This is the first year we've used a coal stove (Harman Mk III). We're happy with it, but we used the same coal my grandparents used for years (Blaschak nut). We've been using 40-60 lbs a day lately which keeps the den at a toasty 84, and the rest of the house hovering around 70. I've let it burn out 3 times so far, mostly due to not being able to tend to it in time. And my wife is physically unable to. On that note, I've refined lighting technique and can get a roaring fire going in under an hour with some cowboy lump and a propane torch (Thanks guys!).
I haven't been impressed with the consistency of Blaschak. In the 1.5 tons we've gone through so far, we've had lumps ranging from baseball size to marble size, with a ton of fines toward the end of the load. So I'm thinking about trying a different brand next year.
In addition to the Blaschak, we have Coal Contractors, Jeddo, Reading and S&T available.
Are any of these "better" than Blaschak?
New to Coal, Thinking About Switching Suppliers
- 2001Sierra
- Member
- Posts: 2211
- Joined: Wed. May. 20, 2009 8:09 am
- Location: Wynantskill NY, 10 miles from Albany
- Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Keystoker 90 Chimney vent
- Coal Size/Type: Rice
- Other Heating: Buderus Oil Boiler 3115-34
I always liked Jeddo. Kimmel is another choice if Tractor Supply is nearby.
- davidmcbeth3
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- Coal Size/Type: nut/pea/anthra
I burn Reading .. it does have some fines in it, other than that (plus to occasional piece of wood) the size distribution seems good...I burn nut too.
If I can get it into the stove, it burns !
84F .. you like 'em hot.
If I can get it into the stove, it burns !
84F .. you like 'em hot.
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- Member
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- Joined: Wed. Feb. 10, 2016 10:55 pm
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Mk III
- Other Heating: Oil forced air
WIFE likes it hot. And it is nice to come into the den after spending an hour outside clearing the driveway of snow.davidmcbeth3 wrote:I burn Reading .. it does have some fines in it, other than that (plus to occasional piece of wood) the size distribution seems good...I burn nut too.
If I can get it into the stove, it burns !
84F .. you like 'em hot.
- coaledsweat
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- Location: Guilford, Connecticut
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Axeman Anderson 260M
- Coal Size/Type: Pea
Another vote for Jeddo.