There are two types of coal stoves. One is a hand fired which was explained earlier, in which you shake the grate to remove the ash and you hand feed coal either through the front door or the top. The second type of stove is called a "stoker" stove. It is basically the same as a pellet stove, except burns "rice" coal. You fill a hopper in the back and the stove self feeds the coal and the ash falls into a ash pan below. You can even hook most up to a thermostat. You can purchase coal either loose or bagged. The bagged is more expensive, but a lot less mess. It is pre-washed and all you can stack it in your basement or garage without any mess. You will find that if you have access to a coal supplier that it generally is cheaper than pellets or wood and has a much higher BTU value.
