For best results, the quality of shelled corn burned in a corn-burning stove must be specified.

Moisture content of the shelled corn should be no higher than 15.5%. If the moisture content is higher than 15.5%, there will be less heat available from each pound of shelled corn. For each one percent increase in moisture content above 15.5%, there will be a corresponding reduction of 93 BTU of heat per pound of shelled corn. For example, if you purchase shelled corn with moisture content of 21%, then there will be a reduction of 512 BTU [93 * (21.0-15.5)] per pound compared to corn at 15.5% moisture content. Furthermore, you will encounter storage problems with corn having moisture content higher than 15.5% moisture content. The corn is more likely to mold and clump together in the hopper and especially in the storage area.

The price of shelled corn is marketed based on an industry standard of 15.5% moisture content. Purchasing corn with moisture content less than 15.5% is not advisable because you will most likely need to pay more for the corn. The increased cost may or may not be compensated by the increase of available heat content of the drier corn.

The shelled corn also needs to be clean, with a minimum of fine particles, cob pieces, husks, and other residue. The presence of fine dust particles may interfere with proper combustion and likely cause some smoking problems. The cob pieces and other foreign materials will interfere with the proper flow of the corn kernels into the stove’s combustion chamber.

It will probably be necessary to purchase a large amount of corn (maybe 50 or 100 bushels) at a time to get the most economical price for the corn. Proper storage of the corn is essential. The corn should be stored in a clean, dry environment. It should not be stored directly in contact with a concrete or dirt floor. Assuming the corn is in bags, the bags should be placed in a stack on a pallet in an area free of rodents, birds, and other varmints. Inspect the corn from time to time to ensure that there are no insect or disease infestations and that the corn does not have a musty odor.

Finding a dependable supplier of high quality shelled corn for your corn-burning stove is an important factor to get the most satisfaction from use of the stove. Contact a local fireplace shop or the Cooperative Extension agent in your county to locate a dependable supplier of shelled corn.

Dennis Buffington
Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Penn State University
Email: dbuffington@psu.edu
814-865-2971 (Voice)
814-863-1031 (FAX)