What is a ash hopper?

An Ash Hopper can be one of two things:

1) ash hoppers were used to funnel the lye out of ashes to make soap. (before soap came out of fancy factories, like it does today, and had to be made at home) The ashes had to have water run through them to remove the lye, so ash hoppers were enclosed, and they were "V" shaped to control where the lye went.

2) ash hoppers are can be used to collect the ashes and slag from steam generating coal powered boilers. Without Ash hoppers, a furnace would get clogged with coals during use, and become inoperable. This type of ash hopper is usually water cooled to prevent overheating from being under the furnace, and to help ash and slag leave the system at a safer temperature.

Hope this helps!