Are Envi-Blocks Appropriate for a Downdraft Stove?

[lumbering on]

Everything I'm learning about the downdraft stoves emphasizes getting a good coal bed.
I am without seasoned wood this first year and have been burning Envi-Blocks.

But they don't actually burn down to a coal bed, there is literally nothing left of them but a fine ash.

I didn't realize the difference until I just burned a few bundles of kiln dried hickory and oak and the difference in heat output was obvious and much longer duration.

Any similar experiences/frustrations/success with the Envi-Blocks in a downdraft stove?

 

[BrowningBAR]

I would have to assume there is a coaling stage to envi-blocks. At some point they would lose their shape and begin to break apart. They don't just catch fire and turn to dust.

Buy a couple and give it a try.

 

[Dune]

Everything I'm learning about the downdraft stoves emphasizes getting a good coal bed.
I am without seasoned wood this first year and have been burning Envi-Blocks.

But they don't actually burn down to a coal bed, there is literally nothing left of them but a fine ash.

I didn't realize the difference until I just burned a few bundles of kiln dried hickory and oak and the difference in heat output was obvious and much longer duration.

Any similar experiences/frustrations/success with the Envi-Blocks in a downdraft stove?

No doubt hickory is a better fuel than compressed sawdust. Many here recommend using blocks and firewood together.
Some suggest bunching them together tightly for a longer lasting fire.

As for the stove type, not an issue. Coals are good. Next year you will have them.

(my stove is a downdraft) Blocks work great, I love them, but they are not free.

 

[ControlFreak]

A few years ago I bought one skid of the 8" envi blocks. I used them in an Avalon Arbor downflow stove. I found that I was able to get VERY consistent results with these because they are always the same, unlike a load of firewood. I would load up the stove with 5 of these for a night. It bugged me that basically the blocks were about a buck each, so a $5 load each night seemed to be a little bit of a bummer to me, as compared to wood that I could get for free if I worked to get it. Anyway, the Envi blocks do work and I wouldn't be concerned about them damaging anything as long as you are watching the stove and keeping it under control.

 

[CT Pellet]

I do the Envi Blocks in a Harman Oakwood, which is a downdraft stove. I do between 6 and 7 pallets a year and get great results. The trick is to get them glowing hot enough before you execute the downdraft damper.