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  1. Shaw520 Feeling the Heat

    joined: Oct 15, 2012
    397 posts
    Modena
    Its been more than rumored that Somersets produce more heat then, (dare I say most) other brands,... I learned that I need to set my feed rate at 3-3 with GS's in order to get comparable output as Somersets with stove set at 1-3... ok no mysteries yet..... but here comes the question.. Why does a hopper full of GS's set at 3-3 last significantly longer (like 2-3 hrs longer), than a hopper full of Somersets set at 1-3,... with all other settings being equal ?


    Im starting to wonder that maybe over-all BTU/HR output may be more equal than we think,... just because the Sets are showing higher stove temps and more "felt" heat,... if they burn up quicker than the gains are questionable.
    #1

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  2. fmsm Feeling the Heat

    joined: Dec 12, 2011
    299 posts
    South of Boston MA
    In some things size does matter.....
  3. Shaw520 Feeling the Heat

    joined: Oct 15, 2012
    397 posts
    Modena
    understandably so,... but the GS's are small too.
  4. jtakeman Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 30, 2008
    12,726 posts
    Northwestern CT.
    Compare bag to bag, Does one look puffier than the other? Even though both bags weigh the same. Density also plays a roll.
    The Ds likes this.
  5. oldmountvernon Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 27, 2011
    2,157 posts
    SE Mass
    yup GS are long i line them up and roll my fat azz on them before burning :) Sets go quick GS have lasted the longest in the hopper out all pellets burned
  6. Shaw520 Feeling the Heat

    joined: Oct 15, 2012
    397 posts
    Modena
    Ive actually had issues trying to keep the Sets from burning too hot,.. if I dont turn the feed down, and the convection up I'll get a high heat shut down with the Sets.

    So,.... Ive been mixing them with GS's and getting some real nice results.
  7. oldmountvernon Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 27, 2011
    2,157 posts
    SE Mass
    I know a guy with an englander same thing happened he returned them :(
  8. DexterDay Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 11, 2010
    9,058 posts
    NE Ohio
    Not all stoves heat exchange systems are created equal?

    Some extract more heat than others...
  9. jlupi Member

    joined: Aug 11, 2011
    116 posts
    hudson valley, ny

    sets are barely pellets. they are more like pellet chips
  10. Shaw520 Feeling the Heat

    joined: Oct 15, 2012
    397 posts
    Modena
    yes agreed,.. but I think I'm referring more to feed rates.
  11. DexterDay Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 11, 2010
    9,058 posts
    NE Ohio
    Well the difference between GS's and Somersets in my Quad or Fahrenheit is HUGE!! Not a little difference. A huge difference.

    The difference in my CPM between any pellet burned? Not so much. That's the difference between a Tube type heat exchange system and a convection type heat exchange system.

    Yes. Pellets matter. But the heat exchanger helps a lot.
    Eatonpcat and jtakeman like this.
  12. glenc0322 Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 30, 2011
    555 posts
    long Island NY
    I have the same Issue when I burn GS and Stove Chows the Chows burn hotter but they last 3-4 hours less. But I think they are smaller. When I fill the hopper with a bag they take up less space
  13. jtakeman Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 30, 2008
    12,726 posts
    Northwestern CT.

    If they take up less room they are also more dense. Adds more fuel to the fire. Lower the feed rate to even out the burn length. Unless its cold out and you need more heat fast!

    We like pellets that are dense and stuff the burnpot with fuel on colder days. If the stoves on a stat it will just get the temp in the room up quicker and shut down the stove that much faster. Stat is the best pellet equalizer there is IMHO. Remember you can only turn your stove up so high. If your cold with a less dense pellet and you need more heat? Change your fuel and let her ripe. A super charger for your stove and its freakin free even! Well as long as the pellets are the same price, In this case sets and GS being boxstore stuff they should be.
    glenc0322 likes this.
  14. subsailor Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 8, 2011
    1,315 posts
    Winthrop, Maine
    I've never burned any, but I just picked up 5 bags to try. The first thing I noticed is there is a lot of slop in the bag, like they're not completely full. Not as easy to carry as a fuller bag.
  15. imacman Minister of Fire

    Put the bag on an accurate scale....if it's very close to 40, then it's all about the density.

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