Pellet Stove Not Feeding Pellets? Here’s What to Check First
A pellet stove that won't feed pellets is more than just frustrating—it can leave you in the cold, literally. Whether you hear the auger motor clicking or nothing at all, there are a few key things to check before calling in a repair tech or replacing your entire stove.
In this post, we'll walk you through the most common causes, the part that might need replacing, and how to get your stove feeding again quickly and safely.
First, What Causes Pellet Feeding Problems?
Your stove feeds pellets from the hopper to the burn pot using an auger system, typically powered by an auger motor and controlled by a circuit board. If the stove stops feeding pellets, the issue usually lies with one of these components:
-
Auger motor failure
-
A jammed or blocked auger
-
Faulty limit switches or vacuum switch
-
Burned-out control board
-
Hopper empty or pellets bridging (clumping)
The Likely Culprit: The Auger Motor
The auger motor drives the corkscrew-shaped auger, which pushes pellets from the hopper to the fire. If it stops working, no pellets will be delivered—meaning no fire, no heat.
? What This Part Solves:
-
No pellets feeding into the burn pot
-
Fire goes out after startup
-
Stove shuts off due to lack of fuel
-
Grinding or buzzing noises from the motor area
-
Inconsistent pellet flow
How Do You Know You Need This Part?
Here are some easy ways to tell if the auger motor is the issue:
-
You hear a clicking or humming but the auger doesn’t turn
-
The motor is hot to the touch or smells burnt
-
You’ve checked for jams and cleaned the auger tube, but it still won’t feed
-
There’s no voltage coming to the motor during operation (or intermittent power)
If you're unsure how to test the motor, it’s best to use a multimeter—or send us a quick message via our Parts Request Form for tech help.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Repair
Even a straightforward part swap can go sideways. Watch out for these:
-
Forgetting to unplug the stove – Always disconnect power before opening any panels.
-
Not checking for pellet jams first – A blocked auger can stop even a working motor.
-
Improper wire connections – Take a photo before disconnecting the old motor to guide reinstallation.
-
Using the wrong motor model – Even motors that look similar can have different RPMs or rotation direction.
Why Our OEM or High-Quality Replacement Part Beats Cheap Alternatives
We only carry auger motors and parts that meet strict OEM specs or exceed them in quality. Unlike generic knock-offs, these motors:
-
✔️ Fit precisely with no modifications
-
✔️ Deliver the correct RPM and torque for consistent pellet feed
-
✔️ Are thermally protected and built to last
-
✔️ Reduce the risk of mid-season failures
Here’s what one of our customers had to say:
“Replaced the auger motor with this part and my stove was running like new again. Fast shipping and way quieter than the old one!” – Laura M.
Need Help Finding the Right Motor?
If you're unsure which auger motor or part your stove needs, our experts are just a click away. Use our Parts Request Form to send us your stove’s make and model—we’ll point you to exactly the right part.
A pellet stove is only as good as the parts keeping it running. With the right replacement motor, you can restore heat, efficiency, and peace of mind—all without breaking the bank.