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Fuel blocks questions

Post in 'The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces' started by WellSeasoned, Nov 14, 2012.

  1. WellSeasoned Minister of Fire

    joined: Nov 25, 2011
    1,683 posts
    Eastern Pa
    I purchased one 3 pack of the fuel blocks made by eco energy fuel sold at TSC. The wife and I have been curious about them. I'm a cord wood man myself, but kinda excited to try these things. Sooo,

    - how does one load these things, what direction, stack, how many, and typical burn times?

    - what differences can I expect from this opposed to cord wood

    Thanks You'al
    WellSeasoned, Nov 14, 2012
    #1

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  2. jotulguy Feeling the Heat

    joined: Oct 9, 2010
    311 posts
    central Pa
    Sadly Jotul does not allow the use of those bio-bricks. The main reason is they are so packed full of energy and dried so well. So I would be careful with them. I wouldnt want you to have any issues.
    jotulguy, Nov 14, 2012
    #2

  3. WellSeasoned Minister of Fire

    joined: Nov 25, 2011
    1,683 posts
    Eastern Pa
    Oh, glad you pointed that out! I probably should have researched that first, but that's why I come here. I had no idea.
    WellSeasoned, Nov 14, 2012
    #3

  4. wkpoor Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 30, 2008
    1,843 posts
    Amanda, OH
    As long as you only put in 1 or 2 I see no way your going to harm your stove. A full load and things could possibly get out of hand. They do burn a long time very hot. I like probably most people have a wood pile full of different species and different moisture content. A bick added to a load helps even it all out.
    wkpoor, Nov 14, 2012
    #4

  5. pen Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2007
    6,068 posts
    N.E. Penna
    Just remember, they expand as they burn! Don't load them above the firebricks or else they could hit the secondary air tubes.

    Member GammaRay threw me a few packs (envi blocks I think they were) a year ago and I had fun messing around with them and was impressed with the way they burn.

    After playing with them myself, I recommend them to folks who are struggling with poorly seasoned wood.

    Here's some of what I observed which may help you http://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/tried-some-envi-blocks.77388/

    pen
    pen, Nov 14, 2012
    #5

  6. fishinpa Member

    joined: Oct 7, 2008
    170 posts
    SE PA
    Can one be halved for a trial run? I personally have never tried any of those products, but thought about getting some for the SUPER cold night, or when a quick heat increase is needed.
    fishinpa, Nov 15, 2012
    #6

  7. pen Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2007
    6,068 posts
    N.E. Penna
    They won't do anything more than any piece of well seasoned firewood.

    I think splitting them would just cause a mess. If you wanted smaller ones, some varieties are sold in smaller sizes. But even the big ones I've seen aren't as large as much of my firewood.

    pen
    pen, Nov 15, 2012
    #7

  8. fishinpa Member

    joined: Oct 7, 2008
    170 posts
    SE PA
    Pen, thanks for that. (Unfortunatly I am one of those that INSISTS on experimentation.) I am in my 4th season with this stove and have not messed with them yet. It'll probably take a few more to get around to it, unless I 'somehow' come across a few for free.
    fishinpa, Nov 15, 2012
    #8
    pen likes this.

  9. WellSeasoned Minister of Fire

    joined: Nov 25, 2011
    1,683 posts
    Eastern Pa
    Thx guys. My wood is good and seasoned, but for curiosities sake, I'll throw one on and see how she does. The package said to place on a bed of coals. I'm thinking to rake coals forward, then place block in. what you all think?
    WellSeasoned, Nov 15, 2012
    #9
    pen likes this.

  10. pen Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2007
    6,068 posts
    N.E. Penna
    Yep, that's what I did. It's fun playing around.
    pen, Nov 15, 2012
    #10

  11. WellSeasoned Minister of Fire

    joined: Nov 25, 2011
    1,683 posts
    Eastern Pa
    Thx pen, hell, even if we are all down with the flu, or whatever, these things may come in handy. Thx for all ther info!
    WellSeasoned, Nov 15, 2012
    #11

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