Once the environmental benefits of pellet burning stoves as a means of domestic heating became clear the search was on for other forms of bio-mass or agri-waste that would compete with the original wood pellets in terms of cost and performance. Nut shells and fruit pits have a loyal following but it is the increasing use of corn pellets that has taken the market place by storm. Many corn stove manufacturers such as St.Croix corn stoves have realised the obvious benefits of corn pellets when cost is weighed up with heating ability, and effect on the environment. So what are the pro's and cons of using corn stoves?
Corn stoves, when compared to their wood pellet burning counterparts, are distinctly cleaner burning which gives inherent benefits for the environment. However detractors of corn burning stoves point to the lower heating output provided burning corn pellets. To counter this manufacturers such as Bixby corn stoves have turned to technology and provide corn heating stoves with computer controlled fans and thermostats, so that they distribute heat around a room much more evenly than a traditional system. Also corn stoves are much easier to use, somewhat cleaner than wood pellet burning models, and can store up to five days supply of corn pellets and only need cleaning once a month by the simple emptying of an easily accessible ashtray. Depending on the manufacturer, such as S.D. corn stoves or Bixby corn stoves, corn stoves can provide between 10000 and 50000 BTU's per hour.
Corn stoves come in a wide variety of style, size and finish. The first choice is the basic configuration of the corn pellet heating stove. Freestanding corn stoves offer a greater flexibility in choice of installation. Supported by a pedestal or on legs, freestanding corn stoves are designed to be installed in almost any living area of the home. Freestanding corn stoves must be placed on a non-combustible floor protector that meet all regulations and have the added advantage that they can be installed nearer to combustible materials than traditional cordwood burning stoves.
Corn pellet stoves that are designed to be fireplace inserts fit into existing working fireplaces. Compatible decorative panels are available from corn burning stove makers to cover any space between the fireplace insert and the fireplace opening. Some corn stove fireplace inserts are approved for use only in masonry fireplaces, while others are for installation in approved factory-built metal fireplaces. Built-in corn pellet burning stoves offer an economical choice for homes without an existing fireplace and give the look of an insert in a fireplace setting. As a finishing touch non-combustible materials like brick can be applied to the area around the front of the corn stove, to give the overall appearance of a traditional fireplace. However, a non-combustible floor protector is required, sometimes with spacers to provide an air space under the unit. Corn pellet furnaces from such manufacturers as St.Croix corn stoves, are larger units designed to heat an entire house through flexible steel duct work. These corn furnaces are usually installed in a basement or other non-living area of the house, and require venting to the outside. For those looking for corn stoves there are many corn stove reviews and details of pellet and corn stoves for sale on the world wide web.
