2010-2011 Best Softwood Pellet winner...

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Oilhater

Member
Jul 30, 2009
115
Southern NH
Not that this means much but found it interesting. WoodPelletReviews.com admin rated Vermont Wood Pellet as "2010-2011 Best Softwood Pellet...Beating out Okanagan (sorry BTU) and Blazer. Best blended pellet was Maine Woods and Best hardwood was To Be Determined. I wonder if his testing methods are anything like J-takeman's??? Probably NOT!!!
 
No I think he test's the old fashioned way. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I have had some chats with him. He has got some flack about the MWP review. I feel everyone is entitled to there own opinion. I just like having some backup with mine! He does have advertising on the site. We did chat about bringing some of my stuff there. But the advertisors might not like my findings. So it didn't happen. I don't sugar coat nothing period! As I work for my stove and the average burner. For free even! Plus I don't want a label of being contacted with the pellet companies! He's a member here to!

I wonder what BTU thinks of the Vermont review? BTU might have lots to say, or Maybe he has already? We just didn't get to see it here!

We might need a good old fashened show down? Head to Head. Pellet to pellet even! :)
 
BTU is probably busy right now selling the pellet version of crack cocaine.... okies!
 
I have 4 brands after the MWP and I will be done with what I have. I will probably drop the Western's and Sub them with Quality One that BT donated. I am hoping to have them done by Thanksgiving weekend The I will just test on weekends only if there are other brands.

I have Lignetics Hardwoods to match head to head with the Newest batch of the Lignetics Conifer. I have 2 bags of The Vermont wood pellets from this season I got for imacman(sorry pete). I suppose I could get 2 bags of them Okanagan's and you know? Might have to wait until after xmas time. Wifey cut the pellet funds off once I scored the stash fillers last weekend.

I know BTU would say yes to me doing the head to head. How about some others. If there seems to be interest in it, I just might do that. What you all think???

But from what I have been told(first hand-not rumoured), The Vermonts have increased the density of there pellets. They also reduced the screen size in the hammer mill to produce finer chipes to feed the mills. Those 2 things right there would definetly improve the overall heat of the pellet. What I burned last season was very clean, It just lacked a bit of heat to put them high on my list of top tier pellets. I applaud them so far. They hit the ground running with a very good product and If they improved on that, Then they should give the Okies a good run!
 
my stove loves vermonts they are right up there IMPO with okies. the heat is crazy hot and little ash.
 
j-takeman said:
.......I know BTU would say yes to me doing the head to head. How about some others. If there seems to be interest in it, I just might do that. What you all think???.....

IMO, let the battle begin. I officially waive my rights to those 2 bags of Vermonts so they can be tested against the Oakies.

Based upon what Jay said about what Vermont has done to improve the quality, I think BTU should start doing a rough draft conceding the title as "best softwood pellet".....just in case. :)
 
imacman said:
j-takeman said:
.......I know BTU would say yes to me doing the head to head. How about some others. If there seems to be interest in it, I just might do that. What you all think???.....

IMO, let the battle begin. I officially waive my rights to those 2 bags of Vermonts so they can be tested against the Oakies.

Based upon what Jay said about what Vermont has done to improve the quality, I think BTU should start doing a rough draft conceding the title as "best softwood pellet".....just in case. :)

Thanks pete! If I see a few more yes's it on! Otherwise, The Vermonts will sit in a warm/dry basement until we can barter something. :)
 
Hmm, if those vermonts are better this year, that would be great. Im all stocked up with hardwood, but will try some VT's. On last bag of rockies, cant wait to be done with them.
 
yes yes yes
 
"best" or any superlative will always be based mostly on opinion, and as always, your results may vary.
 
briansol said:
"best" or any superlative will always be based mostly on opinion, and as always, your results may vary.

briansol,

I don't do many verbal reviews unless its asked. I am sticking to visual stats and will let the user decide the end results. I tend to stay on the unbiased side of the review as it keeps the squawking down. I also always recommend the end user do there own burn test as the stove tend to very. YMMV is in all my test threads. There is also batch variance that I have no control over. So its stats on heat, fines, density, ash, and burn length. I will also note hopper slide. I could do the local cost too. Money is also a pellet choice factor, But this varies with region. SO? maybe not!

