Common Questions

Here are the common questions that match your criteria. If you have additional questions, please return to the common questions page.

Corn Stove

• How do I prevent pieces of corncob or stalk from accidentally getting into the hopper?
• How is the Harman Corn Burn pot and feeder better than others on the market?
• Where can I buy corn to burn in my Harman Corn Stove?
• What is the difference between Direct-Vent and B-Vent?

• How do I prevent pieces of corncob or stalk from accidentally getting into the hopper?
Small pieces that are kernel sized are no issue and they will feed through. If there are larger pieces you will want to prevent those from entering the feed system. Harman offers an optional strainer with funnel to attach to the hopper opening and screen out all of the unwanted debris.

• How is the Harman Corn Burn pot and feeder better than others on the market?
When corn burns it tends to get sticky and almost syrup like. When this happens, fresh corn can become trapped in a lump of sticky burned corn or clinkers. That corn then does not burn but is discarded with ashes. Harman corn stoves are designed to break up these “clinkers” and insure that the heat value of each kernel of corn is claimed.

• Where can I buy corn to burn in my Harman Corn Stove?
The Harman Corn Stoves are designed to burn feed corn. This type of corn is available at any feed or co-op store. The ideal corn would be dried to a moisture content of 16% or less. You may also be able to acquire feed corn directly from a farmer or grower. Be sure that it is feed corn. Again, moisture content is a key factor in proper operation.

• What is the difference between Direct-Vent and B-Vent?
A B-Vent gas appliance uses the concept of natural draft to expel the combustion by-products. Air is being pulled up the chimney or flue by means of “draft” which is caused by the tendency of warm air to rise. The draft leaving the stove causes air to be pulled into the fire chamber from the room. B-Vent products would only be used when an existing chimney is available.

Direct Vent gas appliances use a double walled exhaust pipe. This pipe has a center portion and an outer portion - co-axial design. The exhaust leaves the stove through the center portion and forces replacement air to be pulled in through the outer portion of the pipe. The need for vertical rise is not as great since the air coming in is from the outside environment. Direct-Vent appliances can be vented with as little as 3’ of pipe and a 90 degree elbow.