I purchased this used from a friend. I'm burning the same pellets he did (Lowes-Green team). When I got the stove and cleaned it out the ashes were Gray and powdery, I've had it running for 5 days now and made several adjustments but my ashes remain the same, dark grainey looking. The only known difference is that he ran it mostly at 9 - 9 and I like 1 - 2 as I have a small area to heat. Thanks.