I have burnt 40 bags so far in my Accentra and the ash pan is only 1/3 full, with about 2 cups outside of it on the bottom left as you are facing it. I usually have it set at 65% and mid way on the fan with about 4.5 on the feed rate. When I read that you could burn a ton of pellets without emptying the ash pan, I was skeptical. But I beleive it now. By the way I am burning Americas Best fir pellets made in Cascade Locks Oregon by Bear Mtn.