Empress hard vs soft

[srjtr7]

Hi,

I have an Empress FS and I have been burning New England hardwood pellets.

My friend mentioned that he likes burning softwood much better.

Does it matter? and if so...what burns better in the Empress.

I know all pellets burn different from different compaies.

I just want to know what is the big differance on hard vs soft in the Empress.


Thanks,
Scott

 

[slink]

The softwood pellets are higher btu with less ash than hardwood. You will be happy with the softwood as long as you adjust the draft damper to a lower setting so you don't blow the fire out. Less ash means less air to blow is out of the firepot.

 

[srjtr7]

thanks.

Why would you burn hardwood then?

 

[wb2bhc]

I have an empress and find that either burns very well.
If there is more ash you need a bit more cleaning.
But I am truly happy with our choice of stoves.

Jay

 

[DiggerJim]

thanks.

Why would you burn hardwood then?

Softwood pellets tend to have higher BTU content due to the embedded volatiles but also tend to burn a bit faster. Sometimes all that's available in an area is hardwood pellets. The ash difference may be negligible or nonexistent - there are softwood pellets claiming near 1% ash and hardwoods claiming 1/2 that. And vice versa.

 

[wb2bhc]

I buy what is avalalbe in premium grade at the best price I can get.
Sometimes I mix bags together, Im not sure if there is any noticeable
difference. Except that it sure creates a lot of discussion here.

Jay

 

[imacman]

...... Im not sure if there is any noticeable
difference. Except that it sure creates a lot of discussion here. Jay

You can say THAT again!! :lol: