Malfunctions solved quickly
We immediately recognize feed problems with the auger. This way, your pellet stove is not out of order for unnecessarily long.
Pellet stove not feeding pellets
Written by Dries Nijs3 min read
Why your pellet stove is not feeding pellets
A lack of pellet feed is usually due to an empty or bridged hopper, a jammed auger, or damp pellets. Sometimes the auger motor or a sensor is broken. Always check the hopper and pellets before calling a technician.
Dry, certified pellets and a clean hopper prevent most feeding issues.
A pellet stove that is not feeding pellets usually has an empty or bridged hopper, a jammed auger, or damp pellets. Sometimes the auger motor or a sensor is broken. The auger is the rotating screw that moves pellets from the hopper to the burn pot.
If this screw stops turning, the burn pot remains empty and the flame goes out. Therefore, always check the simple things first before considering an expensive repair. Below you will find the causes along with a concrete solution for each step.
Simple cause or a mechanical or electrical defect
Always start with the hopper and the pellets, because an empty or bridged supply is by far the most common cause.
The causes of no pellet feed at a glance
An empty or bridged hopper is the classic issue. Pellets can form a hollow bridge above the auger, making the bin look full while nothing drops down. The stove will then report a fuel shortage, even though there is still stock available.
Damp or old pellets are a second cause. They swell, crumble, and form dust that clogs the auger and the opening. Such pellets also burn poorly, which makes the malfunction worse. Dry storage is half the battle here.
A foreign object sometimes blocks the screw. A small stone, a staple from a pellet bag, or a piece of plastic can get stuck between the threads. The motor tries to turn, but the auger is stuck. You will often hear a brief humming or ticking sound.
Finally, it could be a technical issue. A worn auger motor, a broken gear, or a sensor reading the level incorrectly will stop the feed. This is the least common but most expensive cause, and it is usually a job for a professional.
Thorough inspection
We systematically check the hopper, auger, motor, and sensor. You will get a clear picture of the root cause.
Safe and compliant
We ensure repairs to the motor or circuit board are carried out professionally. This keeps your stove burning safely.
Checking the pellet feed step by step
Turn off the stove and unplug it, letting everything cool down before you begin.
Look inside the hopper. If it is empty, refill it with dry, certified pellets.
Loosen the pellets by hand or with a wooden stick to break any bridge above the auger.
Remove dust and fine grit at the bottom of the hopper, as this clogs the opening to the auger.
Check if there is a foreign object in the screw and carefully remove any stone or plastic piece.
Empty the burn pot and the ash pan, as a full pot can block the feed.
Plug it back in and start the stove. If the auger stays still or nothing comes through, further investigation is needed.
First checks at a glance
Are there enough dry pellets in the hopper.
Are the pellets forming a bridge above the auger.
Do the pellets feel damp or crumbly.
Is there a small stone, screw, or piece of plastic in the auger.
Can you hear the auger turning when you start the stove.
Is the screen showing an error code.
What the auger does and why pellets get jammed
The auger is a slowly rotating screw that feeds pellets from the hopper to the burn pot. The motor turns the screw in small increments so the stove gets exactly enough fuel for a stable burn.
Damp or crumbly pellets swell and clump together, causing the screw to jam or spin without picking anything up. Choosing high-quality, dry, and certified pellets prevents many feeding problems. Store the bags in a dry place and avoid dusty leftovers at the bottom of the hopper.
If the auger turns but the flame still dies, the feed rate is often too low or the burn pot is getting dirty. Regular cleaning of the pot and hopper keeps the feed running smoothly. This way, the stove maintains a steady burn without sudden interruptions.
DIY fix or calling a professional
You can solve many feeding problems yourself by filling the hopper, breaking up a pellet bridge, or using dry pellets. If the auger motor is not turning, hums without rotating, or if an error code keeps appearing, a defective motor, gear, or circuit board is likely. This requires professional work and is not a DIY task.
If you do not recognize the issue immediately, check if it might be a starting problem via pellet stove not starting causes and solutions. If the stove only shuts down after burning for a while, the guide on pellet stove going out while burning will help.
If your stove displays a code on the screen, read what your pellet stove error code means. If the stove ignites but the flame fails to appear, it might also help to recognize a worn igniter.
If you are unsure whether it is a simple blockage or a real defect, we are happy to take a look. Request a free quote or advice and we will check the auger and the feed system together with you.
Need your auger or pellet feed checked?
Related articles
Frequently asked questions
Usually, the hopper is empty, the pellets form a bridge above the auger, or they are clumped together due to moisture. Add dry pellets and loosen them up. If nothing comes through after that, the auger motor or a sensor could be defective.
You can hear the motor but the pellets are not moving, or the motor is humming without turning. Turn the stove off, let everything cool down, and check if a small stone or piece of plastic is blocking the screw. Carefully remove it.
Yes, damp or crumbly pellets swell and stick together, causing the auger to jam or spin without picking anything up. Store the bags in a dry place and use certified pellets. This prevents most feeding problems.
Call a professional when the hopper and pellets are fine, but the auger still will not turn or keeps humming. A broken motor, gear, or circuit board requires professional skills. A recurring error code is also a reason to get help.
