The Pros and Cons of Corn Stoves

Corn stoves have taken their rightful place alongside propane-, oil- and natural gas-powered stoves as a viable alternative fuel source.

Price

Corn-pellet stoves are generally inexpensive as long as you are near an available fuel supply. Electricity is needed, which could add to the overall costs.

Operation

Corn stoves are easy to operate, only requiring the push of a button. The pellets are simple to handle and are compact.

Maintenance During Use

Corn stoves are easy to maintain. When used they create less ash than other stoves. However, corn stoves are more internally complicated and thus more likely to require maintenance.

Upkeep

Upkeep consists of emptying the ash pan, filling the hopper with pellets and cleaning the individual compartments.

Burning

The heat is easy to regulate, with a thermostat to monitor it. Corn is fairly clean-burning, but not compared to wood-pellet stoves (although the burning factor depends on the individual corn moisture content).

Venting

Corn stoves can be vented to the outside; the internal draft blower forms a vacuum for the combustion air to be forced elsewhere so smoke is not trapped indoors.

References

• Corn pallet stove

Resources

• Safe heating