Looks like there are some interested members(smiles vote was counted as 3 yes votes! hehe). Once I finish the brands I have left I'll add the Vermonts and the Okies. I post the results in this thread and also the 2010 review thread! SO ITS ON! May the best pellet win. But I am sure there both winners anyway. :)

If there is anything else you want measure? Please post before I get started!
 
BTU said:
j-takeman said:
No I think he test's the old fashioned way. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I have had some chats with him. He has got some flack about the MWP review. I feel everyone is entitled to there own opinion. I just like having some backup with mine! He does have advertising on the site. We did chat about bringing some of my stuff there. But the advertisors might not like my findings. So it didn't happen. I don't sugar coat nothing period! As I work for my stove and the average burner. For free even! Plus I don't want a label of being contacted with the pellet companies! He's a member here to!

I wonder what BTU thinks of the Vermont review? BTU might have lots to say, or Maybe he has already? We just didn't get to see it here!

We might need a good old fashened show down? Head to Head. Pellet to pellet even! :)

What does BTU think about someone stating in their humble opinion that Vermont Wood Pellets are better than Okanagans?.....Well, he is certainly entitled to his opinion, I just don't have to agree with him now do I..!!.... :)

I have stated before that there are a handful of very good pellets currently being sold in NE...To name a few, Cubex, Barefoot, Truman, Hamer's and also Spruce Pointe, Vermont Wood and of course Okanagan's. You probably can't go wrong with any of them and if you have access to them you should experiment and try some. That said, we all have our favorites and our loyal customers. Vermont is the newer kid (we are fairly new too) to NE and has fast made a name for themselves. I think they have certain advantages that some of the other brands don't have, and some disadvantages also...but that can be said for any pellet.

The most important thing is what do YOU prefer?.....What does your stove like and how easy are they to get?....Truman and Barefoot for example aren't as available in VT, NH and ME as Cubex, VT pellet and ours are. Truman and Barefoot are extremely popular in CT....so depending on where you are, you get different opinions.

Being much larger (production wise) than VT pellet, we probably reach a larger market than they do, but then again I produce approx 5 times what they do, so we have far more pellets to sell each month. Our pellet has a 12 year track record which also speaks for our commitment to quality. Certainly Cubex and Hamer can say the same thing.

If I have learned anything in the pellet business, it is that you will NEVER satisfy everybody 100% of the time...Most rave about our great smell, high heat, and minimum ash and a few think we smell like cat pee. Some won't try us or VT pellet simply because we are softwood, while others will ONLY burn us because we are a softwood. I can give you page after page of testimonies from very satisfied customers who will ONLY use our pellets....in time, I'm sure VT will be able to claim the same.

Bottom line is that I am glad to see a new player come into the NE market with a quality product, unlike some others in the past couple of years which haven't raised the bar quite as much.....

So if someone wants to post a review stating that such and such a pellet is better than someone else's, that is just fine by me (cause I know they are probably just misinformed anyways.... :cheese: )

The best and most unbiased testing I have seen so far is Jay's and I think we held our own there. He is updating with about 14 new pellets this season and after that is done, I will update my 2010/2011 pellet report, which I will give to all my dealers and anyone who wants a copy...I'm guessing it will be done maybe late Dec..early Jan

Being from VT, about 15 miles from where they make the VT Wood Pellets, I may be a little biased. But my bias isn't based on living in VT, its based on the fact that of the Softwoods listed, I have yet to see any of them near me. I am in my 3rd year of burning, the first year we had Premiers from TSC. They were ok. Last year we went with MWP and while they did the trick, the produced alot of ash. After we bought our pellet supply last year, the VWP plant opened and started selling pellets. I got to try some in Mid February and was blown away. They are fantastic!

They were by far the best option this year. For $237/ton picked up it was worth the extra 12-15$ per ton to support a local business! If you ever visit their plant they are more than friendly. My first time there I met both the owners and they were very interested in making a quality product.

I'm sure the other pellets listed are great pellets as well, they just aren't easily available to us Southern Vermonters.
 
I now have both brands in my procession! Once the Quality One and Hardwood heat are finished, I'll get started. Probably in a week or so???
 

