It's a high quality product, and it's inexpensive because there's a large quantity. Then on the opposite end, when it's a poor growing season it's going to be a lesser quality fuel for burning and the price is going to be higher. New owners can have the stove hooked up to a duct system like the Ronnigens, allowing warm air wider circulation. So far this winter, Methke's shop has watched sales jump. While this doesn't surprise Phil Smith of Minnesota's Energy Information Center, he predicts its popularity won't be lasting.
Corn stoves appear and disappear in the market.
Smith says following the price of corn is like taking a ride on a roller coaster, and he points out corn isn't always the most convenient fuel source. One of the things you would want to look at if you're buying a device like that is its sustainability in the market. The Ronnigens say the corn stove has proven its value, but agree it might not be the right home heating source for everyone. The stove requires daily maintenance, and they Ronnigens still use a back-up furnace when they go away. But as long as natural gas prices continue to climb, they expect more people, especially farmers, will make the switch.