Highest BTU Anthracite 2011

What is the highest heat output coal available right now? I am going to pickup a few tons tomorrow and I want the best. Is Superior still the highest? UAE? are there any others that compare?

You will have to ask each supplier what their latest test results are. High btu coal is tough to verify unless independently tested. Chances are that the batch you buy isn't the batch that was tested. Also, I have been told that if not enough ash content exists in the coal, it may not burn good. Be careful of what you ask for.

steamup wrote: Also, I have been told that if not enough ash content exists in the coal, it may not burn good. Be careful of what you ask for.

It's super dense and and hard to burn especially with the stokers if there isn't a lot of wiggle room for adjustments. I ran into this problem one year and was getting all kinds of complaints it wouldn't burn. Ash content was in 5% range and the coal looked like chunks of glass. They were even having trouble at the breaker with the crusher if they put too big a piece in, it was doing the shake and rattle dance. After I explained the problem that it was "too good" most were able to adjust enough to get it to work right. The hand fired people on the other hand were very happy, lot of good comments the next year. Only trouble there is when you bring them outstanding product like that they expect it again.

Richard S. wrote:

steamup wrote: Also, I have been told that if not enough ash content exists in the coal, it may not burn good. Be careful of what you ask for.

It's super dense and and hard to burn especially with the stokers if there isn't a lot of wiggle room for adjustments. I ran into this problem one year and was getting all kinds of complaints it wouldn't burn. Ash content was in 5% range and the coal looked like chunks of glass. They were even having trouble at the breaker with the crusher if they put too big a piece in, it was doing the shake and rattle dance. After I explained the problem that it was "too good" most were able to adjust enough to get it to work right. The hand fired people on the other hand were very happy, lot of good comments the next year. Only trouble there is when you bring them outstanding product like that they expect it again.

What source of coal are you talking about? I have a hand fired stove and I use Chestnut size. I had the best luck with Superior a couple years ago but the word on the forum is the coal is not what it used to be.

Highest btu or highest btu per dollar? Harmony seems to be the favorite this season.

If you are coming down 81 I would go to Hudson. Good coal, and at $4 per gallon...distance is significant.

Ya I burned hudson the first year. It was alright. I don't necessarily pay that much for gas but I know what you mean. Not to brag or anything but I paid 2.45 a gallon filling up before I left.(gas rewards)

rrob311 wrote:What source of coal are you talking about?

I got it at Hudson but they got It from the Hazleton area, chances of getting it from Hudson is unlikely. Jeddo or anyone else in the Hazleton area might have it but if they do they will most likely be mixing it with higher ash coal. It's not all that common. You can't go out and just get 5% ash coal , it's more like winning the lottery.