I read on this forum that some people fill their ash pan with sand and never use it, or let it fill and don't empty it. One dealer told me to let it fill, but another dealer told me that the other one wants to sell me lots of grates because it will warp if you don't empty it...I'm at a loss here. I'm new to being a wood stove owner, so I don't know which way to go. I've also read that many users on here like to keep a minimum of 2" of ash on the bottom of their stove due to it's insulating properties. Therefore I'm depending on the cumulative expertise here on this forum. My Rangeley has a nice ash grate and big ash pan beneath it. So should I fill 'er up or keep emptying it? Thanks in advance for all the replies!