Abstract: A hopper containing fuel pellets for a stove opens downward into a feed trough which extends generally horizontally toward the firebox of the stove. A feed plate is positioned such that pellets from the hopper are supported on the feed plate. The feed plate is reciprocated between a rearward position adjacent to the hopper and a forward position adjacent to the firebox so as to advance pellets toward the firebox. A gate member is mounted adjacent to the end of the feed trough remote from the hopper. The gate member is positioned to be engaged by the feed plate when the feed plate is in its forward position so as to close the feed trough and hopper from the firebox. The mechanism for reciprocating the feed plate normally maintains it in its forward position in which the feed trough and hopper are isolated from the firebox.