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BTU said:
j-takeman said:
No I think he test's the old fashioned way. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I have had some chats with him. He has got some flack about the MWP review. I feel everyone is entitled to there own opinion. I just like having some backup with mine! He does have advertising on the site. We did chat about bringing some of my stuff there. But the advertisors might not like my findings. So it didn't happen. I don't sugar coat nothing period! As I work for my stove and the average burner. For free even! Plus I don't want a label of being contacted with the pellet companies! He's a member here to!

I wonder what BTU thinks of the Vermont review? BTU might have lots to say, or Maybe he has already? We just didn't get to see it here!

We might need a good old fashened show down? Head to Head. Pellet to pellet even! :)

What does BTU think about someone stating in their humble opinion that Vermont Wood Pellets are better than Okanagans?.....Well, he is certainly entitled to his opinion, I just don't have to agree with him now do I..!!.... :)

The most important thing is what do YOU prefer?.....What does your stove like and how easy are they to get?....Truman and Barefoot for example aren't as available in VT, NH and ME as Cubex, VT pellet and ours are. Truman and Barefoot are extremely popular in CT....so depending on where you are, you get different opinions.

BTU Do you know of a dealer in VT that sells your product? i work out of Burlington which is the largest city in the state, and still have a very limited supply of quality pellets.

Would love to throw a couple bags in the hopper to give them a try. I am sure they are fantastic. Just can't find 'em anywhere !!!
 
BTU said:
samm6 said:
BTU said:
j-takeman said:
No I think he test's the old fashioned way. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I have had some chats with him. He has got some flack about the MWP review. I feel everyone is entitled to there own opinion. I just like having some backup with mine! He does have advertising on the site. We did chat about bringing some of my stuff there. But the advertisors might not like my findings. So it didn't happen. I don't sugar coat nothing period! As I work for my stove and the average burner. For free even! Plus I don't want a label of being contacted with the pellet companies! He's a member here to!

I wonder what BTU thinks of the Vermont review? BTU might have lots to say, or Maybe he has already? We just didn't get to see it here!

We might need a good old fashened show down? Head to Head. Pellet to pellet even! :)

What does BTU think about someone stating in their humble opinion that Vermont Wood Pellets are better than Okanagans?.....Well, he is certainly entitled to his opinion, I just don't have to agree with him now do I..!!.... :)

The most important thing is what do YOU prefer?.....What does your stove like and how easy are they to get?....Truman and Barefoot for example aren't as available in VT, NH and ME as Cubex, VT pellet and ours are. Truman and Barefoot are extremely popular in CT....so depending on where you are, you get different opinions.



BTU Do you know of a dealer in VT that sells your product? i work out of Burlington which is the largest city in the state, and still have a very limited supply of quality pellets.

Would love to throw a couple bags in the hopper to give them a try. I am sure they are fantastic. Just can't find 'em anywhere !!!

Try Jackman's in Bristol....beautiful 25 mile drive from you.....lovely this time of year....Ask for Tim.......(802) 453-2381

Thanks BTU. I took your info and went for a drive today. I sure hope you were being sarcastic about it being a lovely time of year for a drive up here. we won't get any color until it snows. it's actually one of the dreadful times of year IMHO, cause everything is SO DEAD.. But non the less I am sure it could be a very nice drive when the trees have leaves on them...lol....
I pulled my Pellet Hauler around to where they stored the gold I have been searching for, and was sadly surprised at where it was stored. we opend a pallet that was actually inside a barn and the two top layers were detroyed. we opend another that was next in the line outside and the very same thing. i picked through to get about halfway down and i took a few bags to try. I just hope it's not as bad as that Box Store ton i bought. I am sure they wont be. very excited to throw them in the hopper.
 

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j-takeman said:
samm6 thats very sad for a pellet pig to have seen. Are you OK? :)

I am licking my wounds.. We will see if i can get through the night.... :mad:
 
BTU said:
j-takeman said:
samm6 thats very sad for a pellet pig to have seen. Are you OK? :)

Unfortunately, as manufactures, we have NO control as to where a dealer stores the product once we deliver it....... :-/

I know it. it's unfortunate too. these are just going to get worse not better. and the guy that does buy them will be non to the wiser and think that these are not quality product.

