I can’t believe I’ve only had my corn stove for a few weeks. It already seems like it’s been a part of our home for a long time. Gone are the days when I fretted over doing everything perfect or worrying I’d forget something. I have watched the maintenance and fuel videos on YouTube posted by American Energy Systems, and I’ve read most of the manual a couple times. Now, I’ve got my own little checklist that works for me, a busy mom. I thought I might share what I do, in hopes that it can help other busy,money-saving parents.

1. I always take advantage of help when I can get it. If my husband or kids are interested in helping bring corn in, I take it. I also keep a nice, large decorative bin (pictured above) in the family room for extra corn. This way, I can add a scoop now and then to keep the hopper full. This saves me time and energy.
2. Every time I shut down the appliance, I make sure I clean out the ash from inside, empty the fuel pot, and wipe down the glass so it looks nice. This only takes a few seconds, and gives me peace of mind.
3. Shop sales! I recently came across a great sale on fuel starter gel. The bottles were large and almost 50% off! I stocked up at that price, and stored them in a safe place away from kids. This way, I won’t pay full price later when demand is high.
4. What is gentle enough for a baby’s bottom and works great to collect any excess corn dust or ash on the tile around the corn stove? A baby wipe! And I have plenty of those around. I just grab one and tidy up.
5. If you encounter any hard-to-clean soot on the glass, don’t use harsh chemicals or waste money. I found a soft, damp rag with a light dusting of baking soda takes off everything with only one wipe!
6. Did I mention shop sales? While you probably can’t find bagged corn at your local grocery store or clip a coupon in the Sunday Paper, I was recently at a Ladies Event at Running’s where they offered 40% off my purchase. Who says you can’t buy corn at a Ladies Event?

With a little practice, using and maintaining a corn stove is easy. If you have a tip you’d like to share, this mom would love to hear it!

About the Author: Beth Gasser of Confessions of a Mom shared this article with American Energy Systems. Beth blogs about being a mom, parenting, saving money, frugal living, and more. Beth blogged about her corn stove buying experience, which you can read here. You can contact her there or if you have specific questions of American Energy Systems, please leave a comment here.

Help! My stove is blowing up in my face, what causes that?

Signed, Singed and Smoking

With the design of the combustion system in a MagnuM stove, it is nearly impossible for the appliance to puff back, flare up and out the door, or “blow up in your face”.  If you are experiencing this with your stove, here is some information that will be sure to help.

Happening When You Light the Stove?

If this is happening when you light the stove then it is the starter fluid that you are using. Do not use gas, charcoal lighter or any other highly flammable liquid to start your stove. Only use approved starter for your appliance. This can be purchased at any good retail specialty shop.

If the fire is already lit do not add any fire starter. This is sure to give you a surprise. Fire starter gel is not intended to add to the fire once it is lit and burning.

Happening When You Open the Door?

If the appliance puffs out the door when opened or the fire flares up when you open the door then the appliance is either installed incorrectly, you have negative pressure in the home, or the unit is plugged and needs servicing. In all of these cases it is important that you follow the manufacturer’s recommended daily, weekly and monthly maintenance guidelines and consult with a trained service tech to get your stove back in perfect operating condition.

We have a GREAT online resource for technical questions on our forum, which you can visit and find expert help.

To access the manual for your heating appliance, you can visit our Technical Documents and Owner’s Manual section of our website.

photo credit: quinn.anya