I just counted my stash of this years Maine's Choice pellets and realized they filled the ash pan of one of my P38's in 11 bags! My other stove had 18 bags of this years NEWP run through it with the same results. WTH is up with that!? They are both supposed to be "premium" grade pellets. Years ago I burned a pellet labeled "Econo" (made by Energex?) and they had half that amount of ash. They were "standard" grade..or whatever the next grade below premium is called. Both stoves are running tip top. I've burned other pellets that after 50 bags MIGHT fill the pan 1/3 of the way. Even the Harman manual, which I'm sure is written conservatively, states after approx 50 bags the ash pan will need to be emptied. I can understand a +/- 10 bag discrepancy but this seems a bit whacked.
Both brands I listed throw off good heat but how they are earning the "premium" designation is baffling. Are these manufacturers sending "loaded dice" in the form of pelletized balsa wood to the PFI for testing?
Both brands I listed throw off good heat but how they are earning the "premium" designation is baffling. Are these manufacturers sending "loaded dice" in the form of pelletized balsa wood to the PFI for testing?