Small stove/insert split size

[clearblue16]

Hello,I have a hampton hi200 that will take 16 inch max size, however it seems to be easier and burn better by taking a 16 inch split and cutting it up into 4 or 5 inch chunks....do people with small units stuff small chunks to fill the firebox or just a couplefull length logs?

 

[Cearbhaill]

The smaller the piece the faster it (usually) gets burning good, but the faster it burns up, too.
Larger pieces can take longer to get going but last a lot longer.
So depending on the season and what my plans for the fire are I might use all large splits, all small chunks, or a mix.

 

[DBoon]

I have a Lopi Answer - rated for 16" splits, but it will fit a little longer than 17". I use a mix of splits that are ~16" long and of varying size - anywhere from 1" x 2" to 3 x 3". Occasionally, I'll have a bunch of chunks left over from cutting some longer pieces down to size. I burn those too, but I don't notice anything different about the burn. I wouldn't go out of my way to burn chunks instead of splits.

 

[firefighterjake]

Well I don't have a real small firebox, but I do throw some chunks in there from time to time . . . mostly "left overs" from cutting up wood that was too long for the firebox. As Cearbhaill has said smaller pieces typically burn faster . . . most likely due to the fact that there is more surface area and more "air gaps" in the fire box . . . plus I suspect they dry quicker compared to larger pieces of wood cut at the same time.

I don't really save them for any special occasions . . . just burn a load when I'm home and when I have enough to throw into the firebox.