Questions about Coal and Ash

I have a few questions about the different types of coal and the kind of ash they produce. Some people said that I should always try to get hard coal and I'm assuming that's what I'm running now from looking at my ashes. Others tell me to try and get the coal that produces very fine ash as that means it is of a better quality but is softer. So I'm not sure which way to go here. Does one produce better heat? Whats your opinion/experience with different types of coal and ash?

Here are some pictures of what my ash looks like now.

There's only 2 types that I'm aware of--Bit. & Anth.--The only factor I look at is availability of either--Post your location in your profile & you'll get better reccomendations. Hope that was kinda what your looking for.

Looks like you are burning rice size anthracite, which is the recommended coal for your EFM. Anthracite is commonly called "hard coal", and the most common sizes for residential use are: rice, buckwheat, pea, chestnut, and stove size.

How much ash is around the stoker when it has been running for 30 minutes straight? Should be 1.5-2" of ash around the perimeter after a long run.

I think he is asking about white or red ash. The opinions run wild my friend over which coal is best. Best to search some threads in here and try some from different locations yourself. This is assuming you are talking about anthracite of course.

Kevin