Convenience Fuel Comparison Chart
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Comparison of features
of Cape Cod Fire Logs,
traditional sawdust-wax
firelogs, and typical
packaged cordwood
 
Main Component:
 100% recycled wood products Sawdust (may also contain ground nutshells) Soft & hard woods
Additives:
 None Petroleum or plant-derived wax & oils (may also include chemicals for colored flames, seeds for crackling) None
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)
Ignition Time*:
 40 seconds 24 seconds 2 minutes, 30 seconds
Burn Time*:
 34 minutes 27 minutes 4–7 minutes**
Heat Generation*
 11,100 BTUs 22,200 BTUs 800–7,500 BTUs**
Particulate Emissions:
Better than both wax-sawdust firelogs and cordwood Better than cordwood Highest levels of particulate emissions
Carbon Monoxide Emissions*:
 Zero to trace amounts Twice the level of Cape Cod Fire Logs Up to twice the level of Cape Cod Fire Logs
Odor:
 No odor (besides natural burning wood) Strong chemical odor No odor (besides natural burning wood)
Smoke Production*:
 Little to none Thick black smoke Thick white smoke*
Burn Quantity:
 No restrictions Restricted (use one log at a time) No restrictions
Safe for Cooking:
 Yes No Yes
Ash Residue:
 Little to none More than both Cape Cod Fire Logs and cordwood More than Cape Cod Firelog; less than sawdust-wax firelogs
Starter Material:
 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
Ease of Start:
 Very easy Very easy Can be difficult (varies with moisture content)
Storage Considerations:
 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
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