts here Jim. Now the balls in your court.