Once a dealer gets them, he has allreayd paid for them..Right?

on a side note. BTU U had mentioned about the smell of your product. being that most like it and others really do not. there is a substantial smell to these that i wonder had more to do with them being damp. my boy even made a comment on it before i said anthing....
 
samm6 said:
BTU said:
samm6 said:
BTU said:


] Thanks BTU. I took your info and went for a drive today. I sure hope you were being sarcastic about it being a lovely time of year for a drive up here. we won't get any color until it snows. it's actually one of the dreadful times of year IMHO, cause everything is SO DEAD.. But non the less I am sure it could be a very nice drive when the trees have leaves on them...lol....

You have to understand that BTU has an aesthetic sense akin to Robert Smith.
 
BTU said:
samm6 said:
BTU said:
j-takeman said:
samm6 thats very sad for a pellet pig to have seen. Are you OK? :)

Unfortunately, as manufactures, we have NO control as to where a dealer stores the product once we deliver it....... :-/

I know it. it's unfortunate too. these are just going to get worse not better. and the guy that does buy them will be non to the wiser and think that these are not quality product.

Once a dealer gets them, he has allreayd paid for them..Right?

on a side note. BTU U had mentioned about the smell of your product. being that most like it and others really do not. there is a substantial smell to these that i wonder had more to do with them being damp. my boy even made a comment on it before i said anthing....

If ANY pellet gets wet....all bets are off....

samm6, Even though the bags you picked up don't look damaged. They still could have absorbed some moisture. So if they don't perform too well. Don't blame the pellet this time. Blame how they were stored! A moist pellet can clinker the pot like a dirty pellet can as the burn is killed due to high moisture content. FYI only.
 
j-takeman said:
BTU said:
samm6 said:
BTU said:
j-takeman said:
samm6 thats very sad for a pellet pig to have seen. Are you OK? :)

Unfortunately, as manufactures, we have NO control as to where a dealer stores the product once we deliver it....... :-/

I know it. it's unfortunate too. these are just going to get worse not better. and the guy that does buy them will be non to the wiser and think that these are not quality product.

Once a dealer gets them, he has allreayd paid for them..Right?

on a side note. BTU U had mentioned about the smell of your product. being that most like it and others really do not. there is a substantial smell to these that i wonder had more to do with them being damp. my boy even made a comment on it before i said anthing....

If ANY pellet gets wet....all bets are off....

samm6, Even though the bags you picked up don't look damaged. They still could have absorbed some moisture. So if they don't perform too well. Don't blame the pellet this time. Blame how they were stored! A moist pellet can clinker the pot like a dirty pellet can as the burn is killed due to high moisture content. FYI only.

Of course. And i almost turned away. but the PIG in me had get a few bags.......

Still awaiting your Head to Head. have a couple of bags of Vermont Pellets too. ALso, the temps are spose to really drop tonight.
 
j-takeman said:
No I think he test's the old fashioned way. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I have had some chats with him. He has got some flack about the MWP review. I feel everyone is entitled to there own opinion. I just like having some backup with mine! He does have advertising on the site. We did chat about bringing some of my stuff there. But the advertisors might not like my findings. So it didn't happen. I don't sugar coat nothing period! As I work for my stove and the average burner. For free even! Plus I don't want a label of being contacted with the pellet companies! He's a member here to!

I wonder what BTU thinks of the Vermont review? BTU might have lots to say, or Maybe he has already? We just didn't get to see it here!

We might need a good old fashened show down? Head to Head. Pellet to pellet even! :)

Hey Jay. I'm thinking that your reviews would be great on my site. I realized that I am not going to try to get mills to advertise.
 
oilhater said:
Not that this means much but found it interesting. WoodPelletReviews.com admin rated Vermont Wood Pellet as "2010-2011 Best Softwood Pellet...Beating out Okanagan (sorry BTU) and Blazer. Best blended pellet was Maine Woods and Best hardwood was To Be Determined. I wonder if his testing methods are anything like J-takeman's??? Probably NOT!!!

Trust me, if I had the chance to burn Blazers I would. The Sharon brothers are close to me because that was the first website I did for a mill. www.wowpellets.com but unfortunately they are not selling them over here this year, except for Robin's (i think) which is way too far for me. I when I gave Maine woods the "best" I was also considering heavily on price. They were $200 up here or $210.. something like that. Jay gave them a very favorable review as well. thanks so much! check out the vermont pellets though, They are right up there with the Blazers.

Later / Rob
 
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