Comparison of features of Cape Cod Fire Logs, traditional sawdust-wax firelogs, and typical packaged cordwood
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Main Component:
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100% recycled wood products | Sawdust (may also contain ground nutshells) | Soft & hard woods |
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Additives:
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None | Petroleum or plant-derived wax & oils (may also include chemicals for colored flames, seeds for crackling) | None |
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Size & Cost (for equivalent fires) |
1 pkg. of 30 Mini-Logs:14 lbs.$15.95–$19.95 | 6 firelogs:14 lbs.–36 lbs.$19–$24.95 | 3 packs:18-20 lbs./pack$21–$27 ($7–9/pack) |
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Ignition Time*:
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40 seconds | 24 seconds | 2 minutes, 30 seconds |
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Burn Time*:
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34 minutes | 27 minutes | 4–7 minutes** |
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Heat Generation*
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11,100 BTUs | 22,200 BTUs | 800–7,500 BTUs** |
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Particulate Emissions:
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Better than both wax-sawdust firelogs and cordwood | Better than cordwood | Highest levels of particulate emissions |
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Carbon Monoxide Emissions*:
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Zero to trace amounts | Twice the level of Cape Cod Fire Logs | Up to twice the level of Cape Cod Fire Logs |
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Odor:
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No odor (besides natural burning wood) | Strong chemical odor | No odor (besides natural burning wood) |
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Smoke Production*:
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Little to none | Thick black smoke | Thick white smoke* |
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Burn Quantity:
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No restrictions | Restricted (use one log at a time) | No restrictions |
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Safe for Cooking:
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Yes | No | Yes |
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Ash Residue:
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Little to none | More than both Cape Cod Fire Logs and cordwood | More than Cape Cod Firelog; less than sawdust-wax firelogs |
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Starter Material:
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Not required but provided (sawdust-pitch composite) | Paper wrapper is required for igniting (and logs tend to fall apart when paper is removed) | Ignite with paper, kindling, and match |
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Ease of Start:
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Very easy | Very easy | Can be difficult (varies with moisture content) |
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Storage Considerations:
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Can be stored anywhere inside or outside with no offensive odor, mess, or insects. | Can be stored inside or outside but emit strong chemical odor when stored and when burned. | Can be stored inside or outside but can be messy and harbor insects. |
* Results based on equivalent amounts in independent tests conducted by the Fire Science Laboratory,
* Worcester Polytechnic Institute
** Varies with moisture content
