Softwood versus Hardwood - which gets voted off the island?

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cavermedic

Member
Hearth Supporter
Jun 13, 2008
44
Southern Vermont
Can anyone who has done a head-to-head comparison of a quality hardwood pellet against a quality softwood pellet give me their opinions (oh, what an invitation!) about whether I should go all quality hardwood (Lignetics), all softwood (TBD), or half & half? Total for next year is estimated to be 6 tons through my Quad Mt Vernon.
 
A heads up comparison with a quality pellet is the key. I have burned both hardwood and softwood. I really don't see much difference between the 2. Softwood just slightly hotter maybe!

If the quality is bad, That's when I see a difference. And only then.

just my 2.

jay
 
It really comes down to user & stove preference. If you liked the way the Lignetics hardwood burned, and don't have an issue w/ the price, then stay with them (if it ain't broken, don't fix it).

I burned both Lignetics hardwood & softwood, and much prefer the hardwood.....I saw no difference in heat output, but the softwood dirtied the glass much faster, and the burnpot stayed much cleaner when i used the hardwood.

Otherwise, let your pocketbook and burning experience be your guide.
 
macman,

Before you mash the softwoods, Go get some RockyMountains or some Spruce Pointe and Give them a try. They are the best softies I have tried so far. Lignetics softies were a so so for me too.

I also liked the Eureka softies, But can't find them here anymore.

jay
 
jtakeman said:
...... Go get some RockyMountains or some Spruce Pointe and Give them a try. They are the best softies I have tried so far.

jay

Jay, I'd be more than happy to try some of those if I could find them around here and at a decent price. The only place that had Rocky Mtn near me wanted $298/ton and $5.98/bag...they know what they can do with those.
 
macman said:
The only place that had Rocky Mtn near me wanted $298/ton and $5.98/bag...they know what they can do with those.

Yep, I hear ya! I bit the bullet and got 4 bags from TCS at $5.98 a bag. But on a good note. In the fall when everyone jacks the prices to over $330.00/ton. TCS will still be at $289.00/ton. So I might be forced to get a ton there.

If I could get the Rocky's cheaper there'd be a few ton's stashed in my basement! I can get the Spruce Pointes for $270 a ton. Hoping for the spring sale will bring them a little lower for me. Then I will get a ton or so.

jay
 
I like eagle valley and lg granules, both IMO are a high quality softwood pellets.
 
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