Buying Corn; Oyster Shells - NorthStar MSTOVEF CS550 User Manual

Buying Corn

The corn you use will affect the dependability and heat output of your stove. Take the
time now to read through this page before using your stove. Enjoy your NorthStar
Corn Stove!
Ask for cleaned corn when buying it from your corn supplier. Buy cleaned corn in bulk or bagged
from feed stores, elevators or direct from a farmer. Corn right from the field will have debris that can
clog the auger. This will result in an unreliable burn requiring constant attention to the stove's draft
setting. In most cases, debris will eventually cause the flame to go completely out.
Store your corn in a dry place. Check the moisture content periodically to make sure it is not wet.
The moisture content needs to be 14% or less, 11-12% works best. Wet corn will cause unreliable
burn, low heat output, and deterioration of the stove and exhaust piping. Using corn over 14%
moisture will void your warranty.
There are many varieties of corn with different kernel sizes. Your stove burns best with small to
medium sized kernels. Try to buy your corn from the same place. Changing corn suppliers
frequently will cause a different flame requiring different draft settings. DO NOT USE CORN WITH A
HIGH WAX CONTENT!
DO NOT BURN SEED CORN! Seed corn is treated with pesticides that can be fatal if swallowed.
Therefore, seed corn is dangerous to have around the house, especially when children are present.

Oyster Shells

Unburned corn kernel starches cling to the fire pot and form solid masses called
clinkers. Clinkers will plug the air inlet holes in the fire pot and cause the stove to
prematurely burn out.
Oyster shells, when mixed with corn, drastically reduce clinkers. This results in lower
maintenance, less ash, cleaner burn pot, and higher heat output. If you don't use
oyster shells, your stove will require more attention and will not burn reliably.
Where to buy oyster shells
Oyster shells are fed to chickens, so they are sold at most feed stores. If you cannot find oyster
shells locally, please call NorthStar at 1-800-270-0810. (NorthStar Oyster Shells #PD366991).
How much oyster shells to use
The amount of oyster shells used depends on the starch content of the corn. If your corn has a low
starch content, less oyster shells can be used. High starch content corn will require more oyster
shells. Initially, use 1 to 2 handfuls of oyster shells per hopper of corn. Run the stove for a day, if
there is any buildup of clinkers on the stirrer shaft, increase the amount of oyster shells.
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