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2. OPERATION
2.1. PROPER FUEL
THIS STOVE IS APPROVED FOR BURNING four different types of pellets: standard wood pellets, 100%
bark pellets, sawdust/hay mix pellets, and switch grass pellets! Each type of pellet has its properties
and will burn differently.
The ash produced can also vary greatly. Factory-approved pellets are those ¼” or 5/16” in diameter and not
over 1” long. Longer or thicker pellets sometimes bridge the auger flights, which prevents proper pellet feed.
Burning other types of pellets is not permitted. It will violate the building codes for which the stove has
been approved and will void all warranties. The different types of pellets that have been tested in the Drolet
Eco-65 were made of the following types of biomass:
Wood pellets
Wood pellets, whether made of hard or soft wood, are easy to burn. The pellets used are the same type as the
ones used in most pellet stoves. They should produce a fairly small amount of ash.
Wood and hay pellets
Pellets made of wood and hay will produce more ash than straight wood pellets. The wood and hay pellets that
have been tested in your Eco-65 consisted of 1/3 hay and 2/3 wood. Make sure that any wood and hay pellets
you put in your Eco-65 respect that mix (+/- 10%).
Bark pellets
100% bark pellets produce a hard crust that will be pushed into the ash drawer. Their ash content is very high.
If you burn 100% bark pellets, make sure that the crust forming in front of the burn pot breaks and falls into the
ash drawer. Ignition may be a bit more difficult and it is possible that the stove needs a second ignition cycle to
properly light the bark pellets.
Switchgrass pellets
The ash content of switch grass pellets may vary depending on when this type of biomass is harvested. Switch
grass will burn very clean. A crust will form in front of the burn pot. It should break easily and fall into the ash
drawer. The crust is light and friable. It will occupy quite a bit of volume into the ash drawer. For this reason, if
you are not present to empty the ash drawer, you should only fill 50% of the hopper.
2.2. WHERE TO STORE BAGS OF PELLETS
We recommend that you store your bags of pellets in a dry and well ventilated area if possible. Using dry pellets
will increase the performance of your stove. You may want to have a bag or two in the same room as your stove
for refuelling but make sure to respect the minimum clearances for combustible materials.
2.3. PRE-START-UP CHECK
Remove burn pot, making sure it is clean and none of the air holes are plugged. Clean the firebox, and then
reinstall burn pot. Clean door glass if necessary (a dry cloth or paper towel is usually sufficient). Never use
abrasive cleaners on the glass or door. Check fuel in the hopper, and refill if necessary. Make sure that the
fresh air inlet damper is open.
2.4. BUILDING A FIRE
Never use a grate or other means of supporting the fuel. Use only the Drolet approved burn pot.
NOTE: During the first few fires, your stove will emit an odor and a small amount of fumes as the high
temperature paint cures or becomes seasoned to the metal. Maintaining smaller fires will minimize this. Avoid
placing items on stovetop during this period because paint could be affected. Make sure the room is well-
ventilated. Open windows. Odors and fumes released during this process are unpleasant but they are
not toxic.