I figured I would post briefly about my experience with both pellets. I really enjoy reading similar posts - I don't think there can be too many.
Had my PDVC for approx a month and burned only Somerset and Eco-Flame. First 25 bags were Somerset only and I absolutely love them. They burn very hot as reported and leave a fraction of the ash that I've been getting while burning Eco's the past 7 days (10 bags). On a setting of "2" I got an exhaust temp of 238F with Somersets and 214F with the Eco's. It's an obvious difference when you walk in the room. My wife and I both noticed this right away.
The biggest difference and complaint is the ash. Not only do Eco's leave a noticeably larger amount of ash, but the ash itself is very light and very difficult to sweep while the stove door is open. The OAK alone will send ash flying everywhere when I remove the burn plate to empty. While not a big deal to some, I can't stand the mess - it takes me double the time to clean out the stove. I sweep it out every day and could clean up after the Somersets in 10 minutes flat.
The Somersets produce a clinker which actually makes for much easier clean up while the Eco's leave 100% fine ash in the plate which accounts for a lot of the extra mess. While I was initially concerned about the Somerset clinker, I've now come to miss it during daily cleanings.
Anyway, figured I would share while I had a spare moment. Hope this helps someone. My local Lowe's has Eco's for $4.50 (and I have 10% coupon) but I'm back to TSC to pay $5 for Somersets to wrap up the season. It's worth it for me personally.
Had my PDVC for approx a month and burned only Somerset and Eco-Flame. First 25 bags were Somerset only and I absolutely love them. They burn very hot as reported and leave a fraction of the ash that I've been getting while burning Eco's the past 7 days (10 bags). On a setting of "2" I got an exhaust temp of 238F with Somersets and 214F with the Eco's. It's an obvious difference when you walk in the room. My wife and I both noticed this right away.
The biggest difference and complaint is the ash. Not only do Eco's leave a noticeably larger amount of ash, but the ash itself is very light and very difficult to sweep while the stove door is open. The OAK alone will send ash flying everywhere when I remove the burn plate to empty. While not a big deal to some, I can't stand the mess - it takes me double the time to clean out the stove. I sweep it out every day and could clean up after the Somersets in 10 minutes flat.
The Somersets produce a clinker which actually makes for much easier clean up while the Eco's leave 100% fine ash in the plate which accounts for a lot of the extra mess. While I was initially concerned about the Somerset clinker, I've now come to miss it during daily cleanings.
Anyway, figured I would share while I had a spare moment. Hope this helps someone. My local Lowe's has Eco's for $4.50 (and I have 10% coupon) but I'm back to TSC to pay $5 for Somersets to wrap up the season. It's worth it for me personally.
